Shiplap is sort of rustic, sort of raw and sort of looks like it should be installed outside rather than in. So it makes perfect sense, at a time when sliding barn doors are all the rage, that shiplap is a hot choice for cladding interior walls and ceilings. But what exactly is shiplap, how can you spot it and where can you use it at home?

What Is Shiplap?

Shiplap board is milled with a halved groove, so the edges connect snuggly together whilst leaving a distinct reveal line between the boards. It installs in a slightly different manner than tongue and groove panelling, where the tongue of one board sets inside the channel of the adjacent board. Tongue and groove panelling can provide a tighter seal, and a less-visible reveal, between boards.

Is It Modern, Industrial Or Traditional?

It’s all of the above! Shiplap timber siding can be painted or stained and set horizontally (most common) or vertically. It adds a distinctive, textured element that can complement a variety of design styles. It is less labor intensive than more refined interior flat panels and can offer a handsome combination of warmth and durability to your home.

Outside & In

There was a time when it was cheaper to finish interior walls in shiplap timber boards than plaster. There are plenty of examples where carpenters have discovered old shiplap material during renovations and demolitions, with plasterboard or even wallpaper covering original shiplap in old structures. Shiplap was also used as an exterior-siding material, and over time this became its predominant application.

Interior Wall Panelling

Though timber shiplap is rarely used in lieu of plasterboard anymore (it is installed over plasterboard in most cases), the relative ease of installation and the warm, textured look have made shiplap a popular choice among designers.

Painted Shiplap

Timber shiplap can be rough-hewn but it is usually smooth and accommodates various paint colours and sheens. Many of the examples you will find show the material painted white, fitting contemporary and coastal sensibilities, while also accommodating the popular cottage-white look. However, shiplap can also be used in modern and contemporary homes to great effect.

How To Fake Shiplap

There are various ways to fake the shiplap look. One method is to install non-shiplapped timber boards with 2-millimetre tile spacers, giving the illusion of shiplap reveals between the boards. Shiplap is nothing new and is not cutting edge, yet when it comes to interior panelling, shiplap today is one of the hottest things going on. Add it to one wall for a nice focal point, or change the entire look of your home and install it everywhere.

Here at Hurst Homes we are passionate about design and stay up to date with the latest design trends. We take the time to get to know you and what certain design features you would like to incorporate in your home. With over 30 years experience as a Wagga Wagga Builder you can trust in our expertise to help create your dream home. Contact us Waggas best builder today to create a custom Wagga house & land package. 

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