Vertical shiplap has become a staple in modern home design, offering a unique and visually appealing alternative to traditional horizontal installations. This style of shiplap can add texture, depth, and visual interest to any room, making it a popular choice among homeowners and designers alike. However, hanging vertical shiplap requires careful planning and execution to achieve a professional-looking result. In this article, we will delve into the world of vertical shiplap, exploring the benefits, materials needed, and a step-by-step guide on how to hang it like a pro.
Benefits of Vertical Shiplap
Before we dive into the installation process, let’s take a look at the benefits of choosing vertical shiplap for your home.
Aesthetic Appeal
Vertical shiplap offers a unique and eye-catching visual effect that can elevate the style of any room. The vertical lines create a sense of height, making ceilings appear higher and rooms feel more spacious. This style of shiplap is particularly effective in small rooms, as it can create the illusion of more space.
Durability
Shiplap is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand the test of time. When installed correctly, vertical shiplap can resist warping, cracking, and fading, ensuring that your walls remain looking great for years to come.
Easy to Install
While hanging vertical shiplap requires some planning and effort, it is generally easier to install than other types of wall coverings. With the right tools and materials, you can achieve a professional-looking result without the need for specialized labor.
Materials Needed
Before you start hanging your vertical shiplap, make sure you have the following materials:
- Shiplap boards ( choose your desired width and length)
- 2×4 lumber for framing (if necessary)
- Wood glue
- 1-1/4″ wood screws
- 1-1/2″ wood screws
- Finishing nails
- Joint compound (for filling gaps)
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain (optional)
Preparing the Wall
Before you can start hanging your vertical shiplap, you need to prepare the wall. This involves checking for any electrical outlets, switches, or windows, and marking their locations.
Locating Studs
To ensure that your shiplap is securely attached to the wall, you need to locate the studs. You can use a stud finder to identify the location of the studs, or knock gently on the wall to find the spot where the sound changes.
Marking the Wall
Once you have located the studs, mark their location on the wall using a pencil. This will help you to align your shiplap boards correctly.
Checking for Electrical Outlets and Switches
Make sure to check for any electrical outlets or switches on the wall, and mark their location. You will need to cut around these areas when installing your shiplap.
Installing the Shiplap
Now that your wall is prepared, you can start installing your vertical shiplap. Follow these steps to achieve a professional-looking result:
Starting from the Center
Begin by installing the first board in the center of the wall, ensuring that it is aligned with the marks you made earlier. Use a level to ensure that the board is straight, and secure it to the wall using 1-1/4″ wood screws.
Working Your Way Outwards
Once the first board is in place, start working your way outwards, installing each board to the left and right of the center board. Make sure to leave a 1/8″ gap between each board, and use a spacer to maintain even spacing.
Securing the Boards
Use 1-1/4″ wood screws to secure each board to the wall, making sure to screw into the studs whenever possible. If you are installing over drywall, use 1-1/2″ wood screws to ensure a secure hold.
Cutting Around Electrical Outlets and Switches
When you reach an electrical outlet or switch, use a jigsaw or coping saw to cut around the area. Make sure to leave enough space for the outlet or switch to fit snugly into the gap.
Finishing Touches
Once you have installed all of the shiplap boards, it’s time to add the finishing touches.
Filling Gaps
Use joint compound to fill any gaps between the boards, and sand smooth once dry.
Sanding and Painting
Sand the entire wall to smooth out any rough edges or splinters, and paint or stain the shiplap to match your desired color and style.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when hanging vertical shiplap:
Use a Level
Make sure to use a level to ensure that each board is straight and level. This will help to prevent any unevenness or warping.
Leave Even Spacing
Use a spacer to maintain even spacing between each board, ensuring a professional-looking result.
Secure the Boards
Make sure to secure each board to the wall using wood screws, screwing into the studs whenever possible.
By following these steps and tips, you can achieve a beautiful and timeless vertical shiplap installation that will elevate the style of any room. Remember to take your time, plan carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. With a little patience and practice, you can create a stunning vertical shiplap feature wall that will be the envy of all your friends and family.
What is vertical shiplap and how does it differ from traditional shiplap?
Vertical shiplap is a type of decorative wall treatment that involves installing wooden boards in a vertical orientation, typically with a small gap between each board. Unlike traditional shiplap, which is installed horizontally, vertical shiplap creates a unique and visually striking appearance that can add depth and interest to a room. The vertical orientation of the boards can also help to create the illusion of higher ceilings and make a room feel more spacious.
One of the key benefits of vertical shiplap is its versatility. It can be used to create a variety of different looks, from rustic and cozy to modern and sleek. By choosing different types of wood, finishes, and installation patterns, homeowners can customize the appearance of their vertical shiplap to suit their personal style and decor. Additionally, vertical shiplap can be used to add texture and visual interest to a room, making it a great option for homeowners who want to create a unique and eye-catching feature wall.
