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The cladding technique using shiplap has recently become a favorite of homeowners. Although the technique is not new, it has gained popularity for the beautiful finishes on the walls. However, the vast majority of homes have drywalls, making the transition to shiplap difficult. Some are more astute and think they can put one coating on top of the other, but does shiplap over drywall work? Today we are going to find out.
The shiplap is a technique of overlaying wooden slats on top of each other by a flange on the sides. Installation is simple, being an assembly process similar to putting together a puzzle.
The result, however, is a watertight wall against the elements of nature. Its resistance is so good that it is even a technique used to line boats.
Installing shiplap over drywall
Image source: Nicole Peters Interiors
As we mentioned previously, most homes have drywall, so installing shiplap seems like an impossible task. Removing the drywall is seen as an unnecessary task that generates an additional expense, so there are owners who consider that shiplap over drywall can be placed to take advantage of it as a support surface.
In case you had doubts if this was a viable alternative, you will be happy to know that it is possible, although the existing wall, either drywall or plaster, should be prepared for this installation.
The first thing to consider is if the wall is damaged. Bumps and small imperfections will not compromise the installation, so the shiplap can be used to cover them. It is best to repair serious damage before continuing.
Can you install shiplap directly to studs? Yes, in fact, they will be the support for the shiplap. However, you cannot start the installation if you have not previously found each of the studs on the wall and marked them.
How to install shiplap over drywall
Image source: Nicole Peters Interiors
If you have fallen in love with shiplap and want to install it in your home, you have two options to do so. The first is to hire a professional in charge of the installation, but this may be unnecessary considering that it is not difficult to do it yourself. The second option is to install it yourself, and you only need to follow a few steps.
By following this simple guide, you will be able to build a new wall that is commendable for home renovation programs.
Let the shiplap adapts to the weather
Wood is a delicate material when it comes to the weather. Sudden variations in humidity can compromise its integrity, making it very brittle for construction. So that this does not happen to you, you must let the wood adapt to the environment where it is going to be installed.
Leave the shiplap sheets several days in the room you plan to remodel so that it adapts to the environmental conditions.
Another thing you can do before putting shiplap over drywall is to paint the wall with a dark color so that, in case the wood cracks, it will hide.
The studs will be the support
The biggest problem with installing a new coating over an existing one is that you need to find the supporting structure to reuse it. In this case, the drywall is subject to studs, and these will be the base on which you will nail the shiplap.
The horizontal shiplap designs do not present so many drawbacks in this regard since the boards will be installed perpendicular to the studs, so they will always have one under them.
However, vertical installations are more complex since studs are located parallel to the shiplap and may never meet. In these cases, you will need to create additional support using ¼ inch cleats, which you will need to screw onto the existing support.
If this process is very complex, or if adding an additional board will greatly increase the wall’s thickness, you can choose to glue the shiplap over drywall using adhesive.
Regardless of your case, you should always determine where your wall studs are located before proceeding with the installation. For this, you can use a stud finder.
Installing shiplap walls
Now that you have identified all the studs, you can proceed to the installation of the shiplap. To join the planks, you will need special glue for this job. Most construction glues will work perfectly.
Remember that the adhesive can take several hours to dry, and if the planks are not held firm, they will come off. So you don’t have to spend hours holding a single board, you must use small supporting nails.
Put the tack nails in line so you can use them as a guide during shiplap installation. It will be enough for you to put a nail every three feet.
You will start the installation from the baseboard. Here you will glue a long wooden strip, maximum 8 feet long. Make sure one side is attached to the wall’s corner so you can use it as a reference. Complement the entire baseboard with more wood slats as needed.
Now, nail the 8-foot long plank and proceed to place another similar plank on it but on the opposite side of the wall and at least a penny apart. The penny measure will be enough to create the necessary tabs to install the shiplap.
Repeat this process with each new row, always alternating the position of the table to be able to overlap them.
As the wood will hardly be perfectly straight, it is best to use a level to check if it shows no serious deviations. If you find any blemishes, you can fill them with a leftover piece of wood.
To avoid deviations from being noticeable, start by installing each new row from the same corner, and always use the penny to create the gap between tables.
In case the wall has any electrical item like a switch or outlet, please measure it before you place the shiplap. Mark it with a pencil on the table and cut the piece with a saw. Remember that you must do the process in both tables.
Add a little color
Some woods have a beautiful natural design, but this is not the case most of the time, so you will have to paint the shiplap. Not only is it for aesthetics, but the paint will also give it an extra layer of protection.
The first thing is to apply a primer coat on which you can paint. Then, using a roller, paint the larger areas.
With a small, stiff-tip brush, you can outline the joints between the boards. You must remove excess paint on the joints before it dries or it will create unsightly bumps. Insert a paper sheet or cardboard into these notches to absorb the paint.
