How to Install Shiplap Walls

5 from 1 vote

Shiplap pannels give a wonderful rustic, cozy and coastal appeal to a room. This is how to install shiplap walls.

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Keyword: coastal, DIY, farmhouse, shiplap

Yield: 1 shiplapped room

Shiplap Planks They now offer all different types of shiplap - primed, natural, stained
Screws White if planning to paint white

Make sure you have a level start. Starting with the first plank of wood along the wall (starting from the bottom) place a level on top of the board to ensure you start level. Many floors are not level in homes. If you're hanging shiplap on drywall mark where you're studs are.
When installing, screw two screws into the board along each stud to prevent twisting.
Slot the next board directly on top. The great thing about shiplap is that it slots right on top of each other and is pretty quick to install. Above, you can see the back wall coming along.
When you reach windows, put the board in place without screwing and mark where the window is. Use a compound miter saw or jigsaw to the cut the sections to mean your window.
For the last board on top, use a table saw to rip the final board to the correct height. Remember to cut the top of the board and not the bottom.

Shiplap also looks wonderful hung vertically.

I love white shiplap, it's important to prime all the knots before painting with a stain blocking primer / sealer.