Chip and Joanna Gaines introduced the country to a new and popular trend on HGTV’s show Fixer Upper. They used simple horizontal planks with two opposing rabbet joints that overlap each other, called shiplap, to create a modern farmhouse trend that is spreading like wildfire in the building and remodeling industry. One may ask, why is it called shiplap? Historically in early ship building methods a form of shiplap, or overlapping of boards, was used to construct the hull of a ship and form a watertight surface. This is what eventually led to the common-sense name.
Before the days of sheetrock, shiplap was used to provide a sheathing between the exterior and the framing. Some have called it siding that you can use on the inside. “Shiplap is extremely popular because it is an easy solution for making a space look finished and interesting,” says Suzanne Porter, designer for local homebuilder Caleb Venable of Bluestone Partners Construction. “This material is at home in multiple design styles including traditional and modern farmhouse to coastal or contemporary.”
The material used for this can be authentic wood planks (or real shiplap) for a more rustic look or MDF, which is a medium density fiber board typically used in cabinet shelving, for a smoother, cleaner look. Shiplap paneling can add age, texture, rusticity, and a focal point to any room in your house, and it serves as a beautiful accent wall you can add to your home at an affordable price.
“In a modern space with white walls, a stained wall can really warm up the room,” Porter says. “I like to use pine or alder and stain it a very light natural color with a matte finish.”
Another way to describe this modern farmhouse trend is wood plank (tongue and groove) accents. People can use this cozy and less busy looking design above their fireplace and in their dining room’s ceiling to provide texture and interest where sheetrock alone would fill a space.
“Shiplap is actually a really user-friendly material, because it provides texture and interest in an otherwise empty sheetrock space,” Porter explains. “It eliminates the need for cluttering walls with mediocre art or needless accessories to fill space.”
Sutton Pitcock, co-owner, wife, and designer for local homebuilder Randall Pitcock of Pitcock & Croix Custom Homes in College Station agrees. “Wood treatments may be installed on walls and ceilings as an accent feature,” she says. “Ideally, I like the feature wall to ‘dead end’ into another wall so you don’t see the exposed edges where the wood planks stop. Likewise, the wood plank application works well in a ‘tray’ or ‘pop-up’ ceiling.”
Shiplap also brings a touch of the past to a modern trend.
“I have always been romantic about old homes,” Pitcock says. “I love this trend because it pays homage to classic, American homes. While we have materials now that weren’t available back then, often times, these same materials are all ‘function’ and little ‘form.’ Wood plank and shiplap walls work well with all styles of homes, adding character and warmth.”
How can one do this if wanting to remodel or renovate an older home? “DIY can be tricky,” Porter says. “Being in the industry, I always recommend hiring a professional. However, if you plan to take a shiplap project on I recommend measuring your walls and then having your shiplap or MDF cut to size at a local Home Depot or Lowes. This is usually free.”
These wood planks are available in 1x6’ or 1x8’ sizes at your local building company. “If you’re doing it yourself, first make sure you do your homework, and take your time,” says Denny Crutcher, salesman at Builders First Source in College Station. “Most people hire others to do it for them — either the contractor of a new home or remodeling contractor as this can be a complicated task.”
If you absolutely have to do this on your own, Crutcher says to decide which direction you want your shiplap to be laid out. Horizontal is the most common pattern. Then, he says to measure the wall and shiplap or MDF planks accordingly.
“Using real shiplap tends to be easier because it is already spaced correctly,” says Crutcher. “The boards lap each other if using real shiplap, or if using MDF you must ensure the planks are butted together with a nickel gap, or space the size of a nickel in between.” He recommends using a nail gun, not glue, to put the shiplap or MDF planks up.
Accent walls in new or older home can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 depending on the size and material. For more information on creating an accent wall using shiplap or MDF planks, contact Sutton Pitcock at sutton@pitcockhomes.com, (979) 764-7551, or www.pitcockhomes.com, or Suzanne Porter of Bluestone Partners Construction at www.bluestonebcs.com, suzanne@bluestonebcs.com, or (936) 615-5513.
