What Is Shiplap?

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When it comes to interior design, there are a lot of technical terms to keep track of. One you’ve probably heard is “shiplap,” but just what is it, and how can you use it to bring new life and style to your space?

What Is Shiplap?

What Is Shiplap?

In the simplest terms, shiplap is a type of wall application that uses wooden boards cut with special grooves so each board will overlap the next, locking them firmly together so there are no gaps between them. Because shiplap could be used to tightly seal a room against water, these boards were often used in shipbuilding, as you might have guessed from the “ship” in the name.

How Can You Use It?

You can use shiplap to heighten the style of a plain ceiling, or to bring out the hidden beauty in an ordinary wall. Feel free to experiment with vertical or horizontal boards, or even take your creativity a step further by using shiplap for cabinet doors, backsplashes, or headboards. And although the classic shiplap style is finished by a coat of white paint, you can also choose different colors or leave your wood shiplap unfinished or coated with a light varnish for a natural, rustic look.

The potential for shiplap is almost endless, but there is one use that isn’t recommended. Shiplap is a great choice for your ceiling and walls, but options for shiplap flooring are typically not offered. This is because shiplap’s characteristic grooves create a lower dip between each pair of boards. While this might mean occasional dusting in other applications, in flooring, this would be very difficult to keep clean.

Interested in Heightening the Style of Your Space with Shiplap?

At Carolina Classic Pine, we’re proud to offer shiplap installation services. Call us today about getting yours!