Shiplap is a type of wooden board used to cover walls, both inside and outside the home. The boards have grooves that fit together tightly, creating small gaps for a clean, rustic appearance. To install shiplap, start by preparing and painting the wall, then measure the area, mark the wall studs, create guidelines, and finally, attach the shiplap boards. 

Whether you’re revamping a living room, creating a cozy bedroom, or even upgrading your outdoor spaces, this guide will walk you through the process of installing shiplap on interior walls and guide exterior applications.

Note: This article deals exclusively with wall installations. For ceiling installations, check out our guide on How to Install Shiplap on a Ceiling.

Project difficulty: Intermediate to Expert Estimated time to complete: 1 to 2 days Project cost: $300 to $700

Before You Start

To get an expert take, we asked Nicholas “Nick” DiLeo, owner of DiLeo’s Carpentry, whether shiplap installation is beginner-friendly. Here’s what he had to say:

“As someone who specializes in this type of work, I’d say wall shiplap installation can appear simple at first glance, but precision is key. While a beginner might manage a basic layout with enough patience, true craftsmanship requires attention to detail, like consistent spacing, seamless corner transitions, and proper leveling across uneven walls.”

He added, “Small mistakes early on compound across the wall. It’s doable, but not ‘easy’ if done correctly.”

Setting up for a shiplap installation requires careful planning to get the best results. By taking a few simple steps before you begin, you can make the process smoother and ensure a professional-looking finish. Here’s what you need to do first.

Check Local Codes and Test Materials

Before starting construction, always check with local building codes. Follow the codes that apply to your area. 

Since each project can have different challenges, test materials to make sure they are right for your project. Also, carefully follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for each product you use.

Proper Storage for Shiplap

Before installing shiplap, it’s essential to allow the boards to acclimate to the local temperature and humidity. 

Let them sit for at least 7 days in the area where they will be installed. Ensure that the shiplap is elevated at least 12 inches off the ground during this period, and place it on blocks of wood to keep the bottom boards well-ventilated.

DiLeo emphasized the importance of letting shiplap acclimate before installation. He said, “Letting shiplap acclimate is a critical step many overlook. Wood expands and contracts based on ambient temperature and humidity.

“Letting it sit for a full 7 days in the room where it will be installed allows it to reach equilibrium. Skipping this step can lead to visible gaps, warping, or cupping, especially in homes with fluctuating moisture levels.”

Avoid storing the shiplap directly on the ground or over concrete surfaces, as this can cause moisture buildup and affect the material’s stability. 

Never cover the shiplap with plastic or a tarp during acclimation, as this traps moisture and leads to potential issues. In addition, stickers or wood shims between the layers of boards should be used to maintain proper airflow.

Plan Your Shiplap Design

Before you take measurements, think about the style you want. Do you want to install shiplap horizontally for a classic look or vertically for something more modern? 

Also, decide how much of the wall you want to cover. You can go halfway up, three-quarters, or all the way to the ceiling. These decisions will affect how much material you need.

Clear the Wall

Before you start installing shiplap, clear the wall completely. Remove all decorations, nails, outlet covers, and wall plates. Use a putty knife to gently take off baseboards, crown molding, and any other trim.

Paint the Wall

Shiplap has visible gaps between the boards, so the wall color underneath will show through. Paint the wall first, using either the same color as your shiplap or a contrasting one for added style. If you are using unfinished boards, paint or stain them before installing.

Supplies

Materials Needed:

• Shiplap boards
• Construction adhesive
• Finishing nails or brad nails
• Wood filler or caulk
• Baseboards and moulding (optional, for top and bottom trim)

Tools Needed:

• Tape measure
• Stud finder
• Pencil
• Level
• Chalk line
• Circular saw, miter saw, or hand saw
• Nail gun or hammer
• Safety gear (gloves, goggles, ear protection)
• Spacer tools (nickels or plastic tile spacers)

Install Shiplap on Interior Walls

Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving a clean and professional look with shiplap on your walls.

Step 1: Measure the Wall

Accurate measurements are essential before you purchase shiplap boards. Start by measuring the height and length of the wall you want to cover, then multiply those numbers to get the total square footage.

Next, check the size of the shiplap boards you plan to use. Measure the visible width of one board and multiply it by the length to find how much area each board will cover. Divide the wall’s total square footage by the board’s coverage to estimate how many boards you need.

To be safe, add about 10 percent more to cover any waste from cutting or mistakes during installation. To do this, follow this example:

Step	Calculation	Result
Wall height x length	8 ft x 12 ft (example)	96 sq ft (wall area)
Board width x length	0.5 ft (6 inches) x 8 ft (example)	4 sq ft per board
Wall area  ÷ board area	96 ÷ 4	24 boards
Add 10% to waste	10% of 24 = 2.4 → round up to 3	3 extra boards
Total boards needed	24 + 3	27

Shiplap boards come in a few standard sizes that make planning easier. Most are 8, 12, or 16 feet long. The most common widths are 5 1/4 inches and 7 1/4 inches.

