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What is Shiplap? + Pros & Cons

January 10, 2022

If you love the look of wood paneling with a shabby chic or modern twist, you'll love adding shiplap to your home or apartment.

What is Shiplap?

Shiplap is a type of wood paneling with a rabbet, which looks like a recess cut on the edge or face of a piece of wood.

Shiplap also features a groove and cut at the top and bottom of each board, which overlaps and forms a snug seal. You’ll often see shiplap in coastal homes, modern farmhouses, and spaces needing a refresh.

Why is it Called Shiplap?

Shiplap got its name from an old-school technique used to make ships. The overlapping joint of each piece of wood makes shiplap boards snug, which serves to weatherproof a vessel and makes it water-tight. When architects began building homes in the same style, the exterior shiplap helped protect the exterior and frame of the house. Today, shiplap is often used in interior design instead of wallpaper or other style techniques.

A modern farmhouse living room with shiplap, exposed white beams, a fireplace, and furniture on hardwood floors.

Pros and Cons of Shiplap

Before you decide to try shiplap in your apartment, know the pros and cons.

Pro: Flexible Installation

Shiplap offers flexibility in how you want it to look and install it. While people traditionally installed it horizontally, it's common to see it used vertically to align with our favorite look or to fit the aesthetics of a room.

Pro: Can Conceal Ceilings & Walls

Instead of investing tons of time and money into updating popcorn ceilings or uneven walls, you can turn to shiplap instead. It easily covers up imperfections and outdated styles without much effort or expense.

Pro: Inexpensive

Unlike other styles and updates to your walls or ceilings, shiplap is an inexpensive investment that can work in various rooms. Depending on your carpentry skills, you may be able to install shiplap on your own and trim your budget. You can also use cost-effective materials and re-create the shiplap look without much difficulty.

Pro: Versatile

Shiplap is an incredibly versatile style for indoors or out. Add it to your walls, fireplace, ceilings, and in your kitchen. Although people often paint shiplap white, you can choose any color that suits your decor to create the look you want.

Pro: Can Make Your Room Feel Larger

If you live in a cozy apartment, you know the challenges of creating the feeling of more space. Shiplap's horizontal installation can help carry your eye across your room and make it feel more expansive than it is. On the other hand, if you're installing shiplap vertically, it can make your ceilings feel higher.

lake house sunroom with shiplap

Con: Dusty

There are some cons to consider with shiplap, including dust getting trapped in between the grooves of the wood. In addition, the boards are installed closely together and can be challenging to clean off the dust that collects between the grooves. However, if you love the look but not the idea of cleaning so much, there is a trick to keeping shiplap clean. Install it vertically to help minimize dust collection and heighten the appearance of your room.

Con: Different Painting Technique

Shiplap's signature grooves require a different painting style than a traditional wall or ceiling. Experts recommend painting the boards before installation and thoroughly filling in any cracks, gaps, or nail holes in advance. If the shiplap is already installed, you can paint it with a roller and touch it up with a brush. Note that it will take considerable time to paint the gaps and grooves with a smaller brush.

Con: Can Warp or Rot

One of the major drawbacks to shiplap is its tendency to warp or rot when not installed correctly. Buckling shiplap is especially common in a basement or bathroom where moisture collects and easily seeps between incorrectly installed boards. Priming your shiplap boards before painting can help ensure it's sealed and ready to go before painting and installing.

Con: Replacing Shiplap Boards is Challenging

Although shiplap is relatively simple to install, replacing damaged or warped boards is challenging. Removing a small section isn't always feasible, and you may end up replacing a larger area than you want and drive up your repair costs.

A white, built-in shelving in the hallway with shiplap, decorations on the shelves, a wooden bench, and looking towards a bright bedroom.

Shiplap FAQs

Before you buy shiplap, get all your questions answered first.

How Much is Shiplap?

Shiplap is a flexible, inexpensive home decor option that costs just $2.50 to $7 per square foot. The average installation cost is around $1,000, which is a bargain compared to other labor-intensive styles. You can get more information on how much shiplap costs here.

Where to Buy Shiplap?

If you're sold on installing shiplap on your apartment walls, the best place to buy it is your local hardware store! Neighborhood hardware stores are usually helpful and maybe more competitive than big-box retailers. Otherwise, Lowes, Home Depot, or a Shiplap direct e-commerce site can also help with options. Some hardware stores also offer installation options for a done-for-you experience so you can enjoy your new look without the stress.

How to Install Shiplap

Installing shiplap isn't tricky but does require some basic carpentry or woodworking skills, like precise measuring and sawing. A powder sander and nail gun are also necessary to complete your new look. After cutting the boards, sand them until the edges are smooth.

Next, paint your shiplap boards before placing them on the wall, or you'll have difficulty trying to add detail between the grooves. Then, when you're ready to install shiplap, experts recommend attaching the bottom board to the wall first and using 1/8 inch spacers to create uniform gaps between every board.

Get the full scoop on how to install shiplap here.

What are Some Shiplap Alternatives?

If you're interested in shiplap, but it's not quite the right fit for your apartment, there are alternatives to consider. Reclaimed wood planking offers a rustic touch with materials from old barns, warehouses, and other structures. Color and texture can vary for a unique look. Nickel gap is similar to shiplap with a sleeker look and modern feel. However, instead of overlapping the boards, a nickel gap is spaced a nickel's width apart.

Plywood is a simple option to add more texture to your walls and can be installed to mimic the look of shiplap. You can also buy shiplap peel and stick wallpaper at a fraction of the cost of the real thing and add it to any wall in your apartment. Make sure to clear it with your landlord and opt for styles that quickly come off your walls when you move out.

Instead of going all out with shiplap, you can also create accent walls with textured wood,

shiplap pieces, or reclaimed wood for an eye-catching focal point. Try it behind your bed or in your living room to tie your space together.

A modern farmhouse dining room with a shiplap wall, a large wooden table with chairs and bench seating, and a large black chandelier hanging from above.

Is Shiplap Right for Me?

Shiplap's classic look could be the perfect look for you, depending on your space and style preferences. It's inexpensive, relatively easy to install, and easily hides imperfections. Try it as an accent wall or any area of your apartment that needs a refresh without the time commitment and expense.

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Susan Finch
AUTHOR
Susan is an accomplished freelance writer whose passion for rental real estate, travel, and digital marketing has been the driving force behind her nearly 15-year career. Throughout her professional journey, Susan has become a seasoned veteran in creating compelling and informative content focused on the tenant/landlord relationship. Read More

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