
Instructions
- Condition the Shiplap to the Room. Unbox and lay out the shiplap in the room where it will be installed to condition it...
- Prepare the Walls for Installation. Furring strips bridge minor wall holes and cracks, eliminating the need for patching...
- Identify the Studs' Positions. Using the stud finder, locate the positions of all of the studs on the wall. Mark...
- Walk The Line In The Foyer. ...
- Change Direction In The Kitchen. ...
- Statement Wall In The Bedroom. ...
- Meet Me Halfway In The Bathroom. ...
- Focal Fireplace. ...
- Gain Perspective In The Hallway. ...
- Look Up In The Living Room. ...
- Add An Accent In The Reading Nook.
Can you use shiplap instead of drywall for interior walls?
You may even find shiplap behind drywall, as shiplap used to be used for the inside of houses, and has seen a resurgence in recent years, due to its aesthetic. So while shiplap may not be as viable as a wall’s building material, evident in its replacement over the years, it still can be used.
How to make shiplap siding with your table saw?
How to Make Shiplap Siding
- Unplug the router, loosen the chuck and insert the rabbet bit.
- Tighten the chuck firmly to secure the bit.
- Adjust the depth of the bit to slightly more than half the thickness of the planking. ...
- Place a piece of planking, face down, with the bottom edge toward you on a steady work surface.
- Plug the router into a power outlet.
How do you attach shiplap to drywall?
- If you’re installing shiplap from the top of the wall down, you’ll need to carefully hold the nickels in place on the bottom of the board as you line up ...
- Alternatively, you could use scrap plexiglass pieces cut into strips, stacked to the desired thickness, and glued together as spacers. ...
- If you’re installing actual shiplap siding, skip this step. ...
Can I use shiplap as a backsplash?
Yes! There are several methods for hanging shiplap as a kitchen backsplash. From tongue and groove shiplap to shiplap peel and stick wallpaper, the lines of shiplap look beautiful as a backsplash. Does shiplap last for a long time when used as backsplash? It is important to seal your shiplap well before using your kitchen.

What is the best way to attach shiplap?
1:343:23How to Install Shiplap | The Home Depot - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut the boards to fit at the beginning or end of a row if necessary. If two boards meet at the sameMoreCut the boards to fit at the beginning or end of a row if necessary. If two boards meet at the same stud. Position the first piece halfway onto the stud and install.
Do you put anything behind shiplap?
You only need drywall behind the shiplap if the building codes require you to do so. Although you may not need it, there are drawbacks to not having drywall behind your shiplap.
How do you attach shiplap to a wall?
Shiplap planks can be fastened to walls either vertically or horizontally. Simply nail through the drywall directly into wall studs. You can use construction adhesive when installing on ceilings or over other surfaces, as long as they're in good condition.
Do you nail or glue shiplap?
Tip: You can attach your shiplap boards with construction adhesive or nails or both.
Do you start shiplap at the top or bottom?
bottomThe first key to installing shiplap is to always, always, always start at the bottom of your wall! This little piece of advice is actually good for two very important reasons. First, by starting at the bottom, it allows gravity to be a helpful aid as you work your way up the walls.
Does shiplap need to go over drywall?
Does Shiplap Go Over Drywall? You don't have to put your shiplap over drywall if there isn't existing drywall already in place. However, if you are simply remodeling a room, you can certainly put shiplap over existing drywall.
Is shiplap Still in Style 2022?
So back to the long answer – yes, overall, shiplap will be done a lot less in 2022 and is no longer “trending”. It will continue to be used in coastal or period style homes when appropriate. There are so many other types of trim that can add beauty to your walls!
Do you fill nail holes in shiplap?
If you are affixing shiplap using nails, simply place the board in position, and drive nails through the flange, and the face of the board. Afterwards, you'll need to fill the nail holes on the face of each board with wood filler to create a seamless appearance.
Do you put trim around shiplap?
Trim Shiplap Edges Another way to finish shiplap edges is to use a trim. Trim is a great way to cover up any gaps and can be used to create a more polished look on any accent wall. It's perfect for adding the finishing touch, so it's definitely something you should consider using if you want a well-finished look.
Do you paint shiplap before installing?
Tips for Painting Shiplap If you're installing new shiplap, paint it prior to installation. It will be far easier to paint the edges before the shiplap is up on the wall.
Can you hide shiplap seams?
To create a seamless look, you'll want to make sure any gaps and edges are filled in with caulk, just like you would fill in nail holes with wood filler when affixing shiplap. Caulking the edges will create clean lines and a finished look.
How do you install shiplap without nails showing?
5:5112:27DIY Shiplap Wall Installation with NO NAIL HOLES TO FILL - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBoard what we did is we measured it to the ceiling. And put a 2x4 to act as a guide it doesn't needMoreBoard what we did is we measured it to the ceiling. And put a 2x4 to act as a guide it doesn't need to be too straight because we are putting a trim piece at the top. And cut it with a circular.
