Hanging shiplap vertically is a relatively simple process that requires basic carpentry tools, some patience, and a bit of extra strength for the larger boards. Here is a brief ‘how to’ guide for vertical shiplap installation:
1. Measure the area you will be covering with the shiplap and purchase the necessary materials. Depending on the size of the area and the type of shiplap you’re using, you may need to buy nails, screws and a nail gun, wood glue, wood sealer, wood filler and paint.
Also be sure to pre-cut the boards to fit the area.
2. Tip: Start the installation near the center of the wall. You can use a carpenter’s level for precise accuracy. Use a level with an inclinometer feature or spirit level to keep the boards in place from top to bottom.
3. Secure the boards using nails, screws or a nail gun. If using nails, remember to countersink them so they don’t come out. Start with the bottom board, and make sure that the other boards fit tightly together.
4. Add wood glue and a few small nails to hold the individual boards together. This will make sure that the shiplap won’t move after it is installed.
5. Fill in any nail holes and gaps with wood putty and then gently sand the entire wall to create a smooth, seamless finish.
6. Apply a wood sealer to protect the wood and the walls. This will ensure that the shiplap will stay in place and last longer.
7. Finish with a coat of paint. Choose a color that will complement the surrounding walls and other rooms in your home.
Following these steps correctly should give you a professional looking finish for your vertical shiplap installation. For any further advice or help, it’s always best to contact a professional carpenter.
Can you install shiplap cladding vertically?
Yes, you can install shiplap cladding vertically. This can be a great way to create a unique visual feature and add dimension to a wall. To complete a vertical installation, you’ll need to use nails, glue or screws to secure the shiplap boards to the wall.
If desired, you can also use furring strips for additional support. You can also add a water-resistant sealant onto the shiplap boards to create a moisture barrier. Vertical shiplap cladding requires expertise to install correctly, so it’s best to hire a professional if you don’t have the experience.
Vertical cladding also requires more precision due to the fact that, unlike horizontal cladding, there isn’t a natural tendency to straighten out minor waviness in the boards. Additionally, it’s important to measure carefully prior to installation to ensure the boards are cut to the right size, as this will affect how the cladding fits on the wall.
How do I install premade shiplap?
Installing premade shiplap is a relatively simple process, but does require the right tools and materials. The first step is to measure the wall you plan on covering and then buy enough shiplap slats to cover your desired wall space.
Once you’ve acquired the shiplap, cut it to the desired size with a saw. It is important to make sure the boards are level and secure while they are cut. Next, prepare the wall by clearing any protruding nails or screws and by sanding down any irregular surfaces.
Once the wall is prepared, you may begin to install the shiplap. Begin on the wall’s upper left-hand corner and nail the first board into the studs. Take care to make sure the top and bottom edges are perfectly flush.
If necessary, you may need to cut a niche in the board in order to fit it around any door trim or electrical outlets. When nailing the board into the wall studs, make sure to place a penny between each nail and the boards in order to provide enough space between boards for expansion.
Continue nailing the boards into the wall in a left to right manner until you reach the end of the wall. To attach the last board, you may need to make a few cuts in order to make sure the edges fit flush to the wall.
Once you’ve completed the installation, you can use a finish nailer to finish off the board edges and fill any gaps. You may also opt to caulk the edges for a more professional-looking finish. When the installation is complete, you’re ready to add wood sealant or paint to your shiplap.
Do you need furring strips for vertical shiplap?
Yes, furring strips are typically needed when installing vertical shiplap. Furring strips are thin pieces of wood which are used to level out surfaces, as well as provide a mounting surface for vertical siding.
When installing vertical shiplap, furring strips are placed horizontally on the wall. In many cases, the furring strips will need to be affixed to the wall with some type of adhesive, screws, or nails.
The furring strips will then create a gap between the structural wall and the siding, which allows the shiplap to be mounted directly on top of the furring strips. This is important as it ensures that the siding is securely in place and will not move or warp over time.
What do you put behind shiplap?
When installing shiplap, the material that you put behind it depends on where it is being applied and the desired look you are trying to achieve.
If the shiplap is being installed in a bathroom or high-moisture environment, behind the shiplap you should use a moisture-resistant barrier such as a vapor barrier or water-resistant drywall. This will help to protect the structure from water damage.
If the shiplap is being installed in a dry area, such as a bedroom or living room, you will not need a moisture barrier. Instead, you have several other options depending on the look you want to achieve.
You can install thin plywood or boards behind the shiplap. This will provide a more natural look and will help support the shiplap and keep it in place. Alternatively, you could also choose to use wood shims or furring strips behind the shiplap.
This will give the boards an interesting texture and shadow line and add additional support.
No matter which option you choose, it is important to apply the backing material securely and make sure that the material is free of nails, screws, and other easily damaged objects. Additionally, make sure to use enough nails or screws when attaching the shiplap to the wall or backing, and be sure to space them correctly to ensure that the shiplap does not shift or warp over time.
Should you glue or nail shiplap?
The decision of whether to glue or nail shiplap comes down to personal preference and the specific look you want to achieve. If you want the wall to look seamless and clean, gluing is a great option as it won’t leave any nail holes.
