Learn everything you need to know about shiplap , including installation considerations and whether or not to go faux .

Call it thefarmhouse effect , but just about everyone seems to have jumped on the shiplap trend over the retiring few year ; but precisely what is shiplap , and what makes it so popular ? Its consistent use likely link to the fact that it ’s a dateless interior blueprint element , says Toronto - based designerAshley Montgomery . " It make for texture , depth , and interest to a space and is an easy way to dress up large wall , " she says . Beyond the rudiments , there ’s much to learn about these wizard hick planks .

What Is Shiplap?

Shiplap might be relatively new on the fit for interior design , but the more virtual function of shiplap has been around far longer . Shiplap earlier relate to the horizontal boards or board used to manufacture boats . They employed a tight rut system that keep pee out and , thus , gravy boat afloat . Shiplap was eventually used for a interchangeable office ( aside from the float part ) on theexterior of homes , but today has morph into anaesthetic ingredient . It is most often used in the interior of homes to take texture and character to drywall or even serve speciate quad within anopen floor design .

The Difference Between Shiplap, Nickel Gap, and Tongue and Groove

There are a miscellany of wall applications that look standardised to shiplap , namely Ni col andtongue and groove . You ’ll want to know the deviation and determine which estimable suit your preferences before you hit the hardware memory or loop in your contractor . " They all face very like to the untrained eye , " Montgomery says . " However , each of them brings a unique texture to a blank . "

The plank of shiplap , nickel crack , and tongue and groove connect differently , which results in three dissimilar looks but with a similar effect . " Shiplap leaves a small gap between each display board while tongue and channel leaves a flatter surface with control panel more tightly bring together together . Nickel gap has more of a square break , " explains Montgomery . To avail visualise , research for images in each of the three categories online and nail down which attract most to you and your space .

Faux Shiplap vs. Real Shiplap

When it total to the motion of whether to go for faux shiplap or the veridical affair , Montgomery says it comes down to budget and working with what you ’ve get . For those needing a more scotch solution , faux shiplap styles or DIY versions can be chic choices . Frompeel - and - stick shiplap wallpaperto eat up shiplap panel that you may find in many habitation melioration stores , the faux route comes with plenty of choice tosuit your skill leveland intended investment .

Shiplap Installation Considerations

Before installing shiplap , there are a few things to keep in mind . Montgomery tell shiplap shouldalways be paintedafter it ’s instal . This style , you ’ll veil any nail jam and avoid scuff , dirty fingerprint , and other install - associate blunders . While it ’s sure as shooting traditional tohang shiplap horizontally , believe swapping to a vertical orientation if your outer space allows . " Each one offers a unique look , but it depend on the place or arena , " she says . " Ask yourself : Do you need to heighten your distance or lengthen it ? "

It ’s important to note that as long asshiplap is properly instal , it ’s safe for use in high - moisture orbit like baths , terrace , and more . call on professional installment for these tricky areas will belike be the in force route .

Fresh Ways to Use Shiplap

What is shiplap used for ? Shiplap is an interior design component that ’s both voguish and steeped in tradition . Montgomery says which characteristic you decide to play up is only dependent on program and finishes , but using shiplap in unexpected situation sum up an extra storey of interestingness . Here are a few of her favorite ways to apply shiplap :

How to Dress Up Your Walls

bright shabby chic farmhouse bedroom shiplap

Credit: Anthony Masterson

neutral bathroom with clawfoot tub and shiplap walls

Credit: David Tsay