Transforming a room with the classic charm of shiplap walls or horizontal wood planking is a remarkably achievable DIY project, even on a modest budget. The allure of these textured walls has surged, becoming a staple in modern home aesthetics, offering both visual interest and a touch of sophisticated craftsmanship. Far from being an intimidating task, installing a wood plank wall can be much easier and more rewarding than you might initially think, making it a perfect endeavor for any homeowner looking to refresh their living space.
I’ve personally brought this stylish trend into my own home, successfully installing two distinct wood plank walls that beautifully capture the essence of shiplap. Each installation offers a unique aesthetic, demonstrating the versatility of this design element.
Crafting a Shiplap Wall on a DIY Budget: A Comprehensive Guide
One of my shiplap-inspired walls graces the kitchen, featuring wider 12-inch planks that lend a distinctly modern and expansive feel to the space. The clean lines and broad panels create a contemporary backdrop, effortlessly elevating the kitchen’s overall design. This choice reflects a desire for a sleek, updated look that still benefits from the subtle texture of wood.
The other installation resides in a charming powder room, where narrower 8-inch wide wood planks were chosen. This selection provides a more classic and intimate ambiance, perfectly suited for the smaller scale of the room. The reduced plank width creates a greater sense of detail and craftsmanship, adding character without overwhelming the space. Both projects underscore the adaptability of wood plank walls to suit diverse design preferences and room dimensions.
Understanding Shiplap: Authenticity vs. DIY Appeal
Shiplap, or the broader category of wood planked walls, stands as a timeless method for infusing walls with character and visual depth. Its popularity has soared in recent years, largely thanks to interior design influencers like Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper, who popularized its rustic yet refined aesthetic. This resurgence has cemented shiplap as a highly sought-after element in contemporary interior design, transcending fleeting trends to become a classic.
Historically, authentic shiplap, much like tongue and groove paneling, features a distinctive rabbet or notched cut along the edges of each board. These precision cuts serve a crucial purpose: when installed horizontally, the rabbets interlock, allowing the boards to self-space with uniform gaps and, more importantly, create a tight seal that prevents water intrusion. This made shiplap ideal for exterior siding and boat construction, protecting against the elements.
However, for the modern DIY enthusiast seeking to achieve the shiplap look without the cost or complexity of traditional lumber, a brilliant budget-friendly alternative exists. This involves utilizing thin plywood boards, which can be conveniently cut into desired plank widths at your local home improvement store. This method, often referred to as “faux shiplap” or “wood plank walls,” expertly mimics the aesthetic of real shiplap, providing that coveted textural appeal at a fraction of the cost and effort. It opens up the world of shiplap design to a wider audience, making stylish home renovations more accessible.
While I appreciate the undeniable charm of wood planked walls, I personally favor their application as accent walls rather than covering all four walls of a room. In my experience, planking an entire room can sometimes make the space feel more enclosed or visually busy. Instead, utilizing it on a single wall creates a striking focal point, adding significant interest and texture without overwhelming the room. This strategic application maximizes the visual impact and maintains an open, airy feel, which aligns perfectly with my preference for bright, uncluttered interiors. Plus, as a budget-friendly DIY project, it delivers tremendous decorative impact for a relatively small investment.
Given my fondness for white walls, both wood plank accent walls in my home have been painted a classic, crisp white. This choice brightens the space and allows the texture of the planks to subtly shine through. However, the beauty of this DIY project lies in its versatility; you are entirely free to paint your shiplap walls any color that complements your personal style and interior decor, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
Photo:BHG
As showcased in these inspiring photographs, the application of darker hues to shiplap walls can dramatically transform a room.
Photo:Table & Hearth
Deep, rich colors on shiplap can introduce an undeniable sense of drama and sophistication, creating a truly fabulous and impactful statement wall that captivates the eye and anchors the room’s design.
For my personal aesthetic, I gravitate towards the modern appeal of wider planks, particularly those installed without visible vertical seams. Achieving this seamless look is possible when your wood planks are cut to the full length of the wall you intend to cover. Both accent walls in my home are under eight feet wide, which allowed me to use standard 4′ x 8′ sheets of plywood. By having these sheets precisely cut into long, continuous planks, I eliminated the need for randomly staggering shorter pieces, thus avoiding any distracting vertical seams. This results in a cleaner, more fluid visual effect that enhances the contemporary feel of the space, creating an uninterrupted flow across the wall.