Step 2: Identify and Mark Stud Positions

Before installing your shiplap, you must know where the wall studs are. Shiplap boards should be nailed directly into these studs for strong, lasting support. Use a stud finder to locate them, then mark each spot with a pencil.

In response to a Reddit post asking if shiplap could be installed using only Liquid Nails to avoid nailing into studs, Redditor Lexotron emphasized the importance of securing shiplap to the studs.

Comment
byu/dbs3264 from discussion
inHomeImprovement

Most studs are spaced 16 inches apart, measured from the center of one stud to the next. For example, on a 10-foot-wide wall, you can expect to find around six studs.

To keep your markings straight and easy to follow, make a mark about one foot below the ceiling and another about one foot above the floor. Then, connect the marks with a vertical chalk line. This will give you a clear guide as you install your shiplap boards.

Step 3: Make and Follow Guidelines

To get a clean, even look, it's important to start with a straight guideline. Your entire shiplap wall will follow the line set by the first row of boards, so take your time here.

Use a level to draw a straight horizontal line across the wall, from one end to the other. Check your line in several spots with the level to make sure it’s perfectly straight.

When you start installing, align the top edge of your first row of shiplap boards with this horizontal line. Also, make sure each board lines up with the vertical chalk lines you made for the wall studs. These guidelines will help keep your rows even and your boards securely attached.

Step 4: Install the First Shiplap Board

Apply construction adhesive to the back of the first shiplap board and position it along the bottom of the wall. Use a level to make sure it’s straight before securing it in place. If you're working alone, ask a partner to help hold the board steady.

Nail through the top and bottom of the board where it crosses each stud. This keeps it firmly attached and prevents shifting. Use a nail gun for speed or a hammer with finishing nails if preferred.

Step 5: Continue Installing the Shiplap Boards

Once the first row is installed, start adding the next boards above it. Use a nickel or similar spacer between each row to create an even gap. Place a spacer every few feet to keep the spacing consistent. 

This is known as nickel gapping. It gives your wall a traditional shiplap look and helps hide any uneven spots in the wall or floor. After securing each board, remove the spacers and reuse them for the next row.

As you move up the wall, make sure to stagger the seams between boards. Cut some boards shorter so the joints do not line up in a straight vertical line. This creates a more natural and professional look.

If two boards meet at the same stud, place the first board halfway on the stud and attach it. Then start the next board from that point. Continue this process until the wall is finished.

Step 6: Add Baseboards and Moulding

Once all your shiplap boards are installed, finish the look by adding baseboards and moulding. Use finishing nails to securely attach the trim pieces along the wall's bottom and top edges.

This step is especially helpful if your floor isn’t perfectly level. Gaps can appear between the shiplap and the floor, and baseboards are a great way to cover them. 

Moulding at the top can also give your wall a clean, polished appearance. Choose a trim that matches the style of your space for a seamless look.

Install Shiplap on Exterior Walls

Installing shiplap on an exterior wall is a little different from installing it indoors. I asked Nick DiLeo about the difference between installing shiplap on interior versus exterior walls. He explained that while interior shiplap is mostly decorative, exterior installations demand more planning and protection.

He explained, “Interior shiplap is strictly aesthetic—it doesn’t have to battle moisture, sun, or temperature extremes. Exterior installations, however, need weather-resistant materials, proper flashing, and moisture barriers. 

“The fastening schedule is tighter, and you have to account for larger expansion gaps. A professional-grade outdoor shiplap install is a different ballgame entirely and needs to meet structural and weatherproofing standards.”

Start by covering the wall with a weather-resistant barrier such as house wrap or building paper. This helps stop moisture from getting behind the boards.

Use materials that can handle outdoor conditions, like cedar, pressure-treated wood, or fiber cement. These are more durable than the wood often used indoors. For fasteners, choose galvanized or stainless steel nails or screws to prevent rust. It’s also best to nail through the face of each board to keep them firmly in place.

Leave small gaps between boards to allow for movement as the weather changes. You can fill the gaps with caulk if needed. Before installing, paint or seal every side of each board, including the back and edges, to protect against moisture. This step is very important for outdoor use.

Install Shiplap Around an Electrical Outlet

If there is an electrical outlet on the wall, start by turning off the power at the breaker box for safety. Remove the outlet cover by unscrewing the screw in the center. Then take out the two screws holding the outlet in place, one at the top and one at the bottom.

Gently pull the outlet out of the electrical box so you can install the shiplap behind it. Cut the shiplap boards to fit neatly around the outlet. 

Once the boards are installed, push the outlet back into the box. Make sure the metal tabs on the top and bottom of the outlet sit flat against the front surface of the shiplap.

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Main Photo Credit: Joseph Hendrickson / Adobe Stock