What is Shiplap Wall?Everything you need to know before starting:

If you’ve been scrolling through interior design inspiration on Instagram or binge-watching home renovation shows, chances are you’ve seen the term shiplap wall popping up everywhere.

But what is a shiplap wall, and why has it become such a popular design choice for homeowners and designers alike? Whether you’re planning a full home makeover or just want to refresh a single room, understanding the ins and outs of shiplap can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your space.

In this guide, we’ll explore the history, benefits, installation process, styles, and maintenance tips for shiplap walls—plus, how you can find high-quality, sustainably made shiplap right here in the USA from Dakota Timber Company.

1. Understanding the basics: What is a shiplap wall?

At its core,shiplap refers to a type of wooden board traditionally used in shipbuilding—hence the name. The boards feature a distinctiverabbet joint (a groove cut along the edges) that allows them to overlap neatly. This design not only creates the classic horizontal lines associated with shiplap, but also provides extra durability.

Today, shiplap is used less for waterproofing ships and more foradding warmth, character, and texture to interior spaces. From rustic farmhouse walls to sleek modern accent pieces, shiplap has become a favorite among designers and homeowners.

Looking for premium shiplap?Explore Dakota Timber’s Shiplap Collection and discover boards crafted from reclaimed and sustainably sourced American wood.

2. A brief history of shiplap

Shiplap’s roots go back centuries when it was used to protect ships and exterior walls from wind and water. The tight-fitting overlapping boards made it a reliable siding for barns, cabins, and coastal homes.

Fast forward to today, and shiplap has taken on a new role—transforming ordinary walls into statement pieces. Designers now useinterior shiplap walls to create depth, warmth, and a timeless appeal in both modern and traditional homes.

3. Why choose a shiplap wall?

If you’re considering shiplap for your home, here are somekey advantages:

• Timeless aesthetic – Fits seamlessly into rustic, modern, and transitional designs.
  

• Texture and dimension – Instantly elevates plain walls.
  

• Customizable – Paint, stain, or keep it natural.

• DIY-friendly – Many homeowners install it themselves.
  

• Durable – When made from quality wood, shiplap lasts for decades.

Pro tip: choosing sustainably sourced shiplap from Dakota Timber gives you superior quality while ensuring you have a locally sourced product that tells a story and shows great character.

4. Different styles of shiplap walls

Shiplap isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your design goals, you can choose from several variations:

Traditional horizontal shiplap: The most common style, where planks are installed horizontally, creating clean lines and an elongated effect.

Vertical shiplap:Instead of running planks side to side, this option creates a tall, structured look—ideal for making ceilings appear higher.

Diagonal shiplap: Adds a playful twist to traditional designs, often used as an accent wall to stand out.

Nickel gap shiplap:Features a small, consistent gap between boards for a modern, crisp finish.

5. Materials: Not all shiplap Is created equal

While authentic shiplap is made fromsolid wood boards, today’s market includes options like:

• Pine – Affordable and easy to work with.
  

• Cedar – Naturally moisture-resistant.
  

• MDF – Budget-friendly and paint-ready.
  

• PVC – Ideal for wet areas like bathrooms.
  

At Dakota Timber, we specialize inauthentic reclaimed wood and sustainably sourced local species like Northern Ash and Norway Pine—offering unmatched quality, character, and eco-responsibility.

6. Preparing for installation

Before you start adding shiplap to your walls, taking the time to prepare will ensure a smoother installation and a flawless finish:

1. Measure your space – Calculate the total square footage and add at least 10% extra for cutting and waste.
   

2. Decide on your finish – Pre-painting or pre-staining boards before installation can save time and produce a cleaner result.
   

3. Inspect your walls – Make sure surfaces are clean, dry, and free from major imperfections that could affect alignment.
   

4. Locate studs – Use a stud finder and mark them to ensure your boards are properly secured.
   

Want a detailed step-by-step guide? Check out our complete tutorial onHow to Install Shiplap Wall Paneling and learn pro tips from the Dakota Timber team.

7. Shiplap wall ideas for every room

• Living Room – Feature wall behind your TV or fireplace
  

• Bedroom – Rustic headboard alternative or accent wall
  

• Wet Bar – Add an accent wall behind you bar on the wall or on the bar front
  

• Kitchen – Unique backsplash or island wrap
  

• Entryway – Statement vertical shiplap
  

• Ceiling – Add warmth and interest with shiplap ceiling paneling

Inspiration awaits – BrowseDakota Timber’s Design Gallery for real projects featuring our sustainable shiplap.

8. Maintenance tips for shiplap walls

Keeping your shiplap looking fresh is simple:

• Dust regularly – Horizontal grooves can collect dust quickly.
  

• Avoid harsh cleaners – Use mild soap and water.
  

• Inspect for moisture damage – Especially in bathrooms or kitchens.
  

• Touch up paint – Keep extra paint on hand for quick fixes.

9. Common mistakes to avoid

Even seasoned DIYers can make errors when working with shiplap:

• Skipping wall prep – Uneven surfaces can ruin the look.
  

• Using the wrong nails – May cause splitting or loose boards.
  

• Neglecting expansion gaps – Wood can expand and contract with humidity.
  

• Overloading the design – Sometimes less is more—avoid covering every wall in small rooms.
  

10. Shiplap vs. other wall treatments

Wondering how shiplap stacks up against alternatives likebeadboard ordrywall?

11. Cost considerations

The price of installing a shiplap wall can vary widely:

• DIY: $2–$6 per sq. ft. (materials only)

• Professional install: $7–$15 per sq. ft.
  

Shop smart – By buying directly from Dakota Timber, you cut out the middleman and get premium shiplap at the best possible price.

11. Is a shiplap wall right for you?

Choosing ashiplap wall depends on your style, budget, and the look you want to achieve. If you’re drawn to interiors with texture, warmth, and character, shiplap might be the perfect choice.

From inspiration to installation: Make it happen

So,what is a shiplap wall? It’s more than just a design trend—it’s a timeless way to bring warmth, texture, and craftsmanship into your home. Whether you want a rustic farmhouse accent or a sleek modern feature, shiplap offers endless possibilities.

WithDakota Timber’s sustainably sourced, American-made shiplap paneling, you can create walls that not only look stunning but also align with environmentally responsible practices. Ready to start your project?

Explore our Shiplap Collection today and bring your vision to life with the quality and character Dakota Timber can deliver.