Strategic Planning: Determining the Ideal Width for Your Shiplap or Wood Planks
The choice of wood plank width is a highly personal decision, contingent on your desired aesthetic and the specific dimensions of your wall. This critical step requires careful consideration and a bit of mathematical foresight to ensure both visual harmony and efficient material use.
In my projects, I opted for 8-inch wide planks in the powder room, creating a cozy and classic look, while the kitchen benefited from significantly wider 12-inch planks, contributing to its modern and expansive feel. Both sets of planks were expertly cut from standard 4-foot by 8-foot sheets of plywood underlayment, showcasing how a single material can yield varied design outcomes.
To pinpoint the ideal plank width for your project, a simple yet effective calculation is your best friend. Begin by accurately measuring the height and width of your wall. Next, sketch your wall on a piece of paper, marking its dimensions. This visual aid is invaluable for mapping out how many wood planks you’ll need and determining the most efficient plank size. The goal is to maximize the use of your plywood sheets, minimizing waste and ensuring that you make the most of your budget. Efficient cutting plans not only save money but also reduce the environmental impact of your DIY endeavor.
For an exceptionally cost-effective approach that minimizes scrap wood, opting for 8-inch wide planks from a standard 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of plywood underlayment, typically available for under $15 at home improvement stores, is an excellent choice. This configuration allows you to yield six perfectly cut planks, each measuring 8 inches wide by 8 feet long, making optimal use of the entire sheet. This strategy is particularly advantageous for walls that are 8 feet or less in length, eliminating the need for complex cuts or staggered seams.
Beyond the primary plank widths, you’ll also need to factor in the size of the very last plank that will sit at the bottom of your wall. It’s highly probable that this final piece will require a narrower cut to fit precisely. Crucially, remember to incorporate the thickness of your chosen spacers into all your calculations. For instance, I used nickels, which are approximately 1/6th of an inch thick. On my kitchen wall, which features seven horizontal spaces between planks, I multiplied 7 by 1/6 inch to account for a total of 7/16 inch in cumulative gap space. This additional measurement was then meticulously integrated when determining the exact width needed for the bottom plank, ensuring a perfectly tailored and professional finish across the entire wall.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install Wood Planks for a Flawless Shiplap Look
Embarking on a DIY shiplap project is a rewarding journey that adds character and charm to any room. With the right materials and a systematic approach, you can achieve a professional-grade finish. Here’s what you’ll need and a detailed breakdown of the process.
Supplies Needed:
- Sheets of 1/4″ 4′ x 8′ plywood underlayment. (For convenience, have these pre-cut to your desired plank widths at the home improvement store. Look for sheets with one reddish side and one light wood tone side for aesthetic preference.)
- Finishing nails. (These small-headed nails are ideal for minimal visibility.)
- Nail punch. (An essential tool for recessing nail heads below the wood surface, allowing for a smooth, undetectable finish.)
- Hammer.
- Outside corner molding or trim molding for inside corners. (These provide a clean, finished edge where planks meet corners.)
- 4-5 coins to use as spacers between planks; nickels work exceptionally well for consistent gaps.
- Spackle and putty knife. (For filling nail holes and imperfections.)
- Sanding block with 220 fine-grit sandpaper. (For smoothing rough edges and spackled areas.)
- Bubble level. (Crucial for ensuring each plank is perfectly horizontal.)
- Pencil. (For marking cuts, stud locations, and templates.)
- Painter’s tape. (To mark studs and protect surfaces.)
- Stud finder. (Indispensable for locating wall studs for secure plank attachment.)
- Work gloves. (For safety, especially when handling freshly cut wood with potential splinters.)
- Paint with a primer in it. (A satin finish is often recommended for durability and easy cleaning.)
- Paint brush, roller, and roller tray. (For efficient and even paint application.)
- Small artist’s paint brush. (Perfect for painting the narrow gaps between planks.)
- Scrap pieces of cardboard. (Useful for cleaning excess paint from plank gaps.)
- Optional: Jigsaw, paper, scissors. (To create templates for cutting around outlets, light switches, and vents.)
