Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you start slapping boards on the wall, make sure you’ve got what you need. This isn’t the time to wing it. Here’s your base kit:
Pre primed shiplap boards (MDF or wood): Go with pre primed to save time. MDF is cheaper and smoother, wood gives you texture and sturdiness.
Nail gun or finish nails and hammer: Nail gun speeds things up especially with big walls. Hammer works if you’re patient.
Level and measuring tape: You’ll live or die by the level. A crooked wall is a long term regret.
Stud finder: Don’t guess. Find your studs the right way, so your boards stay put.
Saw (miter or circular): You’ll need clean cuts. Miter for angles, circular for straight shots.
Paint (optional): Whether you’re going neutral or bold, get it ready ahead of time.
Construction adhesive (optional): Adds extra hold behind the boards, especially helpful on wonky walls.
Spackle, sanding sponge, and caulk: Final touches matter. These smooth out nail holes, seams, and edges.
No flashy extras here just what you need to get the job done clean and tight.
Prep the Wall for Shiplap
Start by clearing everything out of your way. Remove outlet covers, take off the baseboards, and shift any furniture to the center of the room or out completely. This isn’t just about making space it’s about creating a clean slate to work efficiently and avoid damaging anything in the process.
Next, break out the stud finder. Run it along the wall and mark each stud with a pencil or painter’s tape. These marks will be your guide to securing boards so they actually stay put and don’t sag over time.
Measure your wall height and width don’t skip this. It tells you how many boards you’ll need and helps you plan cuts in advance. It’s also a good sanity check before you run to the hardware store.
If you’re using true shiplap with gaps between the boards, consider painting the wall a dark shade first. A deep tone hides the gaps and adds depth once the boards are up. It’s a small detail that makes a visible difference.
Select Your Layout Style
Before you grab the nail gun, think layout. The direction you run your boards seriously changes the vibe.
Go horizontal if you want the room to feel broader and more grounded. This is the classic, clean look that says farmhouse meets modern minimal. It plays nice with nearly any furniture setup and gives a calm, steady feel to the space.
Vertical? That’s your move for height. Makes walls look taller, ceilings feel higher, everything more pulled together. It’s a smart choice for smaller rooms or when you want a fresh, Scandinavian lift.
Now, if you’re feeling bold, go chevron or herringbone. These angled layouts pack visual punch modern, sleek, and eye catching. But fair warning: they take more planning. You’ll need precise angled cuts and a layout map to keep it symmetrical. Not impossible, just don’t wing it.
Pick your direction with intention. It’s not just style it’s structure.
Start With a Level First Board
This first board sets the tone get it right. Whether you begin at the top or bottom, make sure the board is dead level before securing anything. A crooked start throws everything off, and fixing it later is more hassle than it’s worth.
For extra grip, you can apply construction adhesive to the back of the board, especially if you’re dealing with old or uneven drywall. It’s not required, but it adds some hold.
Nail into the studs as you go. Don’t just tack the boards onto drywall hit solid structure so your wall actually holds up. A stud finder makes this part easier and more exact.
If you’re going for that classic shiplap look with defined lines, pop a nickel or tile spacer between each board. It keeps the spacing even and gives your wall that consistently clean gap all the way through.
Work Your Way Across the Wall
With your first board in place, it’s time to build out the rest of your accent wall. This part of the process requires patience, precision, and a keen eye for alignment.
Install Boards One Row at a Time
Keep momentum by installing the shiplap boards row by row:
Follow the level line set by your first board to maintain straight rows.
Apply construction adhesive to the back (if using) and secure each board to studs using a nail gun or hammer and finish nails.
Use spacers for consistent gaps between boards, if your style calls for visible spacing.
Stagger Your Cuts for a Natural Look
Avoid visible vertical seams that run straight up the wall by cutting boards at various lengths:
Use leftover board ends for starting each new row.
Lay out staggered joints at least 6 8 inches apart to avoid pattern repetition.
Think of the layout like brickwork intentional variation adds charm.
Cut Carefully Around Obstacles
Electrical outlets, switches, vents, or unusual wall shapes shouldn’t interrupt your flow:
Use a jigsaw or oscillating tool to create notches and cutouts in boards for a snug fit.
Measure twice before cutting to avoid unnecessary waste.
Stay Vigilant About Leveling
Even well built homes have imperfect walls. It’s important to check your alignment frequently:
Use a level every few rows to ensure your boards remain straight.
Make small adjustments as needed shims can help correct minor irregularities.
Slow down at corners and edges where precision becomes more noticeable.
Staying focused on these details ensures your final result looks clean, consistent, and custom built.
Finish the Edges and Gaps
Once your shiplap boards are installed, it’s time to bring the whole look together with fine finishing details. This step gives your wall a polished, professional appearance, making all the difference in the final result.
Fill Nail Holes
Use wood filler or spackle to cover up any visible nail holes left from installation.
Choose a product that’s paintable and dries quickly
Apply using a putty knife for smooth coverage
Let it dry fully before moving on
Seal the Edges for a Seamless Look
Caulking closes small gaps and creates a clean transition between shiplap and wall edges:
Use paintable caulk around all corners, ceiling lines, and baseboard edges
Apply a steady bead and smooth it with a damp finger or caulk tool
Wipe away excess immediately for sharp lines
Sand for a Smooth Finish
Before you paint or seal, make sure the surface is smooth to the touch:
Use a sanding sponge or fine grit sandpaper
Focus on any rough edges, filler areas, or splinters
Wipe dust off with a clean cloth to prep for painting
These finishing steps help your shiplap wall look cohesive and professionally done ready for paint, stain, or sealing.
Paint or Seal Your Shiplap
Once your boards are up and smooth, it’s time to finish the job right. Use a roller for broad, open areas it’s faster and more even. A brush comes in handy for getting into seams and between the boards where the roller can’t reach. Don’t skip this; unpainted gaps distract fast.
For the finish, matte or satin paints bring out that clean, cottage style look with just the right amount of softness. It’s classic without trying too hard. Want something warmer and more organic? Skip the paint and apply a wood sealer instead. This keeps the raw grain visible and adds a rustic, unfinished edge that works great in natural or modern farmhouse settings.
Either way, less is more. Don’t overwork the surface clean lines and purpose go further than trying to make it perfect.
Related Inspiration: Keep the DIY Momentum Going
Finished your shiplap project and ready for more?
Here are a few ideas to inspire your next weekend upgrade:
Spruce up your entryway with a custom built bench or shelving
Upgrade lighting fixtures for an instant modern refresh
Repaint a feature wall with bold or trending color tones
Install floating shelves to add both storage and style
Revamp old cabinets with new hardware and fresh paint
Whether you’re working with leftover materials or just feeling the DIY spark, small projects can make a big impact.
???? Explore These 10 Weekend DIY Home Projects That Add Instant Charm
Tackle one or plan them all these ideas will keep your space evolving with your style.
Final Notes: Built to Last
A well installed shiplap wall isn’t just a weekend vanity project it’s a design investment. Done right, it wears in, not out. Small scuffs, subtle warps, and even hairline cracks over time only add to the texture and story. It’s a surface that grows character instead of losing appeal.
Beyond looks, it also builds value. Shiplap brings depth and architectural interest to a space with minimal effort, giving plain walls a lift that feels both current and timeless. Whether you’re staging your home or planning to stay put, it’s a detail that quietly punches above its weight.
The upkeep? Straightforward. A light sanding and fresh coat of paint can refresh the entire vibe whitewashed cottage one year, moody olive the next. As design trends shift heading into 2026 and beyond, your shiplap can shift with them without tearing down a single board.