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Expert Advice: The Enduring Appeal of Shiplap

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Expert Advice: The Enduring Appeal of Shiplap

January 19, 2018

Characterized by long horizontal (or vertical) panels formed by overlapping “rabbets” (grooved boards), weathertight shiplap has long been popular in areas with harsh climates. Because of this functionality and due to the fact that it was often made from relatively inexpensive pine, shiplap has traditionally been associated with less formal structures, such as woodland cabins and coastal cottages.

But architect Sheila Bonnell of FRAMe Architecture & Design (a member of the Remodelista Architect & Designer Directory) encourages us to break with tradition when it comes to shiplap, regarding it as not just a “rustic” or “period” material but also a timeless detail that is as much at home in modern architecture. Recently we asked Sheila to share her insights into the myriad applications of shiplap; here’s what she said.

in the dining area of harbor cottage, shiplap paneling was used to unify the sp 17
Above: In the dining area of Harbor Cottage, shiplap paneling was used to unify the space and give it an updated cottage feel. Photograph by Justine Hand.

Remodelista: You’ve used shiplap in many homes you’ve designed. What draws you to this material?

Sheila Bonnell: Put simply, shiplap is a less formal way of adding interest to a wall and/or dimension to a space. The fact that it has to be installed by hand and that you can feel the craftsmanship, the fact that it is a natural material, that it is textured, that it allows you to create a seamless line throughout a space, that it has historic and regional contexts—for me, all these things make shiplap very lively and engaging.

shiplap in the kitchen; see rehab diary: dream kitchen for under \$3,000. 18
Above: Shiplap in the kitchen; see Rehab Diary: Dream Kitchen for Under $3,000.

RM: Where do you use shiplap?

SB: Anywhere!

RM: Even in a formal house?

SB: Yes, if it feels right. I know it’s an anathema to some, but I tend to resist rules and a strict adherence to historic accuracy, which can become static, in favor of creating something that is affecting and engaging. So in a formal house I wouldn’t automatically rule shiplap out, because actually I think it’s really timeless. And because it creates texture in such a clean, unfussy way, it can work just as well in a contemporary setting. In fact, one of the things I love about shiplap is that it works both ways. Because it is handcrafted, it can add warmth to what might be a more austere modern setting. Or, conversely, because it has a very clean line, particularly when painted, it can be used to make a historical setting feel more contemporary.

shiplap is quite happily paired with elegant marble counters in photographer ab 19
Above: Shiplap is quite happily paired with elegant marble counters in photographer Abi Campbell’s London kitchen. Photograph by Matt Clayton.

RM: How do you use shiplap in a space?

SB: Shiplap is extremely versatile so it can be used in a number of different ways, depending on the needs of the space. At Harbor Cottage, the first floor was a single, open room which served as a living room, dining area, and kitchen. To unify the space, I used shiplap on all four walls, as well as across the doors and kitchen cabinets.

You can take this continuity further by also using shiplap in the ceiling. Or you can use shiplap to accentuate a single architectural feature. In my own home, covering all the walls was beyond our budget, so we made the choice to panel the high ceilings as a means a maintaining the intimacy of the space.

Shiplap can also be used to create a nice sense of scale. For example, if you have a lofty ceiling, you might use shiplap only up to a particular height on the wall, to create more human scale as well as a secondary datum, which is architecturally more interesting.

 at the josephine house in austin, texas, the construction crew discovered 20
Above: At the Josephine House in Austin, Texas, the construction crew discovered shiplap underneath the drywall.

RM: Painted or unfinished? What kind of wood do you typically use?

SB: Again, it depends on the space and what you are trying to achieve. In one of the first projects I did, which was a small cabin in Maine, I used Point Orford Cedar, that I left unfinished. Not only was the texture of the wood plainly visible but also the boards responded to the weather, releasing an amazing aroma, all of which enhanced the feeling of the wood as a living thing.

In my own home, we used poplar and then whitewashed it, so that some of the grain came through. And then at Harbor Cottage we used poplar again and painted it Linen White from Benjamin Moore. Poplar is great if you are going to apply a finish, because it is smooth and accepts paint evenly. One thing about paint though, you want to make sure that you maintain the space in between the boards, so apply paint carefully, or preferably, paint the boards before you install them.

the shiplap paneling at salt house inn in provincetown leaves some sp 21
Above: The shiplap paneling at Salt House Inn in Provincetown leaves some space between the boards.

RM: I’ve seen the boards applied right up against each other and with a more of a gap. What’s your preference?

SB: Myself, I like to maintain a bit of a channel between the boards, rather than have them right up against each other. This creates a lighter, more airy feel and emphasizes the wonderful horizontal (or vertical) accent of the boards.

at harbor cottage architect/designer sheila bonnell employed traditional s 22
Above: At Harbor Cottage architect/designer Sheila Bonnell employed traditional shiplap in a clean, modern way to create a contemporary space that is still very much in context with the rural Maine setting. Photograph by Justine Hand.

RM: Any other tips for applying shiplap?

SB: Yes. Most importantly, make sure you maintain a seamless line across your architectural features! At Harbor Cottage [shown] you can see that the lines are carried right through the door and along the kitchen cabinets. This kind of attention to detail demonstrates intentionality, so that even though the effect of shiplap is less formal, it still shows that someone really thought about it what they were doing and put a lot of care into the space.

tiina laakonen&#8\2\17;s bath in amagansett, new york. photograph by m 23
Above: Tiina Laakonen’s bath in Amagansett, New York. Photograph by Matthew Williams for Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home.

Curious about the difference between shiplap, V-groove, and beadboard? Wonder no more: See our post Remodeling 101: The Ultimate Wood Paneling Guide with Jersey Ice Cream Co.

For more of our favorite shiplap-clad rooms, check out:

N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on July 20, 2016.

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Frequently asked questions

What is shiplap?

Shiplap is a type of wooden board that has a rabbet joint on both edges which allow the boards to overlap. It’s often used as a wall or ceiling cladding.

What are the different types of shiplap?

The most common types of shiplap are pine, cedar, and MDF. Pine is the cheapest and MDF is the easiest to paint.

What is the best way to install shiplap?

The best way to install shiplap is to start by measuring the wall and cutting your boards to size. Make sure you leave a small gap between each board to allow for expansion. Then, use a pneumatic nail gun to attach the boards to the wall. You can also use construction adhesive for added stability.

Can shiplap be used in bathrooms or other high-moisture areas?

Yes, shiplap can be used in bathrooms or other high-moisture areas as long as you use a water-resistant material such as cedar or MDF. It’s also important to properly seal the boards with a waterproofing agent before installation.

Can shiplap be painted?

Yes, shiplap can be painted. It’s best to use a primer before painting to ensure proper adhesion. MDF shiplap is the easiest to paint since it has a smooth surface.

What are some popular shiplap styles?

Some popular shiplap styles include classic horizontal, vertical or diagonal shiplap, and mixed-width shiplap. You can also experiment with different finishes such as stained or whitewashed.

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