- Plywood Cutting & Edge Preparation: The journey begins with your materials. Purchase 1/4-inch plywood underlayment sheets and have them precisely cut to your desired plank widths at the home improvement store. While there might be a small fee for these cuts, this investment saves you considerable time and effort, ensuring straight and consistent planks. Once home, don your work gloves and meticulously sand all the cut edges of the planks. Since the store’s saws produce raw, often splintered edges, using a sanding block with fine 220-grit sandpaper will smooth them out, making them safe to handle and ready for a flawless paint finish. This step is crucial for both aesthetics and safety.
Crucial Pre-Installation Steps for Your Shiplap Wood Planks
Before you begin the exciting phase of attaching your beautiful wood planks to the wall, a few preparatory steps will ensure a smoother installation and a more professional, long-lasting finish. These steps are vital for achieving that pristine shiplap look.
- Pre-Paint the Wall: It is highly recommended to paint the wall the same color you intend to paint your wood planks before installation. This clever trick ensures that if any tiny gaps appear between planks or if your planks slightly shift over time, the underlying wall color will blend seamlessly, preventing the original wall color from peeking through. Allow this base coat to dry completely.
- Edge Painting (Optional but Recommended): If you have ample space in your home, consider pre-painting the edges of your planks with a small roller before hanging them. This can save time and effort during the final painting phase, especially for the hard-to-reach plank edges. However, if space is limited or conditions aren’t ideal (e.g., too hot to paint outside, as in my case), you can certainly paint the edges after the planks are installed, which is what I did.
- Two-Person Installation: For optimal ease and precision, especially when installing long planks, attaching them is best done with two people. An extra pair of hands can help hold planks level, guide them into place, and make the nailing process significantly more efficient and accurate.
Next, assess whether any molding or trim pieces are needed where your planks will terminate. This is a crucial design detail that defines the finished look of your accent wall.
For my kitchen accent wall, I opted for a minimalist approach on the left side, butting the cut ends of each plank directly into the corner without additional molding. This creates a clean, unadorned transition. On the right side, however, I chose to install a piece of outside corner molding. This molding was attached first, before any planks were added, using finishing nails and a nail punch for a secure, flush fit. This sequence ensures that the planks have a neat, defined edge to butt against, resulting in a perfectly framed accent wall.
Once all the wood planks were securely fastened to the wall, a final touch of caulk was applied. A thin, even line of caulk was run along the seam where the ends of the planks met the outside corner molding. This step is vital for sealing any tiny gaps and achieving a truly polished, professional finish that looks seamless and intentional.
PRO TIP: For a flawlessly smooth caulk line, immediately after application, run an ice cube along the fresh caulk. The cold, wet surface helps to flatten and perfect the bead, leaving a crisp, clean edge.
Should your project require an inside corner molding, it’s generally best to install this piece after all the wood planks have been successfully affixed to the wall. This allows for precise measurement and cutting, ensuring a snug fit that neatly conceals any raw edges of the planks in the corner, completing the integrated look of your new shiplap wall.
1. Locate and Mark Studs: Begin by using a stud-finder to meticulously locate the vertical wall studs. Mark these locations clearly with painter’s tape, placing the tape along the ceiling line. As you proceed to cover the wall with wood planks, these marks will serve as essential guides, indicating precisely where to drive your finishing nails for secure attachment. For optimal stability, aim to use two finishing nails along each stud per plank—one near the top edge and the other near the bottom edge of the plank.
2. Install the First Plank: Start by placing your first wood plank firmly against the ceiling. Utilizing a bubble level, carefully adjust the plank until its bottom edge is perfectly level. This initial step is critical, as it sets the foundation for all subsequent planks. Once leveled, securely nail the plank to the wall, ensuring it’s firmly attached to the studs you previously marked.
3. Ensure Even Spacing with Spacers: To achieve the signature, uniform gaps characteristic of shiplap, insert nickels (or other consistent spacers) between the bottom edge of the installed plank and the top edge of the next plank. Distribute three or four coins evenly across the length of the plank to guarantee consistent spacing and maintain a level line. Once the next plank is securely nailed into place, remove the nickels, readying them for the subsequent plank.
4. Continue Installation to the Bottom: Before nailing each subsequent plank, always use your level to double-check that it is perfectly horizontal. Consistent leveling is key to a professional finish. Continue this process, adding planks and nailing them securely into the wall studs, working your way down towards the floor. If your initial calculations for plank widths and bottom plank adjustment were precise, you should find that the final plank fits perfectly without requiring additional cutting. However, if your measurements were slightly off, you may need to precisely cut the very last plank to fit the remaining space at the bottom of the wall, ensuring a snug and finished appearance.
