Rabat is a timber profile with an overlap — the so-called rabatdelen — used to finish board screens, facades and fences weathertight and clean. It is the standard choice for cladding, fencing, garden houses and roof boarding. At Houthandel Jan Sok in Meppel we supply rabat mostly in Douglas, a softwood with a warm, red-brown colour and durability class 3 per EN 350. Two variants dominate the market: Swedish rabat, with a slanted overlap, and potdeksel boards. Both close weathertight and produce a straight, clean wall — ideal for any cladding exposed to weather and wind.
Definition
Rabat (from the French raboter, "to plane off") is a timber profile in which one board overlaps the next. The overlap — the rabatdeel — channels rainwater down the joint instead of through it. That makes rabat naturally suited to applications exposed to weather and wind: facades, fences and garden houses. In practice rabat is almost always produced in softwood, usually Douglas (durability class 3 per EN 350). Douglas is strong, light and easy to work, with a warm appearance that can either grey naturally untreated or be finished oiled.
Variants: Swedish rabat and potdeksel boards
Swedish rabat — The most common variant. The board has a slanted overlap with a clear rabatdeel, so the joint falls slightly inward and rainwater is carried away. Swedish rabat gives a clean, closed wall and is the standard for cladding and fencing.
Potdeksel boards — Here the boards overlap horizontally, like roof tiles. The upper board covers the lower one, hence the name. Potdeksel is widely used for roof boarding and side gables where extra water-shedding action is wanted. Both variants are available in Douglas from Houthandel Jan Sok — see our Douglas rabat.
Applications
Cladding — Rabat is the standard for timber cladding. The overlap closes weathertight and gives a clean look, modern or classic depending on the finish. The fixing is described in our rabat cladding installation guide.
Fencing — For a closed, windproof fence without gaps, Swedish rabat is used. The board screens give privacy and shelter.
Garden house — Wall and roof of a garden house are often built in rabat, optionally combined with a weathertight finish on the roof.
Roof boarding — Rabat acts as the base under the roof covering. The weathertight finish stops rain getting under the roof covering.
Pros and cons
Pros — weathertight through the overlap, clean look, light (softwood), easy to work, considerably cheaper than hardwood in Douglas, can be finished greyed or oiled as preferred.
Cons — Douglas (class 3) is not suitable for permanent ground contact; place posts on concrete pads or adjustable post feet. Untreated wood greys, which is cosmetic and does not affect the structure. A clean appearance needs yearly maintenance.
Maintenance
Leave rabat untreated and it greys naturally to a silver-grey tone — cosmetic, with no consequence for the structure. To keep the warm colour, treat the wood yearly with a suitable oil or stain. Clean the facade once a year with water and a soft brush to remove algae and dirt. Check the overlap joints for damage and replace damaged boards in good time to prevent damage beneath the rabatdelen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Swedish rabat and potdeksel?
Swedish rabat has a slanted overlap with a rabatdeel and is usually used vertically for facades and fences. Potdeksel boards overlap horizontally, like roof tiles, and are widely used for roof boarding and side gables.
Can rabat go in the ground?
No. Rabat in Douglas (durability class 3) is not suitable for permanent ground contact. Place the posts on concrete pads or adjustable post feet. For permanent ground contact choose hardwood such as Okan or Azobe (class 1).
Do I have to treat rabat?
Not mandatory — untreated rabat greys naturally, which is cosmetic and does not affect the structure. To keep the warm colour, treat it yearly with oil or stain.
Is rabat weathertight?
Yes. The overlap (rabatdelen) channels rainwater down the joint, so the wall closes weathertight. For roof boarding, rabat forms the weathertight base under the roof covering.