The purpose of shiplap is to create an attractive, modern look with a rustic feel. It is typically used on walls and ceilings in homes to give an interior design an added touch of texture and color. Shiplap is made up of thin strips of wood that are cut and nailed together side-by-side.
It can be installed vertically, horizontally or diagonally depending on the desired look. Shiplap is highly versatile and can be used in various areas of the home, including bathrooms, living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms.
It is also popular for use in beach houses and cabins, as it helps create a casual yet rustic look. The use of shiplap is a great way to add character, personality and warmth to any space. Additionally, shiplap is relatively easy to install, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to DIY their project.
What is so special about shiplap?
Shiplap is a type of wooden board that is used in walls and other construction projects. It has a unique grooved texture with a brushed look that gives a home or building a distinct style and rustic charm.
Shiplap can be used to create various wall features and designs. It allows for a more secure application of paint, wallpaper, or other wall coverings. It also gives a wall a more finished and polished look.
Shiplap is popular in many areas of the home, particularly in the kitchen, bathrooms, and for walls around fireplaces. It is usually used as a base for architectural treatments, such as paneling and trim.
Shiplap is also a cost-effective option for interior walls since it does not require extensive finishing or labor. It is also a good option for humidity-prone spaces like bathrooms and kitchens, since it holds up well to moisture.
Overall, shiplap is an easy-to-install material that has a unique look and style that can add character to a home while providing a wide range of design choices. It makes walls look polished and professional without requiring an extensive amount of labor or cost.
What shiplap looks like?
Shiplap is a type of wood siding commonly used in rustic or farming-style homes. The planks are usually made of softwood, and they’re milled with a rabbet joint on the sides, making them perfect for interlocking.
The boards are typically around 1/2-inch thick, and they’re painted white. The exterior is designed to appear like overlapping boards, giving the walls a unique texture. Shiplap can be used indoors or outdoors, and it’s easy to install because of the interlocking design.
It can also be used for flooring if you want a more rustic look. Shiplap creates an inviting look in a variety of homes from farmhouse-style to modern, and it’s an easy way to add texture and style to your walls.
Does shiplap need to be painted?
Shiplap does not necessarily need to be painted, as it can be left in its natural state. If desired, however, it can be painted in any color of your choice. It is important to note that due to its grooves, shiplap typically requires several coats of paint, as the individual boards can be difficult to completely cover and seal.
To ensure an even application of paint, and the best possible coverage, it is suggested to prime the shiplap before painting, and to use a roller for best results. Once the painting is completed, apply a clear top coat of polyurethane or a similar sealant to offer long-lasting protection.
Do you fill nail holes in shiplap?
Yes, it is recommended to fill nail holes when installing shiplap. This will not only ensure a smooth and seamless look but also ensure your shiplap is tightly sealed. The best way to fill nail holes in shiplap is to use a putty or spackling compound that matches the color of the shiplap.
To do this, apply the putty or spackling to the hole and then smooth it over with a putty knife until it is filled in and level with the shiplap. If necessary, you can also use a few thin coats of paint to match the color of the shiplap.
Once the putty or spackling is completely dry, your finish product should be smooth, even, and seamless.
How do you attach shiplap to a wall?
Attaching shiplap to a wall can be done relatively easily, with a few simple tools. The first step is to measure the wall and cut the shiplap to size. You’ll need to ensure that the cuts are straight and that the edges are clean.
Once your shiplap panels are cut to size, you can use finishing nails to attach them to the wall. It is important to pre-drill the holes to prevent splitting the wood. You also need to make sure that the nails are not too long, as this can cause warping in the shiplap.
Once the nails are in place, use a hammer or rubber mallet to tap them down until they are flush with the surface. Finally, use caulking to fill any gaps or seams between the panels. This will help to keep the shiplap waterproof and ensure a clean finished look.
Is shiplap cheaper than drywall?
It depends on the material and labor costs. Generally speaking, shiplap can be cheaper than drywall, as long as you source the materials yourself, have the skills to do the installation, and don’t need to pay for labor.
