Shiplap 101

One of the most popular trim treatments of the last decade has been shiplap. Thanks, in part, to Chip & Joanna Gaines for exposing the world to the wonder and beauty of shiplap. While it has gained in popularity, there are a surprising amount of misconceptions about shiplap and what it is and is not.

1. How to tell if it’s shiplap? Look at the gap. How can you tell the difference between shiplap, beadboard and v-groove? Beadboard and V-groove are connected via tongue and groove. Shiplap boards are joined by an overlapping rabbet joint which creates the 90 degree gap between the boards.

2. It’s sea-worthy. Shiplap gets its name from a style of shiplap that was once used to make ships. The same overlapping joint that makes true shiplap tight and weatherproof in a house made for a water-tight ship, too.

3. It originated in harsh climates. Shiplap is associated with seaside cottages and cabins for a reason: historically, it was used in harsh climates as a way of keeping wind and water out of houses, thanks to the overlapping joint between the boards. It was also often installed on the exteriors of buildings.

4. And, it used to be covered over. Shiplap was meant to be felt and not seen, so to speak. It was like built in insulation. Before plywood and drywall, builders would line rooms in shiplap to keep them warm and dry, then cover it with a layer of muslin or cheesecloth and wallpaper to hide the shiplap’s seams.

5. Installed vertically, it can make a small room feel bigger. Most people traditionally think of shiplap installed horizontally in a room. But installing the shiplap vertically draws your eyes up and makes the space feel bigger.

6. Top down or bottom up? Whether you start with the top board and work your way down, or start with the bottom and work your way up, just be sure the first board is level, since the rest will follow suit.

7. Paint with care. The charm of shiplap comes from the visible gap between the boards. If you choose to paint yours, paint with care to be sure the paint doesn’t fill in the gaps.

8. The downside: dust. If you install shiplap horizontally, be aware that the small gaps that give shiplap its charm are also perfect little spaces for dust to collect.