We always recommend face nailing shiplap and tongue and groove when installing it on your walls, ceiling, and as exterior siding. Face nailing means that you shoot your nail at a 90 degree angle to the board through the flat (or face) of the board.

Do you have to face nail shiplap?

We always recommend face nailing shiplap and tongue and groove when installing it on your walls, ceiling, and as exterior siding. Face nailing means that you shoot your nail at a 90 degree angle to the board through the flat (or face) of the board.

Does shiplap have to be installed over drywall?

Does Shiplap Go Over Drywall? You don’t have to put your shiplap over drywall if there isn’t existing drywall already in place. However, if you are simply remodeling a room, you can certainly put shiplap over existing drywall.

Is it hard to put shiplap on a wall?

Shiplap paneling can add instant character, texture, rusticity and a focal point to any room in your house. It’s affordable and easy to install with just a few basic tools — a saw, level, stud finder, hammer and nails.

Should you fill nail holes on shiplap?

If you are affixing shiplap using nails, simply place the board in position, and drive nails through the flange, and the face of the board. Afterwards, you’ll need to fill the nail holes on the face of each board with wood filler to create a seamless appearance.

Can you hang shiplap with Brad nails?

Shiplap can be installed directly to sheet rock/drywall. Simply mark the stud locations for nailing the shiplap or you can apply a construction adhesive such as liquid nails. … Use a nail gun with 18 gauge 1 3/4”long brad nails. Nail through the top flange which is the longer of the two flanges.

Do you screw or nail shiplap?

Nails are the best options when installing shiplap cladding. Trim nails are faster to install than screws since you do not need to predrill the material and won’t be risking causing unsightly splits.

Do you hang shiplap from top or bottom?

Although you will hear a variety of opinions, you can install shiplap successfully from the bottom up or the top down. Some like starting on the top so you have a full board showing up high, others like the full board at the bottom.

What size nails should I use for shiplap?

We recommend using 16- or 18-gauge finish or brad nails. 1-½” to 2” in length should be sufficient. Both gauges are strong enough to hold the lumber securely, but small enough as to not leave a large hole on the face of the board.

Do you start shiplap from top or bottom?

You can start applying shiplap either at the top or at the bottom of your wall. If you start at the bottom, gravity will work for you. If you start at the top, you’ll have to prevent each board from falling before you nail it in place.

Article first time published on

Do you put baseboard over shiplap?

Keep your baseboards, and install shiplap boards that are equal to or have a shallower depth. This way, your shiplap can rest atop your baseboards and won’t stick out. Use whatever shiplap you want and ignore differences in depth where the planks meet the baseboard.

Can you nail shiplap into drywall?

Good news—you don’t have to! You can install shiplap right over the drywall. However—and this part is crucial—you must first take the time to find all the studs within your walls and mark them carefully before you place a single board.

Can you install shiplap vertically?

Shiplap Orientation. … Shiplap is commonly installed horizontally, but it can also be installed vertically or in a unique pattern. When weighing the pros and cons, you’ll want to consider the size of the space, ceiling height, and your interior design style.

How do you hide seams in shiplap?

1. Once you have installed your shiplap, run a bead of acrylic caulk (also known as latex caulk) along the seams where the shiplap ends butt up to a wall, inside corner or molding.
2. Smooth out the caulk with a clean finger or rag so that the caulk fits neatly into the seam.

What kind of screws do you use for shiplap?

Use 2 in (5.1 cm) nails or screws to ensure that the nail will pass through the shiplap and deep into the studs. For each method, drive two 2 in (5.1 cm) nails or screws straight through the board and into the center of each stud.

Can you install shiplap directly to studs?

If don’t already have drywall installed, you do not need it as a base for affixing shiplap. You can install shiplap directly to your studs to save on time, money, and mess.

Can you install shiplap without a nail gun?

Maybe the best thing of with installing shiplap is that it doesn’t require a lot of tools to get the job done. A tape measure, long level, a nail gun, and either a good jig-saw, circular saw or chop saw is all you need. You can install shiplap by hand nailing – but it is easy to dimple the boards.

What is the difference between a brad nail and a finish nail?

Finish nails, or finishing nails, are generally made of 15- or 16-gauge steel wire, making them slightly thicker in diameter than brad nails. The added thickness means that finishing nails create a stronger hold than brads. … The greater diameter of finish nails leaves a wider hole after fastening a piece of wood.

Do you paint shiplap before installing?

If you’re installing new shiplap, paint it prior to installation. It will be far easier to paint the edges before the shiplap is up on the wall. … If the shiplap was already installed, paint it like wall (with a roller and cut in with a brush), taking extra time to paint the gaps and shiplap grooves with a small brush.

Can you nail into shiplap?

Tip: You can attach your shiplap boards with construction adhesive or nails or both.

Can you hang a picture on shiplap?

Shiplap can also frame a designated picture-hanging area above a fireplace.