In most cases, gluing shiplap will also make it more secure and allow you to use the space more quickly.
That being said, the use of nails can create a more rustic, rugged look that’s achieved by deliberately using visible nail holes. When using nails, they should be at least 1 ¼ inches in length and at least 8-penny thick.
This will give the nails a more sturdy hold and help ensure that the shiplap remains secure. Furthermore, nails can be easier to work with and may be less time consuming than gluing.
Ultimately, whether you choose to glue or nail shiplap depends on what look you’re trying to achieve and how you want the area to be used. To ensure the best hold, it’s recommended to use both nails and glue together.
Can you put up shiplap without nails?
Yes, it is possible to put up shiplap without nails. Such as using construction adhesive, heavy-duty double-sided tape, or even basic woodworking joints. When using construction adhesive, you’ll want to make sure you are using the right type and brand for your particular wall and shiplap material.
You’ll want to apply the adhesive in a thin, even layer to the back of each shiplap board, and then firmly press it into place. With double-sided tape, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions, and use a high-quality tape that is rated for the full weight of the boards.
For a more permanent method, consider using woodworking joints. This involves overlapping the boards and joining them with either nails or screws, or by using a tongue and groove system, where the edges of each board fit together like a puzzle piece.
This creates the most secure attachment for the shiplap. Whatever method you choose, make sure you are using the correct amount of fastener per board and that you are adhering to the wall in a straight row without any gaps.
What type of nails do you use for shiplap?
The type of nails you should use for shiplap depends on the type of material you’re installing. For wood shiplap, galvanized or stainless steel nails are usually your best bet. They are sturdy, won’t rust, and provide plenty of holding power.
If you’re installing synthetic shiplap, use a stronger fastener like screws. You should also make sure the nails have a smooth shaft and are long enough to penetrate the studs they’re attaching to. That way, they’ll be more secure and less likely to pull out.
When hammering in the fasteners, don’t hammer them in all the way. Leaving a bit of a gap will help you get enough space for the next piece of shiplap. Finally, follow the manufacturer’s directions for any fasteners and make sure you use the correct size and type.
That way, your shiplap will be securely installed and look great for years to come.
How do you make shiplap look seamless?
Making shiplap look seamless involves a few steps. Firstly, the planks should be cut to the exact length of the wall, or slightly shorter for less detailed areas so there is no extra material. Secondly, the planks should be cut to the same width and thickness to ensure consistency.
Thirdly, the planks should be fitted together tightly to create a solid wall without any gaps or overlaps. Fourthly, shiplap should be pre-painted with a primer before final paint or stain is applied.
Lastly, the sides of the planks should be painted or stained to match the face of the plank to make them look more uniform and complete. By following these steps and taking care to measure and fit the planks correctly, shiplap will have a seamless look to it.
What direction do you install shiplap?
Shiplap is a popular wall and ceiling treatment typically used in farmhouse, cottage, or industrial-style homes. It’s usually installed horizontally and is a type of cladding composed of lap-jointed boards.
Install these planks by nailing them to the subfloor or wall and ceiling joists. Begin in the corner and work your way out. Work from top to bottom with the tongue side facing toward the wall. If you’re installing over drywall, make sure to find the studs behind it and use the appropriate screws and fasteners.
When cutting shiplap planks, use a miter saw or a table saw to get the precise angles needed for each end. Caulk the seams, then prime and paint or finish the boards for a polished look. For more in-depth directions, you can consult an online tutorial or read the owner’s manual for your tools, as proper installation is essential for the durability of the cladding.
Can you start at the top with shiplap?
Yes, you can start at the top with shiplap. Shiplap is a type of exterior siding that is typically made from pine or cedar and has a distinctive beveled look to it. It’s easy to install and can be used in a variety of ways depending on the look you’re going for.
It’s great for creating a modern farmhouse look, as well as a rustic look. When installing shiplap, it’s important to remember to use cladding nails or an adhesive that is designed to adhere to wood.
Make sure to leave a gap between each board to allow for expansion, as the wood will expand and contract based on temperature and humidity. You should also make sure the boards are level to ensure the siding won’t look uneven when installed.
Once installed, you can choose to paint or stain the boards to further customize the look.
How high should shiplap be on wall?
When it comes to installing shiplap on a wall, the general rule of thumb is to install it at least 6 inches from the ceiling or floor. If the space between the ceiling and floor is less than 6 inches, then a different type of trim should be chosen to give the wall a finished look.
The height of the shiplap is also affected by the type of shiplap chosen. For example, if you opt for tongue and groove shiplap, which normally has a thickness of 3/4-inch, the ideal placement should be with the bottom edge of the shiplap 5 inches from the floor.
It is also important to take into account the levels in the home. If the ceiling is not even throughout the room, it is possible to make a slight adjustment to the height of the shiplap to make it look even.
It is important to keep this slight imbalance in mind, as it will ensure that the the wall look aesthetically pleasing and uniform. Finally, if you are considering installing shiplap on a vaulted ceiling, it should be placed at the same height or slightly lower than the plane of the ceiling.
