Rustic Interior Accents

What Is Shiplap?

Shiplap is a traditional style of wood siding board—originally intended for external use but now produced for both indoor and outdoor use—where each board contains a groove along one edge that allows overlap with a visible seam. This rustic style of cladding for walls and ceilings has become very popular, fitting well with sliding barn doors, brushed metal fixtures, and natural materials.

Shiplap isn’t quite the same as tongue and groove paneling (where the tongue of one board fits in the groove, or channel, of the next). Shiplap can be installed tightly edge-to-edge, or spaced slightly for a more prominent reveal (commonly referred to as “nickel gap”).

Traditional vs. Modern

Shiplap wood siding features a natural wood grain and smooth or rough finish, so it can be stained for a natural wood look or painted for a more refined finish. It can be set with the seams vertical or horizontal, depending on the style of your room and home. If you’re considering flat panels for your interior, shiplap offers an easier install, and provides a strong, durable finish with a comfortable feel.

Wood shiplap is generally installed over original drywall or wall board, providing an extra insulating layer that is easy to install, creates a distinctive, textured surface, and a high-end design look that interior decorators and do-it-yourselfers have embraced.

Painted vs. Stained Paneling

You can order shiplap in both smooth and rough finishes, though either will take paint or stain in a variety of colors and finishes.  While a growing modern trend is to paint the siding white, for a clean, modern cottage look, applying either soft or vibrant colors can introduce a whole new dimension to your room.

Shiplap is usually made from pine or cedar, and the type of wood can make a huge difference if you’re staining. It’s natural finish and look makes staining a popular choice, from light stains to darker tones, depending on your tastes. Ask our experts about wood and stain options, and what combination could best fit the look you’re hoping to achieve.

Shiplap Ceilings

As you can see in our example on this page, shiplap wood paneling can also be used on a ceiling to give your room a coherent, striking feel, adding texture and interest overhead. The option of running the line of the boards in any direction gives you many options for a dynamic or relaxing look.

Doing it Yourself?

As with most home improvements, there are trade-offs with shiplap. As long as you have some basic carpentry skills and tools, shiplap is relatively easy to install, especially compared to other types of wood paneling (most of the work involves measuring and cutting). Though the material isn’t terribly expensive, since shiplap is normally added to existing surfaces, the cost of materials (and labor, if any) will be in addition to conventionally finished walls or ceilings.

Contemporary and Traditional Look

Shiplap is one of the most in-demand materials for giving a home that simultaneously contemporary and traditional look. Install on one or more walls as an accent, on all walls, on the ceiling, or on all your surfaces to create your unique look.

Learn more at our store, or learn more by checking out our vendor, Windsor One, who also supplies our primed pine.