LLStyle: Creating Accent Walls with Shiplap

Explore the Possibilities of Shiplap Accent Walls

Shiplap is the name of a hardy wooden board often used to construct practical buildings like barns and sheds. However, this sturdy and often stylish wood can also be used to beautify and add character to your home. When used on walls, shiplap creates a striking, textured focal point that fits well in many styles, from traditional to modern. Its joints not only help the pieces fit together, but also give the wood its distinctive parallel grooves.

The Benefits of Shiplap

While the name might remind you of its original use (shipbuilding), you can use shiplap for more than just creating a beachy feel in your home. On a practical level, shiplap is great for concealing uneven or otherwise problematic walls and ceilings. The smooth look of shiplap is a seamless choice for hiding unsightly elements. Shiplap can be installed both vertically and horizontally, which is helpful in changing the feel of a room. For instance, a room with a low ceiling can be made to feel taller with vertical boards, while a narrow room can feel wider with the help of horizontal boards.

Shiplap is also versatile. You can use it as a ceiling, a wall covering—even in the bathroom if you want to give it a beachy aesthetic. Why not try installing shiplap around a fireplace or as a statement wall? In many designs, you’ll see shiplap painted white. However, you certainly don’t have to stick with tradition. You can paint shiplap any color or leave it unfinished to expose its natural grain. Be sure to pay extra attention when finishing or painting your shiplap, as you don’t want to accidentally fill in those distinctive grooves.

How Do You Install a Shiplap Wall?

Installing decorative wall panels on your own is relatively straightforward. You'll find specific shiplap installation instructions in the accompanying product guide, and general wall panel instructions and ideas in our Flooring 101 area. Check out our video tutorial for further inspiration.

Once you have the basic supplies, you’ll want to measure your wall to determine how much shiplap to purchase and the specs to trim your boards to size. Make sure to figure in the cutting allowance—the extra product you'll need to account for the unusable pieces generated from cutting. Prepare the wall by removing existing elements like trim and outlet covers. Then try to ensure the wall is as flat as possible before nailing the shiplap to existing plywood or wall studs.

Using finish nails, secure your shiplap to the wall, staggering the cut-line seams. Adhesive can be used along with nails, and is actually recommended. If you’re installing your shiplap vertically, start from one end and make your way along the wall. If you’re installing it horizontally, you'll need to start from the bottom to build on each layer. Then, caulk any open edges to remove gaps in the corners. The strength of shiplap lies not just in its distinctive design, but in its versatility as well.

At LL Flooring, we offer a range of white, pre-painted, medium-density fiberboard shiplap in a variety of sizes. Shiplap can help you transform your design from basic to striking. For more information about installation and services or for answers to your questions, you can contact us⁠—we'd love to help make your design dreams a reality.