What Is Shiplap? 6 Tips for Installing Shiplap

Shiplap is a form of wood paneling that was originally used to insulate ships from harsh weather and cold temperatures. Unlike regular, rectangular wooden boards, true shiplap is designed with alternating recesses—called rabbets—along the sides that form a tight, interlocking seal when the panels are stacked on top of one another.

Shiplap can be made from materials like wood, plywood, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF), which are all effective at keeping out the elements. Installing shiplap is a popular DIY project that can add some rustic charm to any room of your home.

Homeowners can use shiplap cladding in a number of areas both inside and outside the home.

1. 1. Exterior siding: Traditional shiplap paneling seals a space from water and cold, making it ideal for a structure’s exterior siding.
2. 2. Interior walls. You can also use shiplap walls indoors to add texture to your home decor. Shiplap accent walls work well in living rooms or dining rooms. You can even add shiplap next to a beamed ceiling for an extra level of charm.
3. 3. As wainscoting. Wainscoting is a decorative paneling that covers half of a wall with one type of paneling and leaves the rest of the wall as plaster or drywall. Add shiplap wainscoting by running the wood paneling from the floor to midway up the wall.

Shiplap can be both a stylish and functional interior or exterior design element in your home. Whether you’re hiring a designer or planning to DIY, here are a few tips to consider when you are working with shiplap in your home.

1. 1. Research your materials. Different shiplap materials have different effects on the look and structure of your home. Reclaimed wood shiplap boards tend to look extra rustic, while white shiplap boards give a room a more nautical, seaside feel. Natural wood can make a space look rugged like a cabin, and a painted shiplap is perfect for a modern farmhouse. Familiarize yourself with the visual effects of different shiplap materials and make the right choice for your desired style.
2. 2. Compare shiplap colors and their effects. Have a color palette in mind before you install shiplap, especially if you decide to mix different wood colors or strains. Light wood can make a room feel brighter and bigger, but certain colors may have the opposite effect.
3. 3. Rotate the panels. If you have a lower ceiling or a smaller room, a vertical shiplap installation will help make a room feel larger and longer.
4. 4. Avoid high heat. If you’re installing shiplap around an area like a fireplace, use a flame-resistant material like stone as a buffer between the fire fixture and the shiplap to avoid burning or discoloration.
5. 5. Use high-quality wood planks. If you’re planning on using shiplap planks for their functionality, you’ll need to use the right quality of treated wood to prevent moisture from warping the grain and causing mold or rot. Make sure the wood you choose is free of holes or damage before purchasing or installing.
6. 6. Stagger your shiplap. You can use two shiplap boards per row to create a staggered look, which can be more visually interesting if using a solid or painted color.

You don’t need to be a professional interior designer to install shiplap wall covering in your own home. If you’re looking to install shiplap in your home, follow the steps below.

1. 1. Choose and measure an area. In many cases, you can install shiplap wall paneling directly over existing drywall. Measuring your space will help you determine the size and quantity of the boards that you’ll need. Choose the area you want to place your shiplap wood, and use a tape measure to get the width and length of the wall.
2. 2. Choose your wood. Decide the kind of material you’re going to use as shiplap. You can use plywood, real wood, traditional shiplap, or a number of other materials. For DIYers, it’s best to choose prefinished shiplap plank boards because they already come with pre-cut grooves that will make stacking them easier.
3. 3. Paint your boards. If you’ve purchased plain wood planks over traditional shiplap, paint them before installing. Your finished wall will have small gaps between the wooden planks, and it will be hard to fit a paintbrush between them after they’re installed.
4. 4. Locate the wall studs. Use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall and mark them with a pencil or chalk. Shiplap boards need to be nailed directly into the studs in order for the wall to support their weight, so make sure you’re measuring their locations precisely.
5. 5. Attach the first board. Lay your first board horizontally starting from the bottom of the wall, so that gravity will work with you. Your first board sets the level for the rest of your boards so it must be completely straight. Use a level to keep the board straight. You can use a construction adhesive to secure the board to the wall before nailing in place, then check with the level again to make sure it’s not crooked. Use a nail gun to secure the board over each wall stud (using two nails per stud).
6. 6. Attach the rest of the boards. True shiplap panels will lock into each other, so you can simply place the next board on top of the first. If you’re not working with true shiplap panels, use nickels between each board as spacers to make a gap between the boards. Nail your boards into the wall directly into the studs. Repeat the process for the rest of your shiplap paneling. If you need to cut your boards, use a hand saw to cut them outside.

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