DIY Shiplap Wall
Shiplap has been hot in the home scene for the last several years, and for good reason. It adds such character and charm to a space. I’ve heard some people say shiplap is just a trend and that it’s on its way out. But I have to disagree. I think shiplap is here to stay. (So why not add a DIY shiplap wall?!)
Why Shiplap?
Shiplap is more versatile than at first glance. And it’s easier to install than you might think. Although often considered “farmhouse”, shiplap can go with a number of interior design styles depending on how it’s done and how you decorate around it. Hang it horizontally or vertically. Paint it a traditional white or go with a pop of color. Or even paint a fun rainbow or ombre effect. Put it all around an entire room or just on one accent wall. Use it as an accent on an island, door, fireplace, or staircase. So many possibilities! This is the shiplap I just installed in my kids’ bathroom. (You can see more details about this whole space on my Instagram page.)
If you’re considering adding a DIY shiplap wall, I’d say go for it! Chad and I have added shiplap to four different areas in our home. If you use the same shiplap that we like to use, I think it’s one of the easiest DIY wall treatments out there.
What Shiplap We Use
There are different kinds of wood planks you can use for a DIY shiplap wall. We like to use these ready to go shiplap wall planks. They come pre-primed, which is really nice. And they’re a tongue and groove style, so they fit together perfectly and automatically create a nickel-sized gap between the planks. I also think they’re a pretty affordable option. Depending on your needs, they come in a few different width and length options.
I have seen people rip down their own boards to create the shiplap planks and then use spacers to create the gaps. This will save you some money, but it’s also going to take a lot more time during both the cutting and the installation.
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How to Install Shiplap
To install horizontal shiplap, you can start from the floor and work your way up or from the ceiling and move downward. You just need to consider how straight your floor and ceiling is (they’re never completely straight). And realize you will likely have to rip down your last board to fit. So consider if you’d rather have a more narrow board at the top or the bottom.
No matter where you start, you want to make sure your first board is level. You also want to mark where your studs are located so you can secure your planks into studs. Using a brad nailer (this is the one we have), nail the first board into place. I have seen a few people use construction adhesive to attach shiplap to walls. I would advise against this because if you ever decide to change things up and remove the shiplap, you will rip off some of the wall and will have to repair the drywall. If you install with nails, the shiplap will be easier to remove and nail holes are easy to fix.
(I’ve also seen some people only nail their shiplap on the tongue piece and not on the main part of the board to hide nail holes and avoid filling them. This is definitely an option, but I’ve never done it that way.)
Once you have your first board in place, the rest go pretty quickly. It’s just a matter of cutting the next board to the proper length (your boards may not all be the exact same length because your walls probably aren’t straight either), and then fitting its tongue into the groove of the previous board. Secure to the wall with your brad nailer. Repeat the process until you’ve covered your entire space with shiplap boards.
I have some video tutorials saved on my Instagram story highlights if you want to see the process in action!
Once your shiplap boards are up there will be plenty of nail holes to fill. Caulk whatever needs it, add as little or as much trim as you want, and then paint! All of these steps take some time and patience, but they’re not difficult. To anyone who’s thinking about tackling a DIY shiplap wall, what are you waiting for?! It’s a fairly easy project, and it will add so much character and dimension to your space.
Let me know what questions you have and if I missed anything! And be sure to follow along with me on Instagram for more daily DIY projects!
XO,
Angie
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