If you’re considering a garage door with a stylish panel design, you’ve likely come across two popular options: shiplap vs. tongue and groove. While both offer a classic, seamless look, there are some key differences that might influence your decision. Let’s break down what sets them apart and which might be the better fit for your garage.
What Are Shiplap and Tongue and Groove Panels?
Both shiplap and tongue and groove are paneling styles used in garage doors, giving them a clean, finished appearance. But the way they connect is different:
- Shiplap panels overlap slightly, with a small gap (called a reveal) between each board. This creates a subtle shadow line that adds a touch of texture.
- Tongue and Groove panels fit snugly together, with one side having a protruding “tongue” that slides into the “groove” of the adjacent panel. This results in a tight, seamless connection.
Garage doors with either of these designs can be made from wood, steel, aluminum, or composite materials, making them adaptable to various home styles.
Durability: Which One Holds Up Better?
When it comes to garage doors, tongue and groove offers better sealing against the elements. The tight interlocking fit prevents air, moisture, and debris from sneaking through the gaps, making it a great choice for homes in areas with extreme weather.
Shiplap, on the other hand, still provides good protection but may allow for minor air or water infiltration due to the slight gap between panels. If you live in a milder climate, this may not be a major concern.
Resisting Warping and Damage
Garage doors are exposed to fluctuating temperatures, moisture, and pressure changes. Tongue and groove doors typically resist warping better because of their tight fit, keeping panels aligned even with expansion and contraction due to temperature shifts.
Shiplap can still be a great option, but if not properly installed and maintained, the overlapping edges may shift over time, leading to slight gaps or misalignment.
Weather Resistance and Insulation: Keeping the Elements Out
Tongue and groove garage doors excel in insulation because the panels fit tightly together, reducing heat transfer. If you’re looking for a garage door that helps maintain temperature control—especially for an attached garage—tongue and groove might be the better option.
Shiplap doors can still be insulated, but the small gaps between panels may allow for slight air movement, making them slightly less effective in extreme conditions.
How Insulation Affects Energy Efficiency
For homeowners looking to cut down on energy costs, choosing an insulated garage door is key. Many modern garage doors come with built-in insulation, whether they are shiplap or tongue and groove. However, tongue and groove doors naturally create a tighter seal, making them the better choice for energy-conscious homeowners.
Customization: Which Design Suits Your Style?
Both shiplap and tongue and groove garage doors can be customized to fit your home’s aesthetic. Whether you prefer a rustic, traditional, or modern look, these styles can be tailored to match your exterior.
- Shiplap creates a more traditional or coastal feel, often used for farmhouse or cottage-style homes.
- Tongue and Groove offers a seamless, elegant appearance that works well for modern, contemporary, or classic home styles.
You can further personalize your garage door with staining, painting, window inserts, decorative hardware, and custom panel designs.
Can You Mix and Match Panel Types?
No, you can’t interchange shiplap and tongue and groove panels on the same garage door. Each garage door is manufactured with a specific panel type, and the connection systems are not compatible. If you need to replace a panel in the future, you’ll need to get the exact type used in your door’s design.
Garage door manufacturers produce panels with different locking mechanisms, thicknesses, and finishes, so it’s important to stick with the original design when making repairs.
Safety Features: Pinch-Proof Designs
Garage doors are large, heavy, and require careful operation. Some manufacturers offer pinch-proof tongue and groove designs that prevent fingers from getting caught in the seams when the door is moving. These are an excellent feature for families with young children or those who frequently open and close their garage door by hand.
Shiplap doors, while still safe, may not offer the same pinch-proof mechanism since the panels overlap instead of interlocking.
Shiplap vs. Tongue and Groove Cost: Which is More Affordable?
When comparing shiplap vs. tongue and groove cost, there’s no significant difference. If you’re choosing the same material and design type, both options generally fall within the same price range.
What Affects the Price of a Garage Door?
- Material – Wood doors cost more than steel or composite options.
- Insulation – Insulated doors tend to be more expensive but offer energy savings in the long run.
- Customization – Additional features like windows, special finishes, and decorative hardware add to the price.
- Size – Standard single-car garage doors cost less than double or custom-sized doors.
Brand & Warranty – Premium brands often include extended warranties, which might be worth the investment.
What is the new trend instead of shiplap?
While shiplap remains a popular design choice, newer trends in garage doors are shifting toward modern, smooth paneling, vertical slats, and steel or aluminum finishes. Homeowners are opting for a sleek, contemporary look with materials like composite, glass, and flush panels for a more minimalist appearance. Additionally, natural wood grain finishes in a variety of stain colors are becoming increasingly popular for those who want warmth and character without the traditional shiplap aesthetic.
Why not to use shiplap?
Shiplap is a great design choice, but there are a few reasons why it may not be ideal for garage doors:
Less effective sealing – The overlapping design can leave small gaps that allow air, moisture, or dust to pass through.
Potential for shifting – With temperature changes and natural expansion/contraction, shiplap panels may shift slightly over time, leading to misalignment.
Not always the best for insulation – Because of the small gaps between panels, it may not provide the same level of insulation as tongue and groove.
Limited modern aesthetic – While shiplap works well for farmhouse or traditional styles, it may not complement more contemporary home designs as effectively as other paneling options.
Is shiplap or tongue and groove more expensive?
Neither is inherently more expensive—the cost depends on the material, insulation, size, and customizations of the garage door. Both styles generally fall within the same price range when choosing the same type of material and design. However, factors that can influence the price include:
Material – Wood shiplap or tongue and groove doors tend to cost more than steel or composite versions.
Insulation – Doors with added insulation will be more expensive, but they provide better energy efficiency.
Customization – Special finishes, windows, or decorative hardware can increase the overall cost.
What is better, shiplap or tongue and groove?
The best option depends on your specific needs:
For better insulation and weather-proofing → Tongue and groove is the superior choice because of its tight interlocking design.
For a more decorative, rustic appearance → Shiplap is a great choice, offering a charming aesthetic with subtle shadow lines.
For durability and long-term alignment → Tongue and groove is less likely to shift or warp over time due to its secure fit.
For modern styles → Tongue and groove works well for contemporary and traditional designs, while shiplap is typically associated with farmhouse or coastal looks.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between shiplap vs. tongue and groove garage doors ultimately depends on your priorities:
- If you prioritize better insulation and weather sealing, go with tongue and groove.
- If you like the look of subtle shadow lines and live in a mild climate, shiplap is a great choice.
- If safety is a concern, check for pinch-proof tongue and groove designs.
No matter which style you choose, both shiplap and tongue and groove garage doors offer a beautiful, durable finish for your home. Need help selecting the right garage door? Call us today at (360) 734-5960!
