QA

Quick Answer: How Install Shiplap

Do you start shiplap from the top or bottom?

Going from the bottom up is the way to go! Whether you are using tongue and groove boards or true rabbit edge shiplap – the process is the same. Once the next level board is in place insert a few of the paint sticks for an even gap between the two boards.

Does shiplap need to be glued?

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.

Do you leave a gap when installing shiplap?

Leave ¼-inch expansion gap between the floor and first row of boards (leave ¼-inch expansion between wall and ceiling if covering a ceiling) and a ¼-inch gap between board and corner. This space allows the wood to expand and contract and can be covered by trim.

What nails should I use for shiplap?

We recommend using 16- or 18-gauge finish or brad nails. 1-½” to 2” in length should be sufficient. Both gauges are strong enough to hold the lumber securely, but small enough as to not leave a large hole on the face of the board.

What’s the best way to paint shiplap?

Overall, I will say that 99% of the time, painting shiplap with a paint sprayer is the easiest and fastest method! If you don’t have a paint sprayer, you can still paint shiplap with a paint brush and roller. Simply buckle in for a good chunk of time commitment.

Is shiplap glued or nailed?

Shiplap can be installed directly to sheet rock/drywall. Simply mark the stud locations for nailing the shiplap or you can apply a construction adhesive such as liquid nails. If applying directly to the studs, you will need to check local building and fire codes to ensure the proper requirements are met.

Should I nail or screw shiplap?

Nails are the best options when installing shiplap cladding. Trim nails are faster to install than screws since you do not need to predrill the material and won’t be risking causing unsightly splits. We recommend choosing trim nails when installing shiplap cladding.

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.

Does shiplap have space between boards?

Traditional shiplap planks butt right up next to each other without any gaps, but UFP-Edge Timeless nickel gap shiplap features built-in spacing between each board. Plus, each board is straight because it’s made from finger-jointed, knot-free radiata pine that resists warping.

Should I butt joint shiplap?

When installing shiplap on a wall or ceiling that exceeds the length of your shiplap, you’ll need to butt boards together. Stagger the shiplap boards so that the end joints are spread out along the wall or ceiling randomly.

How do you fill gaps in shiplap?

How To Caulk Seams On Shiplap Once you have installed your shiplap, run a bead of acrylic caulk (also known as latex caulk) along the seams where the shiplap ends butt up to a wall, inside corner or molding. Smooth out the caulk with a clean finger or rag so that the caulk fits neatly into the seam.

Can you put up shiplap without a nail gun?

If not using a finish nailer, you need a hammer and nails. Cordless Circular Saw or Miter Saw and a safe place to cut it (work table or saw horses for a circular saw or work table or other stationary place for your miter saw). You may also need a jigsaw (see Step 3) but can easily complete this without it.

Can you use Command strips on shiplap?

When you’re ready to start installing your shiplap wall, take two command strips and place on either side of a plank. Measure how far apart the strips are and place the other side of the strips (the wall side) on the wall equally far apart.

Where do you put your nails 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 fill nail holes in shiplap?

Don’t forget to fill in any nail holes and gaps in the shiplap with spackle or caulk prior to painting. If you painted the shiplap prior to installation, fill in holes and gaps after the shiplap is in place and then touch up these areas with paint.

What kind of nails do you use for tongue and groove?

The two most common types of nails used for tongue and groove paneling projects are the brad nail or the finish nail. Brad nails are made of 18-gauge steel wire and because they are very thin nails, it makes them perfect for use with delicate material such as pine wood.

How do you hide seams in shiplap?

Before plywood and drywall, builders would line rooms in shiplap to keep them warm and dry, then cover it with a layer of muslin or cheesecloth and wallpaper to hide the shiplap’s seams.

How do you finish shiplap inside corners?

Depending on whether it is an inside or outside corner, you may want to finish them differently. We recommend either using corner trim or butt-jointing boards together at an angle. An unfinished corner can draw unwanted attention, so you’ll want to make sure they are finished properly without any gaps.