What Is Shiplap? What are its uses and advantages?

Are you curious about how to make your indoor spaces feel warm and beautiful? This is where shiplap comes in! Shiplap adds a unique touch to your walls, much like tropical plants do. But shiplap isn’t just for looks; it’s also extremely helpful! Shiplap can be used to create cool accent walls as well as to update your ceiling. In this article, we will discuss what shiplap is, how to use it, and why it is so popular in home decor.

 

Meaning of shiplap

Shiplap is a special kind of wooden board that has grooves along its top and bottom edges. These grooves allow the boards to fit snugly together, kind of like puzzle pieces. Originally, people used shiplap for the outside of buildings like houses, barns, and sheds to keep them safe from the weather. Nowadays, though, it’s become really popular for decorating inside homes. When you put shiplap on walls, it creates these neat horizontal lines that make the room look cozy and stylish. So, even though it used to be all about keeping buildings sturdy, now it’s also about making our indoor spaces look awesome!

 

Material of shiplap

Shiplap boards were traditionally crafted from solid woods like pine or cedar, prized for their durability and natural resistance to weathering. However, modern advancements have introduced a variety of alternative materials for shiplap, offering unique benefits and considerations:

Engineered wood

Engineered wood provides the aesthetic appeal of real wood at a potentially lower cost, while also offering improved resistance to moisture.

MDF (Medium-density fiberboard)

MDF is a smooth and cost-effective option. However, it requires proper sealing when used in areas prone to moisture to prevent damage.

Vinyl

Vinyl shiplap is a waterproof and low-maintenance choice, making it ideal for environments like bathrooms or kitchens. However, it may lack the warmth and texture of natural wood.

Fiber cement

Fiber cement shiplap is renowned for its durability and weatherproof properties, making it a popular choice for exterior applications where resilience is essential.

 

Installation

When it comes to putting up shiplap, it’s usually pretty straightforward. The planks have these special edges called tongue-and-groove or rabbet joints. They fit together like puzzle pieces, making it easy to install them side by side. This way, they lock in tight, and you end up with a smooth wall without big gaps between the boards. So, even if you’re not a pro at DIY, you can still get the job done pretty easily and have your walls looking great in no time!

Source: Pinterest

 

Modern uses

Modern interior design

Shiplap has moved beyond its traditional use as exterior siding and has gained popularity as a key element in modern interior design.

Rustic charm

The horizontal planks of shiplap, with their subtle gaps, impart a cozy and rustic charm to various interior surfaces such as walls, ceilings, fireplaces, and backsplashes.

Visual interest

The texture and pattern created by shiplap’s installation technique add visual interest to any space, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Versatility

Shiplap can be customized to suit different design styles and preferences. It can be painted in a variety of colors or stained to match various decor themes, ranging from farmhouse chic to contemporary minimalism.

Multi-purpose usage

Its versatility allows shiplap to be used in a wide range of applications within the home, offering flexibility for creative expression and design experimentation.

DIY-Friendly

Shiplap’s simple installation process makes it accessible to DIY enthusiasts, enabling homeowners to transform their living spaces with relative ease and minimal professional assistance.

 

Advantages

Installation

Putting up shiplap is totally doable, even if you’re not a DIY pro. The way the planks fit together is like a puzzle, so it’s pretty simple. They usually have these special edges called tongue-and-groove or rabbet joints. This means they slide into each other easily, making it quick to install them without leaving big gaps between the boards. So, whether you’re a newbie to DIY or you’ve got some experience under your belt, you can tackle shiplap installation with confidence and make your walls look fantastic!

Versatility

Shiplap is extremely versatile in terms of style—you can paint or stain it to achieve any look you want, whether it’s cozy farmhouse vibes, modern sleekness, or a beachy feel. And it’s not limited to walls! Shiplap can be used on ceilings, around fireplaces, as a kitchen backsplash, or even to decorate furniture. It’s like a magical touch that brings your entire space together, making it feel cohesive and stylish wherever you place it. So, whether you’re updating your living room or sprucing up your kitchen, shiplap is the go-to for adding extra flair in an easy and versatile way.

Durable

Shiplap made from solid wood is built to last, especially when you take good care of it. It’s super sturdy, so it can handle bumps and scrapes without getting all banged up. That means once you put it up, you can expect it to stay looking nice for a long time. With a little bit of love and attention, your shiplap will keep its beauty and strength, making sure your room stays stylish and cozy for years to come.

Aesthetics

Shiplap isn’t just about covering walls—it’s about making them look awesome! Those horizontal lines it creates give your room a little extra something, making it more interesting to look at. Plus, shiplap brings a cozy, rustic feel to your space, making it feel super warm and inviting. Especially if you go for that natural, unfinished wood look—it’s like bringing a little piece of the outdoors inside. So, whether you’re going for a classic farmhouse vibe or just want to cozy up your living room, shiplap adds that special touch that makes your space feel like home.

Relatively affordable

Particularly when using engineered wood or MDF options, shiplap can be a cost-effective way to elevate the look of your space.

Easy maintenance

Shiplap generally requires minimal upkeep. Dusting or wiping down with a damp cloth is sufficient for most situations.

 

Limitations

Gaps

Those little spaces between shiplap planks might seem cool, but they can collect dust over time. Plus, in places with lots of moisture, like showers, they might not be the best idea unless you seal them up really well.

Material choice

The kind of material you pick for your shiplap makes a big difference. Whether you go for wood, MDF, vinyl, or something else, each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some are super durable and can handle moisture like a champ, while others might need more upkeep to stay looking good. So, when you’re deciding what kind of shiplap to use, think about where you’re putting it and how much work you’re willing to put into keeping it nice.

 

FAQs

Can shiplap be painted?

Absolutely! Unfinished shiplap offers a rustic look, but painting allows customization to match your design style. Proper surface preparation is crucial for a flawless finish.

Is shiplap waterproof?

Solid wood shiplap with proper sealing offers decent water resistance. However, for high-moisture areas like showers, vinyl or fiber cement shiplap might be better choices.

Is shiplap a good choice for backsplashes?

While it adds visual appeal, the gaps between shiplap planks can trap moisture and grime. Sealing helps, but consider alternative materials for heavy backsplash use.

How much does shiplap cost?

Costs vary based on material. Engineered wood and MDF are generally more affordable than solid wood.

Can shiplap be used for ceilings?

Yes, shiplap adds a unique touch to ceilings, creating a sense of dimension and visual interest.

Is shiplap a good choice for bathrooms?

For areas with direct water exposure (showers), consider vinyl or fiber cement shiplap due to their better moisture resistance. Solid wood with proper sealing might work for vanities or lower-moisture areas.

How do you clean shiplap?

Regular dusting or wiping with a damp cloth is sufficient for most situations. Stronger cleaning solutions might be needed depending on the material and level of grime.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com