Can you install shiplap directly to studs?
If don't already have drywall installed, you do not need it as a base for affixing shiplap. You can install shiplap directly to your studs to save on time, money, and mess.
Do you cover nail holes in shiplap?
For primed shiplap, since you'll be painting it, you can fill in nail holes with a wood filler. Once you sand down the nail holes you filled in, paint over for a seamless look.
How do I find studs behind shiplap?
1:402:32Finding studs behind plaster or shiplap or drywall, or sheetrock wallYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThen you've got your your mark on the tape. So that when you get ready after you drilled your holes.MoreThen you've got your your mark on the tape. So that when you get ready after you drilled your holes. Just take the tape and just pull it off that way your paint job is still in good shape.
How do I stop shiplap from warping?
Depending on the type of paint or stain, this small amount of moisture reintroduction can be enough to cause slight cupping and warping as it dries. We recommend priming the entire board so the board dries in a consistent manner or installing the board prior to painting.
What is shiplap?
Shiplap is basically a shingled siding. It's horizontal boards, and each board overlaps the one below it—much like the shingles on a roof. It's usu...
How much should you overlap the boards?
That depends on the dimension of the board. If your boards are 8 or 10 inches wide, you might do 1-2 inches of overlap. If your boards are smaller,...
Where do you put the nails in shiplap boards?
You want to fasten each board in the area that's going to be covered by the board above it. You don't want to run nails or screws through an expose...
Tips
If the wall that you’re applying shiplap to has baseboard molding at the bottom, remove this before you install the shiplap so the baseboards aren’t scratched. Be careful that the lowest shiplap board aligns precisely with the top of the baseboard.
About This Article
This article was co-authored by Andrew Peters. Andrew Peters is an Architecture and Construction Specialist and a Principal at Peters Design-Build, a full service architecture and construction firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 20 years of experience, Andrew specializes in sustainable and holistic design and building practices.
Thick and Thin Paneling
From wide to slim (and everything in between), shiplap can be cut to suit your own personal needs. This stairway from the_home_project on Instagram uses very thin shiplap boards to add texture while maintaining a minimalist and modern look.
Use It in Every Room
Though it takes a bit more thought and preparation to install shiplap in the bathroom than it does in other rooms, this stunning, airy bathroom from A Beautiful Mess is proof that it's worth the extra steps.
Create a Shiplap Headboard
Your headboard is the focal point of your bedroom, and shiplap forms the basis of a rustic yet refined look that can be done in a weekend. This DIY headboard from jamiezanotti on Instagram looks like it cost hundreds of dollars at a high-end store, and the built-in nightstands and ledge for knickknacks help create a cozy, snug space.
Open up Your Dining Room
This mid-century-style dining room from Clayton and Little is the perfect mix of vintage and modern. We love the arched doorways paired with a shiplap wall, which lends a lot of texture to the space. The only thing left is to decide on the perfect table .
Try Dark Shiplap
Though white shiplap tends to be the most popular choice, it's not the only option. This moody, nautical bedroom from Table and Hearth is a wonderful example of how dark shiplap can create a focal point in a room and act as an anchor for the rest of the decor.
Wall to Ceiling Shiplap
This cozy farmhouse kitchen from The Inspired Room is giving us all the shiplap feels. Picking the same pattern for walls and ceiling can help define a space and point one's focus toward the room's furnishings. You can even switch up the colors on the shiplap to make a room feel bigger or smaller.
Outfit a Nursery
This adorable kids' room from neutral_studio on Instagram is the perfect inspiration for your next nursery or children's room update. Whether you want to give your kids' room a modern makeover or keep it traditional, shiplap is a neutral material that blends with any decor style.
What's Shiplap?
Shiplap boards have grooves cut into their edges for a tight, overlapping fit. Shiplap paneling can add instant character, texture, rusticity and a focal point to any room in your house. It's affordable and easy to install with just a few basic tools — a saw, level, stud finder, hammer and nails.
Measure and Buy Shiplap Materials
Measure your space to determine how many planks you’ll need. Store the planks inside your house for at least 10 days after purchasing them to let the material acclimate to your indoor humidity level.
How to Install Shiplap
Shiplap planks can be fastened to walls either vertically or horizontally. Simply nail through the drywall directly into wall studs. You can use construction adhesive when installing on ceilings or over other surfaces, as long as they're in good condition. Just finish-nail the panels in place to hold them while the adhesive dries.
Coordinating Shiplap With Your Décor
Looking for accent wall ideas? Create a focal point in an entry or living space with shiplap. Play up the rustic look with simple accessories such as a chalky-painted table or repurposed dresser. Learn to apply a DIY Chalk Finish Paint.
