DIY Builds
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What's better Loglap or shiplap?

The answer to this question really depends on the look you are going for. If would like a more rustic log cabin design then you would most likely want to opt for loglap cladding. However, if you want something that may look slightly more modern and angular, shiplap cladding would be your answer.

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Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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There are many external buildings that you may be interested, such as a garden shed, summerhouse or cabin any of which can be a great addition to your garden. Garden sheds, in particular, act as a multi-functional space that can be used to store your gardening implements and tools. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes so it is certainly possible to find one that suits your lifestyle and the purpose you require it for.

Importance of cladding

All wooden garden sheds will have cladding. It is common that cladding is considered as something cosmetic. Instead of the exterior cladding protecting the shed, it prevents any water from entering the shed and protects it from the elements. The two most popular types of timber cladding are shiplap cladding and loglap cladding. If you understand the difference between the two, it will be easy to make an informed decision.

Shiplap timber vs loglap timber

Shiplap timber cladding is more commonly used in the construction of garden sheds. As the name suggests, shiplap cladding earned its name from the way the ships were built in the past. In this type of cladding, the profile of the wooden board overlaps the board that is next to it. As a result, it creates a channel that offers superior protection from the weather and allows the boards to contract and then expand without warping. These channels also create a shadow line effect that makes the shed look polished and neat. Shiplap cladding is strong and offers a tight seal which is good for preventing water penetration. Shiplap cladding is low maintenance and has the ability to withstand extreme weather conditions incredibly easily. The design of the cladding ensures the exterior of your garden shed dries quickly if it has rained. Loglap timber cladding is very similar to shiplap, but there are some slight differences. If you are looking to give your garden shed an incredibly rustic look and feel, this is a perfect choice. The profile of the wood board is similar to that of a log, while the anterior portion of the board is flat so that it can be securely fixed to the wall of the garden shed. Log lap cladding comes in a range of interlocking styles, including tongue and groove and can give your garden shed an innovative, yet rustic appearance.

Which is better?

The two are very popular in the UK and are frequently used for outhouses and garden sheds. Both shiplap and loglap use a similar style of interlocking the wooden boards and the difference of them lies in the thickness of the boards. The answer to this question really depends on the look you are going for. If would like a more rustic log cabin design then you would most likely want to opt for loglap cladding. However, if you want something that may look slightly more modern and angular, shiplap cladding would be your answer. Both forms of cladding are sturdy and weather resistant, it really depends on the aesthetic look you would like to achieve. Feel free to browse our website to view the full range of shiplap cladding and timber cladding that we offer. If you would like some expert advice, please do not hesitate to contact us and you can also view our delivery policy before you make your purchases!

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Can you paint MDF to look like wood?

You can use a variety of paints or stains; the trick is to seal the MDF first, then build up layers of paint or stain. Both paint and stain can be finished with a gloss coat to make the MDF look like high-end wood.

Question

My Ashford Kiwi spinning wheel needs to be finished and I have no idea what to use to do this! What can I do?

Community Answer

You can stain it or paint it, but you want to be careful not to use a finish that will wear off on the thread. If you're not familiar with primer and paint techniques, a stain would be an easy way to seal the wheel and make it look beautiful. The tricky part will be getting stain into the triangular cut outs. The inside edges will soak up a lot of stain, so they will be darker, and it will be tricky getting the stain into the cut outs. The two outer faces will be easy to stain, and the thread groove will be easy to access, but will soak up a lot of stain. A hard gloss coat will seal the stain and give the thread groove a low friction finish.

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