Since this is wood, you will most likely need two coats of paint to achieve the desired color.
Are there any benefits of installing shiplap over drywall?
Image source: Janet Shea Interiors
Installing shiplap over drywall has the benefit of having a previous support on which to work. This will allow you to have a guide to make a straight wall, in addition to being perfect for placing nails with which to hold the wood.
Also, by having two layers of cladding you can have greater control of your home’s temperature, as well as a more resistant wall against rain and snow.
However, it is always recommended to install the shiplap from the beginning. Drywall makes the process difficult because you have to determine where the studs are, and the result can be a thick wall that will take away space from your rooms.
FAQs about adding shiplap over drywall
1. What is shiplap, and how does it differ from regular wall paneling?
A groove (or “rabbet”) is cut into the top and bottom edges of a type of wooden board called a shiplap that enables the boards to fit securely together. As a result, there is a noticeable horizontal gap between the boards, giving the walls a textured appearance. While there are many other types of materials and styles available for regular wall paneling, shiplap does not have the same recognizable horizontal gap.
2. Can shiplap be installed directly over drywall?
Yes, drywall can be immediately overlaid with shiplap. Shiplap might not stick well to surfaces that are damaged or uneven, so it’s crucial to check that the drywall is in good shape and clear of any flaws. To aid ensure a stable installation, construction adhesive is also advised in addition to nails or screws.
3. Is it necessary to remove existing baseboards before installing Shiplap?
Although removing baseboards prior to installing the shiplap is not required, it is advised in order to achieve a seamless and polished finish. The baseboards can be taken out so that the shiplap can be installed all the way to the floor without any uncomfortable gaps or transitions. If you decide to leave your baseboards in place, you might need to install more trim to fill in any gaps.
4. How much does it cost to install shiplap over drywall?
Depending on the size of the room, the type of shiplap material used, and whether or not you decide to engage a professional, the cost of putting shiplap over drywall can vary significantly. Materials alone can cost anywhere from $1.50 and $10 per square foot on average, and installation fees can add another $2 to $5 per square foot.
5. What tools and materials do I need to install shiplap over drywall?
Shiplap boards, a saw for cutting the boards to size, a level, construction adhesive, nails or screws, a nail gun or drill, a hammer, a pry bar, a measuring tape, and a pencil are all necessary tools for installing shiplap over drywall. Sandpaper, wood filler, paint or stain, as needed, are additional materials that may be used.
6. Can the shiplap be painted or stained after installation?
Yes, you may paint or stain shiplap after installation to get the look you want. If you decide to paint, it is advised to use a primer first to aid in effective paint adhesion. If staining, be sure to choose a stain that is appropriate for the shiplap’s kind of wood and add a clear coat of sealant to shield the wood from moisture.
7. How do I ensure that the shiplap is level during installation?
It is advised to use a level and measure each board before nailing or screwing it into place in order to ensure that your shiplap is level during installation. Additionally, holding the shiplap in place while the nails or screws are being placed can be accomplished by utilizing construction glue.
8. What are the advantages of installing shiplap over drywall?
Adding texture and visual interest to your walls, hiding drywall problems or defects, and creating a more robust and long-lasting surface are all benefits of placing shiplap over drywall. Shiplap can also be used to produce a number of design styles, from the classic farmhouse to the contemporary seaside.
9. Can shiplap be used in a bathroom or other high-moisture areas?
Yes, shiplap can be used in bathrooms and other high-moisture areas. However, to avoid water damage, it’s crucial to pick a wood species that is moisture-resistant and to properly seal the shiplap. Shiplap is resistant to moisture and is frequently made from cedar, cypress, and redwood. Additionally, it is advised to paint or stain the shiplap with a waterproof sealer and utilize a waterproof adhesive.
10. How do I properly maintain the shiplap once it is installed?
Regularly cleaning the shiplap using a soft cloth or dusting tool to remove any accumulated dust or debris is essential for maintaining it effectively. It can also be necessary to touch up any places that over time develop chips or fade if the shiplap has been painted or stained. Additionally, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for any indications of water damage, especially in places with a lot of moisture like bathrooms, and to take immediate action to stop any problems from getting worse.
Ending thoughts on how to install shiplap walls over drywall
There are a couple of additional tricks you can apply depending on your drywall. For example, most drywall has a slightly rustic texture that doesn’t bother to install shiplap on it, however, there are rustic walls where it is best to smooth them first using sandpaper.
Do not completely join the boards or this could damage them. In the wet, the boards tend to expand a bit, and if they don’t have free space, they will start to crack and buckle. You should leave at least ¼ inch on the sides of the wall for the wood to expand. You can cover them with moldings if they are very noticeable.
Remember that the most important thing about a drywall installation is determining the studs’ location. As long as you have this under control, you should have no problems with the project.
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