After conducting research on the topic, I have found that shiplap is known by a few different names in Australia. While it is commonly referred to as shiplap, it can also be called weatherboard or timber cladding. The use of shiplap has a long history in Australia and was brought over by British immigrants in the 1800s.
Shiplap, or weatherboard, is a type of wood paneling that is milled with a halved groove called a rabbet. The edges of the boards connect snugly together, one on top of the other, leaving a distinctive reveal line between boards. This style of construction was favored by Anglo-Saxon homes in the United Kingdom and was brought to Australia by British immigrants. Today, shiplap is a popular choice for both interior and exterior design, providing a stylish and sustainable cladding solution for homes and buildings.
Shiplap: A Brief Overview
Shiplap is a type of wooden board commonly used as exterior siding in residential and commercial construction. It is characterized by its halved grooves, called rabbets, which allow the edges of the boards to connect snugly together. This creates a distinctive reveal line between the boards, giving shiplap its unique appearance.
Originally used to waterproof ships, shiplap has been used for centuries as a building material due to its durability and weather-resistant properties. Today, shiplap is a popular choice for both interior and exterior design, adding a touch of rustic charm to any space.
In Australia, shiplap is commonly referred to as “weatherboard” or “clapboard.” This type of siding is typically made from pine or other inexpensive wood and comes in a variety of widths and thicknesses.
One of the benefits of shiplap is its ease of installation. Unlike tongue and groove paneling, which requires the tongue of one board to fit inside the channel of an adjacent board, shiplap simply overlaps, making it a simpler and quicker installation process.
Shiplap can be left natural or painted to match the desired aesthetic of a space. It is also a versatile material that can be used in a variety of ways, from covering entire walls to creating accent features such as fireplace mantels or built-in bookshelves.
Overall, shiplap is a timeless building material that adds character and charm to any space. Its durability, weather-resistance, and ease of installation make it a popular choice for both homeowners and designers alike.
Shiplap in Australia: Terminology
Shiplap is a popular type of wooden board used for exterior siding in Australia. It is commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. However, the term “shiplap” is not commonly used in Australia. Instead, it is referred to by different names depending on the region.
In Victoria and Tasmania, shiplap is commonly known as “weatherboard”. In New South Wales and Queensland, it is known as “cladding”. In Western Australia, it is referred to as “bevel-back” or “rusticated” timber cladding. In South Australia, it is called “chamferboard”.
Despite the different names, the basic design of shiplap remains the same. It consists of overlapping boards with a groove on one edge and a tongue on the other. This design allows the boards to fit tightly together, creating a watertight seal.
Shiplap is available in a range of materials, including pine, cedar, and hardwoods such as spotted gum and blackbutt. It can be painted or stained to match the desired aesthetic.
Overall, while the term “shiplap” may not be commonly used in Australia, the design and functionality of this type of cladding remains popular across the country.
Varieties of Shiplap in Australia
Shiplap is a popular cladding solution in Australia due to its durability and sustainability. There are various types of shiplap available in the Australian market. In this section, I will discuss some of the most common varieties of shiplap in Australia.
Australian Hardwood Shiplap
Australian hardwood shiplap is a stylish and strong alternative to traditional softwood or manufactured cladding systems. It provides a little more feature and is milled with a halved groove called a rabbet so that the edges connect snugly together, leaving a distinctive reveal line between boards. It installs in a slightly different manner than tongue and groove panelling, where the tongue of one board sets inside the channel of the adjacent board.
Radial Tongue and Groove Shiplap
Radial tongue and groove shiplap boards provide a stylish and modern alternative to traditional softwood or manufactured sheet cladding systems. The shiplap cladding is profiled from back sawn boards that interlock to produce a continuous vertical or horizontal cladding system. This type of shiplap is perfect for those who want a modern look for their homes.
Genuine Shiplap
Genuine shiplap is a material used to weatherproof the exterior of old-fashioned houses as well as barns or sheds. It is a wooden plank generally used for exterior siding. This type of shiplap is not as common in Australia as it is in the United States, but it is still available in some specialty lumber yards.
Modern Versions of Shiplap Cladding
Modern versions of shiplap cladding use a concealed fix method, where a tongue and groove system interlocks to hold the board in place, and a large overlap creates a traditional shiplap look. Fixing takes place through the tongue, and the fixing is not exposed to weather. This type of shiplap cladding is perfect for those who want a traditional look for their homes but with a modern twist.
In conclusion, there are various types of shiplap available in the Australian market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Homeowners can choose the type of shiplap that best suits their needs and preferences.
Shiplap Usage in Australian Architecture
As a building material, shiplap has been used for centuries and has become increasingly popular in recent years. In Australia, shiplap is commonly used in both residential and commercial architecture.
Residential
In residential architecture, shiplap is often used for exterior cladding, adding a rustic and traditional look to homes. It is also commonly used for interior walls and ceilings, providing a warm and cozy atmosphere. Shiplap is versatile and can be painted or stained to match any design aesthetic.
Commercial
In commercial architecture, shiplap is often used in retail and hospitality spaces to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. It is also used in offices and other commercial buildings to add texture and interest to walls and ceilings. Shiplap can be used in a variety of ways, from accent walls to full room installations.
In Australia, shiplap is commonly made from timber, but it can also be made from other materials such as PVC and fiber cement. It is important to choose a high-quality shiplap product that is suitable for the intended use and environment.
Overall, shiplap is a versatile and timeless building material that adds character and warmth to any space. Its popularity is likely to continue in Australian architecture for years to come.
