- Adalind
DIY Shiplap Walls: A Step-by-Step Guide!
Updated: 2 days ago
Hey there, DIY enthusiasts! Ever thought about sprucing up your space with a custom shiplap wall? It's simpler and cheaper than you might think. Let me walk you through creating your faux shiplap wall—it's a fantastic way to add texture and personality to any boring old wall.
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First off, you'll need to choose your materials. There are plenty of options out there, like real wood planks, reclaimed wood, or even plywood. For this project, plywood was used because it's not only budget-friendly but also easy to work with. Here's a handy list of what you'll need to get started:
Materials:
Underlayment Plywood boards
Nail gun nails (FYI Nail Gun listed below under Tools section includes 400 nails)
Spacers (I used a nickel but you can use tile spacers or a spare piece of plywood - just depends on how much space you want between each plank)
Paint of your choice to paint the wall and planks
Tools:
Table Saw – so you can cut the boards into planks
Compound Miter Saw – so you can cut planks to the length you want
Pneumatic Nail Gun (this one includes 400 nails)
Paint the Wall first!
I highly recommend painting the wall first. The reason for this is if you wait until the end when you paint your planks, you will work to paint in between gaps in the planks to reach the wall. This will be a very time-consuming and tedious step. So, this is why I say, paint the wall first! You won't have to try to reach in between the gaps later :)
Find the Studs
All right! Now that the wall is painted, let's continue with another crucial step: locating those wall studs. So grab your stud finder! Once you've pinpointed those studs, use a chalk line to mark a straight line from the crown molding (or ceiling) all the way down to the baseboards, directly over each stud. This ensures your shiplap planks will be securely anchored and perfectly aligned for a polished finish.
Chalk lines in blue, marking the studs:
Cut the Planks to size
Next, we grabbed our trusty table saw to slice down those large sheets of plywood into approximately 6-inch-wide planks. After factoring in the 1/8 of material lost to the blade with each cut, we ended up with planks that were 5 7/8 inches wide. Of course, feel free to experiment with different plank widths—going wider or narrower could bring a whole new vibe to your space!
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Get the Planks on the Wall!
Now, onto hanging these beauties. Start with an 8-foot-long piece and begin by applying a generous amount of adhesive to the back of the wood.
Because we knew the line under the crown molding was straight, we could align our first plank flush against it. If your ceiling isn't perfectly straight (which is pretty common), you might need to make a few extra cuts to ensure everything fits snugly.
Position the plank tightly against the wall and the crown molding. Once it's in place, grab your nail gun and secure the plank by nailing it twice—once near the top and once near the bottom—along each stud line you marked that the plank covers. This ensures a sturdy attachment and keeps everything nice and aligned for that crisp, finished look.
Next, measure the distance between the end of the last plank and the wall. Take another 8-foot plank and cut it to match this measurement. Apply some adhesive, fit it snugly against the wall, and nail it into the studs just like the first plank.
Moving on to the second row, use the leftover piece from the 8-foot plank you just cut. Position it below the first plank and ensure you use a spacer to maintain an even gap between rows. Slide the spacer in and check that everything is level and evenly spaced before nailing the board into place.
Repeat these steps for the next rows: measure, cut, fit, and nail. Always use the leftover from the previous plank for the next row and maintain that consistent spacer gap.
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Avoid a boring Pattern
Now, here’s the trick to avoid a boring pattern: periodically step back and check the planks. You don’t want them lining up perfectly like soldiers! If you notice a pattern forming, grab an 8-foot plank and cut it to a random length you haven’t used yet. Start a new row with this random length to keep a staggered, natural look.
By following these simple steps and keeping an eye on the overall pattern, you’ll create a stylish plank accent wall that adds charm and character to your space.
Fill in Nail Holes
Now that you have all your planks on the wall (woohoo!), fill in all your nail holes with spackling paste. Once dry, sand the nail holes smooth so they won’t show through the paint.
Before sanding the spackle:
After sanding the spackle:
Now for the Painting!
After priming the wall, I opted for a calming neutral paint color to coat the planks. Let me tell you, the result was absolutely flawless. I couldn’t believe how perfect it looked once everything was done.
Depending on where you’re installing your planks—whether it’s a room, a specific wall, or any other space—you might consider adding quarter-round trim to the edges for that extra finishing touch.
I’m beyond thrilled with how the entire project turned out. The boards went up smoothly, and now I finally have that coveted shiplap vibe in my home. It’s amazing what a little DIY effort can do to transform a space! Happy DIYing!
