Why Choose Tongue & Groove Over Chipboard for Your Shed Roof and Floor

When investing in a new shed, it’s easy to focus on size, style, and storage capacity. But one of the most important factors in determining how long your shed will last — and how well it protects your belongings — is the material used for the roof and floor.

Many budget sheds on the market are built using chipboard panels. While chipboard may look fine at first glance, it simply doesn’t stand the test of time. That’s why we only use tongue and groove (T&G) wood for the roofs and floors in our pressure treated sheds, summerhouses, garden storage, beach huts, playhouses and log cabins.

Here’s why tongue and groove is the superior choice…

1. Strength and Durability

Tongue and groove boards interlock, creating a solid, rigid surface. This makes them far stronger than chipboard, which is essentially wood particles glued together.

Chipboard: prone to sagging under heavy loads.
Tongue & Groove: built to withstand weight, perfect for storing tools, lawnmowers, and garden equipment.

2. Weather Resistance

Sheds are exposed to the elements year-round, and moisture is chipboard’s biggest weakness. Once water seeps in, chipboard can swell, warp, and even disintegrate. T&G wood naturally resists water damage, especially when treated, ensuring your roof and floor remain sturdy and weatherproof for years.

3. A Tighter, More Secure Fit

The interlocking design of tongue and groove boards leaves very little room for gaps. That means: Better protection against draughts, Reduced risk of rainwater penetration, and a more secure and stable structure overall. Chipboard, by contrast, comes in flat sheets that can shift or separate over time.

4. Longevity and Value for Money

While sheds made with chipboard may be cheaper upfront, they rarely last as long. Floors can sag and roofs may fail, leading to costly repairs or even replacement of the whole shed. With tongue and groove construction, you get a shed built to last — providing much better long-term value.

5. A Better Finish

Let’s not forget aesthetics. Tongue and groove panels give your shed a more refined, professional look inside and out. The smooth, uniform surface looks higher quality compared to the rougher finish of chipboard.

When choosing a shed, it pays to look beyond appearances. While chipboard may keep costs down, it sacrifices strength and longevity. Tongue and groove wood offers durability, weather resistance, and long-term value, ensuring your shed remains a reliable part of your garden for years to come.

At Skinners Sheds and Log Cabins, every shed is built with high-quality tongue and groove panels for both roof and floor — because we believe a shed should be an investment, not a short-term solution.