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How to Install Shiplap: A Comprehensive Guide
What is Shiplap?
Shiplap is a type of exterior house siding that is characterized by its long, horizontal boards that overlap each other at the edges. It is designed to create a weather-proof and stable joint. Interior shiplap brings the beauty of exterior shiplap indoors, with modifications to make it suitable for interior use. It is typically made from softwood, such as pine or hemlock, and is milled with a tongue-and-groove edge for an authentic look.
Benefits of Shiplap
- Adds instant charm to interior walls
- Versatile and can be installed in various rooms, including dining rooms, bedrooms, halls, and living areas
- Easy to remove compared to other types of wall coverings
- Can be installed horizontally for a modern farmhouse look or vertically for a chunkier, thicker look
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
Materials:
- Interior-use shiplap
- Drywall screws (2-inch)
- Furring strips (1-by-3s)
- Finish nails
Tools:
- Hand saw with fine teeth
- Miter box
- Laser level
- Electric brad or nail gun
- Cordless drill
- Stud finder
- Pencil
- Set of drill bits and drivers
- Putty knife, five-in-one tool, or utility knife (optional)
- Measuring tape
Instructions
1. Condition the Shiplap to the Room
Unbox and lay out the shiplap in the room where it will be installed to allow it to adjust to the room’s temperature and humidity.
2. Prepare the Walls for Installation
- Level down any bulges or protrusions in the wall using scraping tools.
- Furring strips can bridge minor wall holes and cracks, eliminating the need for patching most imperfections.
- Remove baseboards and any trim.
3. Identify the Studs’ Positions
- Use a stud finder to locate the studs on the wall and mark their positions with a pencil.
- Studs should be located every 16 inches, on-center.
4. Mount the Furring Strips
- Use a laser level to project vertical lines from the top and bottom marks of each stud.
- Lay a furring strip at the center of each line and drive four drywall screws per strip.
5. Establish the First Row of Shiplap
- Use a laser level to shoot a horizontal line near the ceiling.
- Install the first row of shiplap along this line, leaving a 1/8-inch gap between the ceiling and the top of the row.
6. Nail the Shiplap
- Drive nails into the tongue part of the shiplap if it is wide enough.
- If not, face-nail into place with a cordless nailer.
7. Continue the Rows of Shiplap
- Continue installing subsequent rows of shiplap, ensuring that the ends of the boards rest on furring strips.
- Cut to length with a fine-toothed saw and miter box as needed.
8. Install the Last Row of Shiplap
- Position the last row near the floor, aiming for it to be parallel to the floor and about 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch above it.
- If necessary, rip a row of shiplap lengthwise to the desired size and face-nail it into place.
Tips for Shiplap Installation
- Maintain a 1/8-inch gap around the perimeter to allow for expansion and contraction.
- Use a cordless brad/finish nailer for faster installation and less visible nail holes.
- Apply a waterproofing treatment to shiplap installed in moisture-prone areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
- If installing large expanses of shiplap or if waterproofing is required, consider calling a professional for assistance.
How to Remove Shiplap From Walls
- Pry off the shiplap with a pry bar.
- Remove any remaining nails or screws.
- Unscrew the drywall screws holding the furring strips.
- Fill the holes in the wall with drywall compound, sand, and repaint.
