Shiplap: From the hull of a ship to the walls of your home

Shiplap has been a popular choice exterior and interior wall cladding for years, adding a touch of rustic charm to your home. But what exactly is shiplap and why is it worth considering for your next interior design project? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history, types of wood used, installation methods, and various applications of shiplap. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of what shiplap is and why it is becoming a popular choice for exterior and interior design.

Shiplap has its roots in shipbuilding, where it was used to construct the exterior hull of a ship. The term "shiplap" refers to the method of overlapping wooden boards to create a weatherproof seal. This technique ensured that water would not seep into the ship's interior, making it a critical component in the era of wood ship building.

The wood used for shiplap

Shiplap, is sawn from a variety of wood types, each offering unique characteristics and benefits. Among the most popular choices are spruce and pine, valued for their affordability and adaptability in different settings.

Spruce, known for its fine, even grain and light color, lends itself well to a range of finishes and stains, making it a favorite for both rustic and modern interior designs.

Pine, with its distinctive knots and natural patterns, adds a warm, rustic charm to spaces, and its softness allows for easy cutting and installation.

Both spruce and pine are relatively light yet strong, providing a durable option for interior shiplap applications.

On the other hand, poplar, redwood, cedar, cypress, and fir represent more specialized choices for shiplap, each bringing its own set of advantages

Poplar stands out for its smooth texture and ability to hold paint exceptionally well, making it an ideal choice for projects requiring a fine, painted finish.

Redwood, celebrated for its rich, deep color and natural beauty, offers excellent durability and resistance to the elements, which is why it's often chosen for outdoor shiplap applications.

Cedar, with its natural aromatic qualities and resistance to decay, insects, and moisture, is another top choice for both indoor and outdoor use.

Cypress and fir, known for their longevity and stability, are excellent for shiplap due to their ability to withstand warping and splitting. These woods not only provide a robust and long-lasting material but also add an element of natural beauty to the structure.

Shiplap planks and their characteristics

Shiplap planks are typically made from solid wood and have a distinctive profile that allows them to fit together seamlessly. Shiplap planks have a rabbeted edge, which means that one side is cut to reveal a 90-degree ledge, allowing for a tight and secure fit. This rabbeted edge creates a shadow line between each plank, adding depth and visual interest to any space. Shiplap planks are available in various widths and lengths, typically 1 x 6, 1 x 8, and 1 x 10 allowing for customization based on the specific needs of your project.

Different methods of installing shiplap

There are several methods of installing shiplap, each with its own advantages and considerations. Rabbited joins are a popular choice, where the rabbeted edge of one plank fits into the corresponding groove of the adjacent plank. This creates a seamless and secure connection. Another method is using interlocking edges, where the planks have tongue and groove profiles that fit together snugly. This method provides added stability and prevents any gaps between the planks.

Shiplap for different applications

Shiplap is a versatile material that can be used in various applications within interior design. One of the most common uses is wall cladding, where shiplap planks are installed horizontally or vertically to create an eye-catching feature wall.

Shiplap can also be used as old school flooring, adding a rustic touch to any room. Its durability and resistance to wear make it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.

Board-formed concrete is a distinctive method of construction where wooden boards are used as molds for poured concrete, creating a texture and look reminiscent of wood on the finished concrete surface. In this process, shiplap boards are often utilized, chosen for their rabbeted edges that interlock to form a tight seal, ensuring the concrete doesn't seep through. These boards are arranged horizontally, providing a linear, wood-grain texture to the concrete.

To maintain the integrity of the form, bracing is essential; it supports the structure, preventing it from buckling or shifting under the weight of the wet concrete.

In addition, strap ties are employed to hold the formwork in place while the concrete is poured into the interior of the form. These ties span across the formwork, perpendicularly from board to board on 2-foot centers, counteracting the lateral pressure exerted by the wet concrete and ensuring that the form maintains its desired shape and dimensions until the concrete cures, gains sufficient strength and the boards are removed.

The result is a visually appealing, textured surface that blends the robustness of concrete with the natural aesthetic of wood.

Advantages of using shiplap in interior design

There are several advantages to using shiplap in interior design. Firstly, shiplap adds texture and visual interest to any space, creating a warm, natural atmosphere. It can also be painted or stained to match any design style, making it a versatile choice for both modern and traditional interiors. Shiplap is also relatively easy to install, making it a favorite among do-it-yourselfers.

Diagonally nailed shiplap for added strength

For added strength and stability, shiplap can be diagonally nailed during installation. This technique involves laying shiplap planks at a 45-degree angle across the joists of a floor or the studs of a wall. Screwing, gluing or nailing shiplap this way triples the strength of the support frame it is being fastened to.

Modern twist on shiplap - The popularity of the Nickel Gap

In recent years, a modern twist on shiplap has gained popularity - the nickel gap. Nickel gap refers to the small spacing between shiplap planks, typically around the width of a nickel. This minimal gap creates a sleek and contemporary look, while still maintaining the charm of traditional shiplap. The nickel gap technique can be achieved by using a small spacer during installation or by using pre-grooved shiplap planks specifically designed for this purpose. These of course will cost you more money – about double per lineal foot.

Shiplap: Worth considering for your next design project

Shiplap is a versatile and visually appealing material that has made its way from ship hulls to adorn the walls of our homes. Its rich history, various types of wood, and different installation methods make it a flexible choice for any home design project. Whether you're looking to add texture to your walls, create a rustic flooring option, build a wood grain surface concrete foundation or add a modern twist with nickel gap, shiplap offers endless possibilities.

Article posted, May 04