Everything You Need To Know About DIY Shiplap

How To Install Shiplap Like A Pro

I’ve installed thousands of dollars worth of shiplap, miles and miles of linear board feet of the stuff Chip and Joanna Gaines brought back into the mainstream. Shiplap is a very DIY friendly project, but there are a few things you need to know if you want that project to look professional. If your wife has mentioned doing a shiplap accent wall in your house, tell her you can do it. It’s easier than you think, especially if you have the right tools and know how to handle a few common obstacles that you’re likely to run into. 

Let’s first talk tools, if you have the right tools this project is a breeze, if you don’t it’ll take a 1 day project and turn it into a week. The number one way to speed up your project is with a nail gun. I prefer an 18 gauge brad nailers and battery powered is superior, but air assisted works just as good. I use the DeWalt 18 gauge which you can find here. This tool allows you to quickly nail the boards in place and do so easily with one hand. If you need to justify this purchase to your wife, tell her it can be used for adding new baseboards, crown molding, chair rails, window casing, and much more. A brad nail gun is a very useful tool, and is all but essential for installing shiplap. 

The next tool you need is a miter saw. This is another one of those, “all but essential” tools. Could you install shiplap with just a circular saw, yes, but it would either take you twice as long or it’ll probably look like a 10 year old did it. The miter saw allows for quick repeatable cuts, perfect 90 degree cuts, and of course miters.

This video will walk you through the steps for install and you can download a free check list and installation guide below!

Shiplap PDF