QA

What Is Ship Lap Walls

Shiplap refers to a special type of inter-locking board, similar to tongue-and-groove but with a tighter, overlapping fit. These wooden panels are easy to install, create an effective seal, and are an increasingly popular style choice for the inside of homes—from modern to rustic.

What is the purpose of shiplap?

Origin Story. Shiplap was originally used to refer to thin wood boards that have two opposing rabbet joints that overlap each other, giving the boards a tight seal to keep the wind and weather out. This overlap creates a little shadow between the boards that make homeowners swoon.

What is so special about shiplap?

What is shiplap? The wooden planks used in shiplap feature a special rabbet cut on the top and bottom, so that the planks can be easily pieced together, like a puzzle. This helps ensure that they not only fit together seamlessly, but — when used outside — they keep water out, too.

What do you use for shiplap walls?

The most common (and affordable) way to re-create a shiplap look from scratch is to use plywood. Look for ¾-inch AC plywood (which is pre-sanded on one side) and avoid the cheapest variety of plywood (which is rough on both sides and has a tendency to chip).

Is shiplap cheaper than drywall?

The Price Breakdown. Being wood, shiplap prices are not cheaper than drywall as they range between $1.00 and $7.00 per square foot. It costs between $1.00 and $2.00 per square foot. Obviously, a large panel of drywall covers more area than an equal number of shiplap boards, which makes the initial cost cheaper.

Is shiplap only for farmhouse?

Shiplap isn’t just for the Modern Farmhouse design But even if the interior design of your home doesn’t scream “Fixer Upper,” that doesn’t mean a DIY shiplap project is off-limits for you.

Can you install shiplap over drywall?

You can install shiplap right over the drywall. However—and this part is crucial—you must first take the time to find all the studs within your walls and mark them carefully before you place a single board.

Are shiplap walls going out of style?

Shiplap is falling out of fashion. Once used to waterproof boats, shiplap siding became a trendy way to decorate interior walls in the 2010s. Street added that tile, plaster, rattan, or living walls of plants are becoming more popular this year, instead.

Is shiplap Still in Style 2021?

So back to the long answer – yes, overall, shiplap will be done a lot less in 2021 and is in many ways out of style. It will continue to be used in coastal or period style homes when appropriate.

Is shiplap real wood?

“Genuine shiplap is a specific type of wood plank used to create exterior siding for barns, sheds, and historic house,” says John Mochelle, a New York City architect1. “What makes shiplap, shiplap is how each plank is prepped for installation.

Do you need baseboards with shiplap?

If your wall does not have baseboards or you are planning on replacing existing baseboards, you can start your first shiplap board anywhere from the floor level to a few inches above to help with balancing the top board.

What kind of trim do you use with shiplap?

MDF baseboard molding for shiplap walls We used a 5 inch (1/2 inch thick) MDF (medium density fiberboard) baseboard molding as our plank material. It’s more affordable than wood, but really perfect for this type of installation.

Do you need sheetrock under shiplap?

If you are remodeling your home or building new, you may consider installing shiplap in place of drywall in select areas to lower your overall cost. If don’t already have drywall installed, you do not need it as a base for affixing shiplap.

Are ship laps expensive?

Shiplap Costs Shiplap wood prices range between $2.50 and $7.00 per square foot for real boards. On average, shiplap interior installation costs $1,000, with most homeowners spending between $500 and $1,500 for one room. Installing exterior shiplap costs $4,000, with most homeowners spending between $2,800 and $7,500.

Do you have to paint shiplap?

You have to paint shiplap walls. The shiplap boards will almost all be scuffed straight from the store. A coat of paint gives them a fresh look! You will be adding wood filler and paintable caulk to cover the nail holes.

How much does shiplap cost?

How Much Does Shiplap Cost? Shiplap wood panels fall within the range of $2.50 to $7.00 per square feet plus installation labor costs. You could spend anywhere between $1,200 to $1,700 for a single room of installed Shiplap boards in your home.

What shiplap looks like?

Shiplap is a style of wall siding (usually wood) characterized by long planks. In interior design, it’s customarily painted white and mounted horizontally, but shiplap can be any color and mounted vertically, as well. The planks are placed to leave a tiny gap between each plank to mirror the look of exterior shiplap.

Can you use hardwood flooring for shiplap?

A shiplap wall looks great, but a shiplap floor is a little incongruous — like carpeting on the ceiling. Keep in mind that shiplap isn’t tongue-and-groove material, as is most hardwood and pine flooring. You won’t be able to use conventional flooring installation methods.