Introduction
Are you planning to install Shiplap to make your home look aesthetic? Have you ever thought why is Shiplap becoming famous day by day despite being old-fashioned? Well, we are here to answer all your queries.
Making a drabbed wall look dramatic and aesthetic at an affordable price is the main reason why it is becoming popular. Shiplap is known for its easy installation; it does not demand a professional worker to install. Moreover, Shiplap parts can be brought from the market and fabricated at home.
This article has all that you should know about Shiplap before installing it. So, let’s begin!
What actually is Shiplap?
Shiplap is made up of different types of wood. It has borrowed its name from horizontal planks of ships or boats that were used to stop water from entering the boat. This modern Shiplap is inspired by that use.
Shiplap is an alternative to traditional cement or paint. It is commonly used in bathrooms and kitchens for decoration. Shiplap is commonly used in exterior design to prevent cold or hot.
Picture Credit: Unsplash
Things You Should Know About Shiplap
To help your decision of installing Shiplap, we have come up with information that is vital about Shiplap. Just keep scrolling.
- Good For Harsh Weathers
Shiplaps are used in homes to prevent harsh weather. If you have ever gone on a beach, you must have seen Shiplaps on the exterior of houses, restaurants, and cottages. Well, that is not only meant for decoration but to stop heat waves and cold wind from entering in.
- Which Type Of Wood To Use?
Picture Credit: Trinity Valley
Different types of wood can be used to make Shiplap. Largely it depends on where you are going to install the Shiplap. Let’s consider if you are going to install it in the bathroom or outside the home to prevent moisture, and then Cedarwood would be the best option. If you are going to put it in Kitchen, then pine wood would be best as it is cost-effective.
- Paint It To Get The Best Look
Picture Credit: Charleston Crafted
You can get bored of one colour. You can paint (any shade that fits your style) Shiplap multiple times. However, you should avoid filling the spaces between Shiplaps with paint. Filling the spaces between boards will dull the charm of the wall and convert it into a normal wall.
- Easy To Install
Shiplap is easy to install. You may not be a professional woodcutter. All you need is to have basic skills or knowledge about measuring and using blades so that you may not get hurt and cut unequal lengths. Saw, nail gun, power sander, chalk line, inches tape, and other small tools are needed to install Shiplap.
- A Phenomenal Decoration Idea
No doubt, in the past, Shiplap was used to prevent harsh weather and water problems. Why is it used in the interior if it were considered to be used outside? The reason is its classy appearance. Aesthetic values are of great importance nowadays, and Shiplap gives an aesthetic feeling when installed in the interior.
Picture Credit: becomingminimalist
- Affordable
Shiplap is pocket-friendly as it can be made from pine wood that is easily available and cheap, it does not need labor, it does not need cement, and it does not need Plaster of Paris to cover the holes.
Downside
- Gets Dusty
There is little space between shiplap boards; the space can be a collector of dust if it is not cleaned on a daily basis. You must be more careful while dusting.
- Termite Vulnerability
If termite starts eating your Shiplap, then you would need different sprays and medicines, which will cost you. It would get dirty, and your whole wall will be looking like an old farmhouse’s wall. However, there are some types of woods that termites do not eat, like Brazilian and Mahogany.
How To Install Shiplap?
Tools required to install Shiplap have been mentioned above in the article. Shiplap is installed in the following seven steps.
Step 1: Cut the wood in your desired size. Different tools are used to cut the boards, while the table saw is easy to use. Cut all boards equally in length and width.
Step 2: Sand the edges of the boards so they can be fixed with each other.
Step 3: Apply the first coat of paint on the Shiplap before you install it. The space between boards will be a little narrower, so it cannot be painted later.
Step 4: Then, prepare the wall. Make the wall smooth. You do not need to cover the holes as they will automatically be covered with Shiplap.
Picture Credit: House Beautiful
Step 5: Start attaching boards one by one but start attaching from the bottom with 2 inches nail studs.
Step 6: Take care of the spaces between the boards. Give equal desired space to every board.
Step 7: Paint your favorite colour and avoid filling up space between the boards.
Conclusion
Shiplap is old-fashioned but is now a part of the decoration. Shiplap can be used anywhere because of its unique, timeless texture and natural look. You can now even buy Shiplap-styled ready-made tiles that are more affordable and easier to install.
To conclude, Shiplap is good for hot and cold weather. You can paint it according to your desire. It can easily be installed. Moreover, it is cheap and used for decoration too. If you are considering installing Shiplap, then just go for it. It is worth installing. Just take care of two things; one is the dust, and the other one is to prevent it from termites.