Shiplap is typically more expensive than installing drywall, as it requires additional labor and materials. However, if you choose to install shiplap instead of drywall, you may be able to save money overall.
You’ll need to invest in some additional materials, such as special nails and wood screws, and may need to do additional prep work. As far as material costs go, drywall is usually the most affordable option, but you can find thicker boards and exotic wood varieties of shiplap that can cost even more than drywall.
In many cases, it’s a matter of personal preference, as the added benefits of shiplap may make it worth the cost.
Will shiplap go out of style?
It’s impossible to predict whether shiplap will go out of style in the future, as trends in home decor can change quickly. It has become popular in recent years, but it remains to be seen whether it will stay in fashion.
That said, it’s worth noting that shiplap has been used in construction and decoration for hundreds of years – often on farms, barns, and other rural buildings – and its natural, timeless look is part of why it has become popular lately.
Its rustic, yet modern style can create a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere in a room, and its unique texture adds visual interest to any space.
So even if it does eventually go out of style, the timeless nature of shiplap means it can easily be incorporated back into home decor when the trend inevitably cycles around.
Is it expensive to do shiplap?
Shiplap can range in cost depending on the type and quality of materials used, size and complexity of the project, and labor costs.
If you are installing shiplap on your own, costs depend on the wood you choose. Pine is the most common and cheapest option, while harder woods, such as oak or cedar, can cost more. However, pine is not always the best option, as it is easier to make mistakes with this soft wood.
The best way to lower the cost of a shiplap project is to use salvaged wood. Reclaimed wood is often cheaper and more attractive than new wood. You can also reduce costs by sticking with a simple design and skipping more costly finishing options, such as staining.
On average, shiplap installation can cost between $2 and $5 per square foot. If you want to save money by taking on the installation yourself, expect to pay around $1,500 for a 10-by-15-foot wall. If you hire a contractor, the cost can increase to around $2,500 for the same project.
Additional materials and finishes can also raise the cost.
How do you do fake shiplap?
Fake shiplap is a great way to add a rustic or farmhouse feel to any room without paying for expensive materials or hiring a contractor. To get started, you’ll need some basic tools and materials—including wood lath, two-by-fours, trim, nail gun and nails, wood glue, and primer and paint.
Begin by measuring the wall and cutting the wood lath accordingly. This can be done with a circular saw, miter saw, or even a handsaw. Then, line up the wood lath lengthwise and together and create a frame-like structure with the two-by-fours.
Nail and glue the two-by-fours together to the wall and lath in order to secure them.
After the lath is secure, it’s time to begin nailing them to the wall. If you have an air-powered nail gun, feel free to use that. Otherwise, you can use a hammer and nails. Starting at the bottom and from left to right, nail the lath to the wall every few inches.
Repeat this until you reach the top.
Once the lath is secured to the wall, it’s time to add some trim. Depending on the design you’re going for, you can use wide trim to cover any gaps between the lath and two-by-fours and create a seamless look.
The last step is to paint the entire wall. If you’re going for a whitewashed look, feel free to add some white paint to your primer and apply it to the wall. If you prefer a darker color, use a darker paint.
That’s all there is to creating fake shiplap!.
Is it cheaper to do shiplap or sheetrock?
This answer to this question largely depends on the scale of the project and the type of materials you plan to use. Shiplap and sheetrock both come in a variety of types and price points, so it can be difficult to compare costs without knowing the specifics of the project.
Generally, however, Shiplap can be a bit more expensive due to the labor and materials needed to install it properly. However, Shiplap’s unique look and texture can add a unique and beautiful touch to any room, which may make it worth the additional expense.
Sheetrock is usually more cost effective, since it’s usually cheaper and easier to install. Of course, you can choose to purchase higher quality Sheetrock, which will also tend to cost more. Ultimately, the decision of which is cheaper comes down to personal preference, the project scale, and the specific materials you want to use.
Can you use regular boards for shiplap?