What are the benefits of hanging vertical shiplap in a room?
Hanging vertical shiplap in a room can have a number of benefits, both aesthetically and functionally. One of the main benefits is that it can help to create a sense of height and make a room feel more spacious. This is especially useful in rooms with low ceilings, as the vertical orientation of the boards can help to draw the eye upwards and create the illusion of more space. Additionally, vertical shiplap can be used to add texture and visual interest to a room, making it a great option for homeowners who want to create a unique and eye-catching feature wall.
Another benefit of vertical shiplap is that it can be used to hide imperfections in the wall. Because the boards are installed with a small gap between each one, they can help to conceal any bumps, scratches, or other imperfections in the wall. This can be especially useful in older homes or homes with uneven walls. Additionally, vertical shiplap can be used to create a sense of continuity and flow in a room, making it a great option for homeowners who want to create a cohesive and harmonious space.
What type of wood is best suited for vertical shiplap?
The type of wood that is best suited for vertical shiplap will depend on the desired look and feel of the finished product. Some popular options include pine, spruce, and fir, which are all relatively inexpensive and can be stained or painted to match the desired color and style. For a more rustic or distressed look, homeowners may want to consider using reclaimed or salvaged wood, which can add a unique and character-filled touch to the room.
It’s also worth considering the durability and maintenance requirements of the wood. For example, hardwoods like oak and maple are more durable and resistant to scratches and dents than softwoods like pine and spruce. However, they can also be more expensive and may require more maintenance to keep them looking their best. Ultimately, the type of wood that is best suited for vertical shiplap will depend on the homeowner’s personal preferences and priorities.
How do I prepare my walls for vertical shiplap installation?
Before installing vertical shiplap, it’s essential to prepare the walls properly to ensure a smooth and successful installation. The first step is to clean the walls thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may be present. This will help to ensure that the shiplap boards adhere properly to the wall and that the finished product looks its best. Next, any holes or imperfections in the wall should be filled with spackling compound and sanded smooth.
It’s also a good idea to check the walls for any electrical outlets or switches that may need to be relocated or adjusted to accommodate the shiplap installation. Additionally, homeowners should ensure that the walls are dry and free of any moisture or water damage, as this can affect the integrity of the shiplap installation. Finally, a level should be used to ensure that the walls are straight and plumb, as this will help to ensure that the shiplap boards are installed properly and that the finished product looks its best.
What is the best way to install vertical shiplap?
The best way to install vertical shiplap will depend on the specific design and layout of the room, as well as the type of wood and materials being used. However, there are a few general tips and best practices that can help to ensure a successful installation. First, it’s essential to start with a level and plumb line to ensure that the first board is installed properly. From there, the remaining boards can be installed using a combination of nails and construction adhesive.
One of the key things to keep in mind when installing vertical shiplap is to leave a small gap between each board. This will help to create a sense of depth and visual interest, and can also help to conceal any imperfections in the wall. Additionally, homeowners should use a level and a straightedge to ensure that the boards are installed straight and level, and that the finished product looks its best. It’s also a good idea to work from the center of the wall outwards, as this can help to ensure that the boards are installed symmetrically and that the finished product looks balanced and harmonious.
Can I install vertical shiplap over existing drywall or plaster?
In most cases, it is possible to install vertical shiplap over existing drywall or plaster. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before doing so. First, it’s essential to ensure that the existing wall is dry and free of any moisture or water damage, as this can affect the integrity of the shiplap installation. Additionally, homeowners should check the wall for any electrical outlets or switches that may need to be relocated or adjusted to accommodate the shiplap installation.
It’s also a good idea to use a specialized adhesive or construction adhesive to secure the shiplap boards to the existing wall. This will help to ensure that the boards are properly attached and that the finished product looks its best. In some cases, it may also be necessary to add additional support or backing to the wall to ensure that it can hold the weight of the shiplap boards. This can be especially true in older homes or homes with uneven walls.
How do I finish and maintain my vertical shiplap installation?
Once the vertical shiplap installation is complete, it’s essential to finish and maintain it properly to ensure that it looks its best and lasts for years to come. One of the first steps is to sand the entire installation to smooth out any rough edges or splinters. From there, homeowners can stain or paint the shiplap to match the desired color and style.
To maintain the vertical shiplap installation, homeowners should dust it regularly to remove any dirt or debris that may accumulate. Additionally, any spills or stains should be cleaned up promptly to prevent them from damaging the wood. In some cases, it may also be necessary to apply a clear coat or sealant to protect the wood and ensure that it lasts for years to come. By following these simple steps, homeowners can enjoy their vertical shiplap installation for years to come and keep it looking its best.