See How Your Neighbor Did It
Do you want the shiplap look but for a fraction of the price? Check out how Casey and Bridget of The DIY Playbook got the look for under $100 using plywood.
Chimney Shiplap
If you have a brick or stone fireplace, consider paneling your interior chimney with shiplap wall boards. And just remember to follow proper fire safety regulations.
Perfect Farmhouse Kitchen
The farmhouse is a classic example for a shiplap wall, and nowhere do they shine more than in the kitchen. And if you want a charming country kitchen that's a pleasure to use, install shiplap walls (although you may also want to make room for backsplashes).
Shiplap Guest Bedroom
If you want to create a cozy bedroom for guests but just don't have that much room, use shiplap on the walls. And it can help even small spaces look fresh and inviting, especially if you keep everything in the room light and monochromatic.
Shiplap and Rustic Wood Accents
Another growing trend is to use traditional painted shiplap walls but leave other nearby wood— such as beams, rafters and flooring—unpainted and rustic. The combination of the two types of wood is particularly inviting. In addition, look to see what it takes to install a shiplap ceiling.
Friendly Bathroom Shiplap
When properly installed, shiplap boards are watertight and can be used in bathrooms. The paneling also keeps bathrooms from looking too cold and austere.
Versatile Shiplap Entryway
Shiplap boards are also a great choice for storage, coat hooks and shelves. This makes a shiplap wall ideal for entryways, mudrooms and similar areas that tend to get a lot of use. Photo: Courtesy of Janine Rose Real Estate
Siplap Doors
Want an especially unique door? Try vertical shiplap! It contrasts with the typical horizontal shiplap board and helps an otherwise standard door really stand out. And shiplap works especially well on interior "barn door" styles. Photo: Courtesy of The Good Home Interiors and Design
4. It originated in harsh climates
Above: Shiplap cladding looks charming in A British Standard Kitchen in a Shepherd’s Hut, and has the added benefit of keeping the little kitchen snug against the wind.
5. And, it used to be covered over
Above: During the renovations at Josephine in Austin, Texas, the construction crew discovered shiplap hidden beneath the drywall. Read more in Restaurant Visit: Josephine House, in Austin.
6. Installed vertically, it can make a small room feel bigger
Above: A shiplap lookalike emphasizes the height of a lofty bedroom in A Simple Bespoke Cabin in North Yorkshire, Father/Son Edition.
7. With its strong lines and handcrafted feel, it works almost anywhere
Above: Not just for cozy charm: shiplap in a clean-lined, sparse bath in Nordic Beauty: A Brooklyn Townhouse Reinvented with Style—and Restraint.
8. Top down or bottom up?
Above: Painted shiplap in Provincetown Eclectic: A Design Duo Channels P-town’s Storied Past to Create an Utterly Original Seaside Home. (Note the baseboard moulding at the bottom, which helps account for any unevenness.) Photograph by Justine Hand for Remodelista.
8. Paint with care
Above: Shiplap adds warmth to a bath in A Cottage Reborn in Coastal Maine. Photograph by Justine Hand.
10. The downside: dust
If you install shiplap horizontally, be aware that the small gaps that give shiplap its charm are also perfect little spaces for dust to collect. Give your walls a once-over with a duster or cloth every once in a while to be sure they stay dust-free.
What is Shiplap?
For years, sturdy shiplap boards were an excellent product for building barns, sheds, and other practical structures. However, the numerous benefits of shiplap, in solid wood or medium-density fibreboard (MDF) make it a beautiful interior wall choice for today’s homes.
The Different Shiplap Panel Widths
The width of the shiplap on your walls or ceiling will affect the aesthetics and feel of the room. Fortunately, shiplap comes in numerous widths to best fit the interior design of your home; however, 5 ½-inch and 7 ¼ -inch are the most commonly used widths.
Installation
Easy to install shiplap boards can give your home a seaside cottage or farmhouse look or quickly transform a blank space into a spectacular focal point. Here are simple steps for installing shiplap boards on your home’s interior walls and ceilings.
Low-Maintenance
Shiplap has several benefits that make it low-maintenance. If your shiplap becomes damaged, you can easily and quickly fix it yourself with basic carpentry tools. You can also avoid the hassle of repairs and maintenance associated with drywall because the durability of shiplap makes it resistant to denting and stretching.
A Note on Dust Control
Dust can settle in the gaps and grooves of shiplap. If you want to control and minimize dust, you should choose shiplap with reduced spacing between the boards. You can further reduce dust by eliminating shiplap ledges as much as possible.
Primed, Pre-finished, or Rustic
To hasten a shiplap project, homeowners can choose primed or pre-finished boards. For the true DIY’ers, you can purchase rustic-unfinished shiplap and prime yourself.
Best Rooms for Shiplap
Versatile and flexible shiplap works in any room, adding texture, depth, and warmth. With shiplap, you can personalize your home with unlimited colours and a variety of widths.