Yes, you can use regular boards for shiplap. However, it is important to use wide enough boards (at least 6 inches in width) and to make sure that the boards fit snugly together. If using regular boards, it is essential to ensure that there is a gap between the boards to allow for movement, otherwise the boards may be subject to warping over time.
For traditional shiplap, it is recommended that boards be at least 1/2 inch thick. Additionally, the boards will need to be cut to the same length and cut at the same angle so that they fit together flush.
The benefit of using regular boards is that they are generally readily available, affordable and easier to work with.
Can you make shiplap with router?
Yes, it is possible to make shiplap with a router. The process starts with cutting the boards you need for the project. Make sure to measure the boards manually or with a power tool for accuracy. Once the boards have been cut to size, use the router and a rabbet bit to create the groove in the top of each board.
The groove serves as an interlocking feature, helping the boards fit together more securely. Once the groove has been created, use the router to create a beveled edge on each board, giving it the appearance of shiplap.
This process can be done by hand with a hand router or a power router, and with the addition of a few boards and some paint, the shiplap effect can be achieved.
Who started the shiplap craze?
The current “shiplap craze” was most likely started by Joanna and Chip Gaines from the popular home design show Fixer Upper. The couple regularly recommended using shiplap and incorporating it into the design of homes they renovated.
They popularized shiplap to the point that it began trending across the United States and has since become one of the most popular design elements in contemporary home decor.
Shiplap has been around before the Gaines, but it was never used in the same way. Amongst traditionalist builders, shiplap was used to insulate homes and buildings against the weather. Today, however, shiplap is mostly used to add a cozy rustic look.
It is also seen in modern and coastal design styles, reflecting its broad appeal.
Does shiplap add value to home?
Yes, shiplap can absolutely add value to a home. Adding shiplap to a kitchen or bathroom backsplash, an accent wall, or a fireplace can instantly give a room a unique, modern look that can boost a home’s aesthetic appeal.
Shiplap’s rustic charm and natural texture can create elegant, eye-catching patterns that lend a cozy, inviting atmosphere to a home. Plus, this versatile material is easy to install and comes in a variety of widths and colors to fit the needs of any design.
In addition to providing aesthetic value, shiplap can also increase the practical value of a home. This replaceable, weather-resistant material prevents moisture damage, is resistant to warping, and allows for a seamless appearance for walls, floors, and ceilings.
Additionally, homeowners who choose to install shiplap in their homes tend to report an increase in property value and shorter sale periods.
Overall, shiplap can provide a stylish, contemporary look to a home, as well as potentially increase the value of the property through practical means. There are a variety of textures, colors, and sizes available too, meaning that you can find a shiplap option that best suits the needs and design preferences of your home.
Will shiplap make a room look smaller?
Shiplap can visually affect how large or small a room appears, depending on how it is used. When installed horizontally, shiplap usually emphasizes the length of a room, making it look wider and larger.
On the other hand, when installed vertically, shiplap can make a room appear smaller, as it emphasizes the ceiling height and makes the room look more confined. Therefore, whether or not shiplap will make a room look smaller depends on how it is installed and the overall style of the room.
If you are trying to create a more spacious feel in your room, you would probably want to install shiplap horizontally. If you’d like to make the room appear more cozy and intimate, then installing shiplap vertically can help you achieve that.
Additionally, keeping the room light and airy with pale colors or warm tones can also help create the illusion of a larger space.
Is there such thing as too much shiplap?
Decorating with shiplap can definitely be a great way to give any room a rustic, yet welcoming feel. However, adding too much shiplap may overwhelm the room and make it look cluttered. Instead, aim for a balance between rustic and modern styling.
Additionally, since shiplap is often used to draw attention to walls and ceilings, try adding accents of shiplap only in certain areas, such as around windows or doors, as an accent wall, or as a part of an architectural feature.
Additionally, consider mixing other textures, such as metal and stone, in order to provide a more dynamic look. By creating the right balance between modern and rustic, you can craft the perfect look with shiplap.