Ship lap cabinet backs

[Jeff]

Never done one, but I like the appearance. Placed in rabbets in the back of a case I'm guessing that quartersawn wood is preferred. Does that really matter since the individual boards are probably only 3"-4" wide. :dontknow: Is there a recommended minimum/maximum width as a rule of thumb?

Stock thickness: 3/4" seems way too thick, but 1/2" could be workable while 3/8" seems way to thin by the time that the lap joints are rabbeted for the overlaps.

Joint overlap width: Is 3/8"-1/2" ok? :dontknow:

What's typical in practice? Thanks to all for your input and suggestions.

 

[rcflyer23]

I did ship lap on a jelly cupboard I made for my wife. I really like it. I'm going to use it on a Pie Safe project I'm hoping to get off the ground in the next few months as well.

If memory serves I used 1/2" overlap on these. It worked out really well. I didn't glue them up I screwed them to the back but also elongated the screw holes a little to allow for some movement. It's been through several seasons now and has held together great.

here is what it ended up looking like on the inside

Here is a better shot without the door