Shiplap is considered the epitome of a well-formulated design for owners who prefer fixer-upper designs with complete renovations and an entire do-over. Shiplap is versatile, and because of their resourcefulness, they are well known for their rustic and traditional designs. Not only that, but modern and contemporary designs also place shiplap on their walls for a classic mix of design and interior placement. For those looking to revamp their old and unsophisticated interiors, adding layers of shiplap in formal or casual areas can completely redecorate and upgrade the setting. Reconditioning and finishing of home interiors are generally required for frequent renovations. Therefore, it is better to install a few shiplap to give it a modernized and innovative look whenever that is approaching.
What is shiplap?
Shiplap is a traditional wooden (or PVC) board that consists of horizontal or vertical sheets with unique channels. It is commonly used as exterior siding in the construction of residences, barns, sheds, and outbuildings.
Shiplap is commonly defined as wooden boards mainly used for exterior placement and siding in the construction of residences, barns, sheds, or outbuildings. They are characterized by elongated planks often painted in white or dull colors, mounted horizontally with a minor gap between their placements to mimic the exterior shiplap walls. The name shiplap is given because this method was historically used to construct the hull of the ships. The boards were seen overlapping, creating a watertight surface to make the vessel seaworthy. Shiplap materials and equipment are comparatively expensive, especially when a typical kind of wood is involved. However, as far as the current demand for shiplap is concerned, it is definitely in demand and not outdated. This is because it has strong historical roots, and the output given by the shiplap is widely acknowledged and practical.
Is Shiplap Out of Style?
Shiplap is not out of style or outdated. On the contrary, wooden shiplap represents the link between people and nature, natural aesthetics, and plain wooden boards. The proof that shiplap has not been outdated is that it has been used for many years and has never become obsolete as a technique.
The concept of shiplap used during the construction process is not intimidating. In fact, the utility and practicality of shiplap have been observed since ancient times, when the planks were used in areas with increased rainfall and particularly extreme weather. Shiplap was previously used as protective equipment or material placed on the exterior of barns, shacks, homes, and even rustic cabins.
There has been a resurgence with the shiplap look, making it bigger and more modern than ever. Nowadays, it is less formal and professional to add interest and appeal to the wall. Installing the shiplap layers is a real test of craftsmanship and creative skills as it needs to be fully packed onto the walls by hand. It allows you to create a perfect seamless line throughout the wall and is manufactured from natural material. Shiplap is here to stay for these reasons, and its rich historical roots and traditionalist features make it an interesting interior design feature. Because of this, it has been the most common thing used for home decor today, with a style that has been around for years.
Shiplap installation
is not at all a complex process. The installation usually requires a hammer, nails, a saw, and some time for focus and concentration. One of the reasons why homeowners choose shiplap as their integral element of home renovation is its versatility. The shiplap panels can be applied directly over the drywall, making it more convenient, and they can be left raw without any paint. However, there is also an option to paint the panels with any color that complements the room’s entire look. The versatility of shiplap boards makes them everlasting, so this is not going out of style soon! Shiplap is a primary source of renovation as it is mainly done to give ceilings or walls a rustic appearance for beauty enhancement. Nowadays, interior designers complement the look with wooden planks beautifully painted with white or other colors. Sometimes, they are left in their raw state with a clear acrylic coating for protective usage.
In a nutshell, the concept of shiplap is here to stay. The ship has not sailed yet, as designers can vouch for its versatility and, most importantly, the budget-friendly attribute it offers. Complementing various home designs is a trend that exhibits all white lines and spaces if creatively fixed in a farmhouse. It is a perfect blend of organic modernism. It incorporates the original, raw, and natural texture of the shiplap planks and the added elements of texture into the clean-line right spaces.
It offers limitless potential for creative designers and interior designers. It can be easily painted or aesthetically stained to complete the look of any farmhouse, modern or rustic. It can be practically installed anywhere in any room of the house. However, certain misconceptions need to be addressed and understood before installing shiplap. The easy dust built up between the boards can be a bit of a hassle to maintain as it will require frequent cleaning; however, shiplap does not necessarily have to be painted as it can be used in any state or color of desire. It is more than planks on boats attached to the wall. It consists of grooves at the top and the bottom edges that create a perfect place to fit tightly together, making it the ultimate signature shiplap design.
Shiplap offers so much flexibility and uniqueness. It has a few downsides, but these limitations can easily be well-maintained and dealt with if there is some prior understanding. In this scenario, many homeowners like to add a touch of shiplap in their rooms. For example, adding a hint of planks on the kitchen wall’s side would change the room’s look. It can be used as a bedroom accent wall or in guestrooms to add elegance. It is undoubtedly a cheaper and more affordable if you want to stay on a decent budget during house renovations. Even those who have just initiated the construction process can be head-turners if shiplap planks are well-used. Ensure you have enough knowledge before the process to avoid a major disaster such as accumulating dust layers.
From 2022 onwards, Mark has also been contributing author of home repair articles at nimblefreelancer.com.
Read more on Mark Brown's biography page.
Contact Mark: mark@nimblefreelancer.com