Quick answer: For most customers, the choice between Loglap and Shiplap comes down to the finish you prefer and the budget you have. Loglap gives a thicker, rounded log-cabin style appearance and normally costs more. Shiplap gives a flatter, often described as scalloped, traditional boarded finish and is usually the more budget-friendly option.
We would not call one universally better than the other. Both can be used on good-quality buildings, both can create a weather-resistant exterior when installed and finished correctly, and both can be painted, stained or oiled. If you are building something you will be looking at for the next 5–10 years, choose the profile you actually want to look at.
Loglap vs Shiplap at a glance
| Feature | Loglap | Shiplap |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Rounded log-cabin effect | Flatter, scalloped-style boarded appearance |
| Typical nominal thickness | Often ex 22mm | Often ex 19mm |
| Our current treated profile | 22 x 125mm nominal; approx. 19 x 120mm finished | 19 x 125mm nominal; approx. 14.5 x 119mm finished |
| Feel | Thicker and generally more sturdy | Thinner but perfectly suitable when used correctly |
| Cost | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Fitting | Slightly more forgiving because of the extra thickness | Requires a little more care to avoid splitting during fixing |
| Weather resistance | Good when installed and finished correctly | Good when installed and finished correctly |
| Maintenance | Can be painted, stained or oiled | Can be painted, stained or oiled |
| Common choice | Summerhouses, garden rooms, outdoor bars and higher-spec outbuildings | Sheds, workshops and budget-conscious garden buildings |
Those common uses are not rules. You can use Shiplap on an expensive summerhouse and Loglap on a basic shed. The finish you want matters more than the label on the building.
What is the main difference between Loglap and Shiplap?
The biggest difference is appearance. Shiplap has a flatter profile that customers often describe as scalloped. Loglap has a rounded face designed to imitate the look of traditional log-cabin walls.
That visual difference is normally what decides the sale at our counter. Some customers want the heavier log-cabin effect; others prefer the cleaner Shiplap appearance. There is no reason to spend more on Loglap if you actually prefer how Shiplap looks.
Why does Loglap usually cost more?
Loglap is typically made from a thicker starting section. A common comparison is ex 22mm Loglap against ex 19mm Shiplap, so there is simply more timber in the Loglap profile before machining.
On the products we currently sell, our 22 x 125mm treated Loglap finishes at approximately 19mm thick, while our 19 x 125mm treated Shiplap finishes at approximately 14.5mm thick. Finished dimensions vary with the profile and machining, so compare the actual product specification rather than relying only on the nominal size.
The extra thickness makes Loglap feel more substantial and generally more robust. That can be useful on buildings such as outdoor bars or garden rooms where the inside face may get knocked by chairs, furniture or general use.
Is Shiplap lower quality because it is cheaper?
No. This is probably the biggest misconception we hear. Shiplap is usually cheaper because the profile is thinner and uses less timber, not because it is automatically poor quality.
A properly built Shiplap-clad building can be high quality. Equally, fitting Loglap does not automatically make a shed high end. The frame, detailing, installation, treatment and maintenance still matter.
Is Loglap more weather resistant than Shiplap?
We would not choose between them on weather resistance alone. Both can create a weather-resistant finish when they are installed and finished correctly.
Good installation and detailing matter more than assuming the thicker board is automatically more waterproof. Whichever profile you choose, use the right exterior timber, suitable fixings, ventilation and finishing for the job.
Which is easier to fit?
There is not a major difference in skill required. Both profiles locate together as machined cladding boards, and both need careful fixing.
Loglap can be slightly more forgiving because the board is thicker and therefore less prone to splitting during fixing. With Shiplap, take a little more care around the thinner edges. If you work carefully, either profile is straightforward for the same type of timber-building project.
Which is better for a shed?
Our first question would be: what finish do you want?
If you want the rounded log-cabin look and the budget allows for it, choose Loglap. If you prefer Shiplap or simply want to keep the build cost down, choose Shiplap. There is nothing wrong with using Loglap on a shed and nothing wrong with using Shiplap on a higher-end building.
You are likely to be looking at the finished shed for years, so saving a small amount is not much of a win if you spend the next 5–10 years wishing you had chosen the other profile.
When would we choose Loglap?
We commonly see customers choose Loglap for projects where the cladding itself is a visible part of the design, including:
- Summerhouses
- Garden rooms
- Outdoor bar areas
- Cabins
- Higher-specification sheds and outbuildings
The thicker profile and rounded face suit projects where a substantial log-cabin effect is part of the finished look.
When would we choose Shiplap?
Shiplap is a strong choice when you prefer its flatter appearance or want to control the cost of the build. Typical uses include:
- Garden sheds
- Workshops
- Storage buildings
- Replacement cladding
- Any project where the customer simply prefers the Shiplap finish
It should not be treated as the 'cheap and bad' option. It is simply a different profile using less timber.
Can you paint, stain or oil both?
Yes. There is no meaningful difference in the basic maintenance choice. Loglap and Shiplap can both be painted, stained, oiled or otherwise finished with products suitable for the timber and exposure. Follow the finish manufacturer's preparation and maintenance guidance.
So, Loglap or Shiplap?
Choose the one you prefer looking at. Cost and thickness matter, but for most garden-building projects the design preference is the deciding factor.
If you like Loglap and can afford the thicker profile, see our treated Loglap cladding. If you prefer the Shiplap appearance or want the more budget-friendly option, see our treated Shiplap cladding. You can also compare the wider range in Timber Cladding.
Frequently asked questions
Is Loglap better than Shiplap?
Not universally. Loglap is normally thicker and more sturdy, but Shiplap can still be used on high-quality buildings. Appearance, budget and the project design should decide which profile is better for you.
Why is Loglap more expensive than Shiplap?
Loglap normally starts from a thicker timber section and uses more material. Its rounded profile also produces the heavier log-cabin effect that many customers choose it for.
Can I use Shiplap on a summerhouse?
Yes. Shiplap is not limited to budget sheds. If you prefer the profile, it can be used on higher-end garden buildings when the specification, installation and finish are suitable.
Can I use Loglap on a normal shed?
Yes. Loglap is commonly chosen for more decorative garden buildings, but there is no reason it cannot be used on a standard shed if you prefer the look and are happy with the additional cost.
Does Loglap need different maintenance from Shiplap?
No major difference. Both can be painted, stained or oiled and should be maintained to suit the timber, chosen finish and exposure.
