Vertical Shiplap Walls: DIY Ideas to Enhance Your Home

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If youā€™re searching for a way to spruce up your home with charm and personality, vertical shiplap walls might be an ideal solution! This trend has gained popularity due to its ease of installation and ability to convert any space in your home quickly. Today, Iā€™ll share some incredible ideas on how to utilize vertical shiplap to enhance your living spaces. From a DIY project to creating an accent wall, Iā€™ll provide the inspiration you need to start.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

breakfast nook with vertical shiplap  accent wall
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If youā€™re revamping your kitchen, incorporate vertical shiplap into your backsplash or island for an elegant farmhouse style. Similarly, add a white vertical shiplap wall to create a homely feel in the living room. If youā€™re unsure where to start, weā€™ve got all the tips and tricks you need for installing vertical shiplap walls, and we also help you to differentiate between primed shiplap boards and DIY shiplap. Whether youā€™re a seasoned DIY professional or a beginner, learn more about vertical shiplap walls and how to implement them in your house.

kitchen with glass cabinet and shiplap walls
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History of Shiplap

For centuries, vertical shiplap has been used as a classic design element that has stood the test of time. Shiplap was initially utilized in traditional coastal homes to protect walls from moisture. It has become a timeless design feature and adds depth, texture, and character to any space.

The clean, vertical lines of shiplap create a sense of height and elegance, so itā€™s a popular choice for accent walls, headboards, and even ceilings. It can be used in various interior design styles, including rustic farmhouse and modern minimalism, making it versatile.

vertical shiplap accent wall behind gallery art tv wall

The Durability of Shiplap Walls

Vertical shiplap is not only a stylish but also a practical option for walls. It can withstand wear and tear, making it durable and long-lasting. When you invest in vertical shiplap, youā€™re investing in the longevity of your homeā€™s aesthetic design.

Are Shiplap Walls a Trend?

Even though design trends change constantly, vertical shiplap is a feature that has remained popular in modern interior design. Itā€™s a classic and timeless look that can add a touch of charm and personality to any home, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want to enhance their homes and living spaces.

shiplap breakfast book with sage throw pillows

Vertical Shiplap in the Kitchen

If youā€™re looking to add a bit of texture and character to your kitchen design, vertical shiplap is an excellent option. It can serve as a standout feature on a particular wall or as a backsplash to add a charming feel.

A white vertical shiplap wall can create a bright, open ambiance, which pairs wonderfully with modern appliances and cabinets. If you want to make your kitchen island more inviting, a vertical shiplap is a great way to do so.

angled view of kitchen  with shiplap walls and art

Want to learn more about this Kitchen renovation? Read more here.

Since itā€™s durable and practical, itā€™s also a smart choice for high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Since you can paint or stain it to fit any colour scheme, itā€™s a versatile design element that can work with any style.

Vertical Shiplap in my Kitchen

My kitchenā€™s vertical shiplap feature wall uses the ā€œ1/2-inch x 5 5/16-inch x 96-inch Primed Fibreboard Shiplap Panelingā€ boards. Shop it here, or learn more about the breakfast nook here.

view from end of kitchen peninsula with cabinets and shiplap

Not sure if shiplap is for you but want to explore beadboard as a panelling option? Learn more here including more about beadboard wallpaper!

Shiplap Accent Wall

Shiplap can make a great feature wall that adds texture and visual interest to any room in your home. Itā€™s an ideal way to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in your bedroom or make a bold statement in your living room.

The clean and elegant vertical lines that shiplap creates can be easily customized to match your aesthetic preferences with different materials and finishes, including natural wood, painted, or stained shiplap. Using a white vertical shiplap, you can even go for a modern and minimalist look. A shiplap feature wall is a fantastic way to give your room a fresh and distinct look that will remain a timeless design element for years.

view of bonus room with treadmill and mirror, and shiplap tv wall

Using Shiplap Boards vs. DIY Shiplap

Using the primed shiplap boards you can find at the hardware store is the easiest way to get a polished look to your project. These boards are primed and have a unique tongue joint that allows proper connection between the boards, ensuring that your shiplap boards are correctly spaced.

There are various ways to create a DIY shiplap, and one of the popular ways is using an inexpensive material like a hardboard. Cutting equal strips of the hardboard and attaching them to the wall with equal spacing. This is an affordable way of creating the shiplap look for less, but you may not have the same polished look as using the primed shiplap boards.

PRO TIP: Paint the boards prior to installation because it can be challenging to paint inbetween the gaps once it is installed!

breakfast book with kitten sitting on bench

Installing Shiplap Boards

The installation process for shiplap boards is pretty straightforward and can be accomplished with minimal tools. Here are some basic steps to guide you:

  1. Begin by measuring the exact wall surface for installation to determine the exact number of boards you need to get.
  2. Choose the most suitable shiplap boards. Different types, like pine, MDF, and cedar, exist for different settings.
  3. Prepare the site by removing existing baseboards and other trim and repairing the walls if they are not flat.
  4. Cut the boards to match the precise sizes for each wall using a saw.
  5. If necessary for your project, apply a construction adhesive to the back of the shiplap boards to stick them to the wall surface. This is a step I prefer to avoid because it could make it very challenging to remove in the future.
  6. Nail the shiplap boards into place using a nail gun. I like to use my brad nailer.
  7. Add trim and baseboards.
  8. Finish by filling the nail holes and painting.

As always, follow safety precautions when using tools and working with heights. If youā€™re unsure about any part of the process, itā€™s always best to consult professionals.

before and after photo of the breakfast nook

In conclusion, vertical shiplap walls are a versatile and stylish design choice that can add character and texture to any space. Whether you want to create a cozy cottage feel or a modern farmhouse vibe, vertical shiplap walls can be customized to fit your unique style. Their easy installation and low maintenance make them a practical choice for busy homeowners. So why not add vertical shiplap walls to your next home renovation project? Itā€™s a simple way to elevate your space and make a lasting impression.

bonus room with tv wall and mirrored wall

FAQs

Can shiplap be installed vertically?

Yes! With the easy steps in this post, you can learn how to install shiplap!

Does shiplap look better horizontal or vertical?

This is a personal preference, but in my professional opinion, I think vertical shiplap is more flexible between different design styles. Horizontal shiplap tends to lean more toward farmhouse style.

Is vertical shiplap still in style?

Yes, vertical shiplap is timeless and has been in design many years.

Does vertical shiplap make a room look bigger?

The lines of vertical shiplap draw your eyes upwards, making the room look bigger.

lavender topiary in pot on kitchen counter

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