5. Spackle and Sand: Once all planks are installed, carefully spackle all visible nail holes in both the wood planks and any corner molding you’ve installed. Allow the spackle to dry completely, which may take a few hours. After drying, gently sand the spackled areas smooth with your 220-grit sanding block, ensuring a seamless and ready-to-paint surface. This step is crucial for achieving an unblemished, professional finish.
Precision Cutting: Adapting Shiplap Planks for Outlets, Switches, and Vents
Encountering electrical outlets, light switches, or HVAC vents on your accent wall requires careful planning and precise cuts to ensure your shiplap installation looks seamless and professional. Here’s a reliable method for cutting your wood planks to accommodate these necessary wall fixtures.
- Create a Template: For unparalleled accuracy, always make a paper template of the obstacle (outlet, switch, or vent) that the plank will cover. Tape a piece of paper directly over the fixture on the wall. Using a pencil, carefully trace the exact outline of the opening onto the paper. Once traced, cut out this shape with scissors. This paper template is your precise guide. Double-check its accuracy by holding it up to the actual fixture and making any necessary adjustments.
2. Transfer the Template to the Plank: Carefully tape your newly created paper template onto the exact spot on the wood plank where the cut needs to be made. Ensure it’s perfectly aligned. With a pencil, trace the outline of the template onto the wood plank.
3. Prepare for Jigsaw Cut: To facilitate the jigsaw, use a drill bit to create a starting hole inside the pencil-marked shape on the plank. This pilot hole should be large enough to comfortably insert the blade of your jigsaw. Always wear appropriate safety glasses when using power tools.
4. Cut the Shape: Insert the jigsaw blade into the pilot hole and carefully cut along the pencil outline. Take your time, moving slowly and steadily to ensure a clean, accurate cut. Precision here will result in a much tidier finish around your fixtures.
5. Attach the Plank: Once the cut is complete and you’ve verified the plank fits perfectly around the fixture, proceed to attach the wood plank to the wall following the same nailing and leveling procedures as other planks. The fixture cover plate will neatly conceal any slight imperfections around the cut edges, providing a professional and integrated appearance.
The Art of Painting Shiplap: Achieving a Flawless Finish
Once your shiplap or wood plank wall is meticulously installed, the final step—painting—is where its true beauty emerges. This process requires a bit of technique to ensure an even, professional finish that highlights the unique texture of the planks and their distinct gaps.
- Primer-Infused Paint for Raw Wood: Since you’re painting bare plywood, using a high-quality paint that includes a primer is highly recommended. This combination product ensures excellent adhesion, superior coverage, and seals the porous wood surface, preventing future bleed-through or uneven color. A satin finish is often preferred for shiplap as it offers durability, is easy to clean, and provides a subtle sheen that enhances the planks’ texture without being overly glossy.
- Painting the Gaps: The distinct gaps between shiplap planks are a key feature, and painting them carefully is essential. Use a stiff, small artist’s paint brush to meticulously apply paint along the inside of each gap. Work slowly and methodically to ensure full coverage without drips or excess paint accumulating in the crevices. This step is tedious but crucial for a polished final look.
3. Removing Excess Paint from Gaps: Immediately after painting the gaps, and while the paint is still wet, gently run a thin piece of scrap cardboard or a plastic putty knife inside each space. This technique effectively removes any excess paint that may have pooled, ensuring clean lines and preventing the gaps from feeling “filled in.” It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in the final appearance.
4. Rolling the Plank Surfaces: For the main surfaces of the planks, use a short-nap paint roller cover. This type of roller ensures a smooth, even application without leaving behind excessive texture. Since you’re painting over bare wood, two coats of paint will likely be necessary to achieve full, opaque coverage and a consistent finish. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second. After the second coat dries, inspect the wall for any missed spots or imperfections and touch up as needed. With these steps, your shiplap wall will look impeccably painted and ready to enhance your home’s decor.
With the shiplap wood plank wall now beautifully completed, the next exciting step is to paint the surrounding walls. This will truly integrate the accent wall into the room’s overall design, creating a cohesive and stunning interior. Enjoy the transformation!
