Ready to transform a room in just a weekend? A shiplap accent wall is a fantastic DIY project that adds character and style to any space. This guide will walk you through every step, from planning and prepping to installation and finishing, ensuring a smooth and successful shiplap weekend!
Planning Your Shiplap Wall
Before you even pick up a piece of wood, careful planning is essential. This stage determines the overall look, prevents costly mistakes, and ensures you have everything you need on hand.
Measuring Your Wall
Accurate measurements are the foundation of a successful shiplap project. Measure the width and height of the wall you intend to cover. Note these dimensions carefully, as they will directly impact the amount of shiplap you need to purchase.
- Width: Measure the wall horizontally at the top, middle, and bottom to account for any variations. Use the largest measurement.
- Height: Measure the wall vertically on the left, right, and center, again using the largest measurement.
Also, consider any obstacles like windows, doors, outlets, or light switches. Measure their dimensions and locations accurately; these will need to be accounted for when cutting your shiplap. A laser level can be useful for determining if your walls or floors are perfectly level. If not, this will influence your starting point and shimming strategies.
Choosing Your Shiplap Material
Shiplap comes in various materials, each with its own pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose:
- Wood: Traditional shiplap is made from wood, often pine or cedar. Pine is more affordable and readily available, while cedar is naturally resistant to moisture and insects, making it a good choice for bathrooms or kitchens. Look for kiln-dried wood to minimize warping or shrinking after installation.
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): MDF is a budget-friendly option that is smooth, easy to paint, and doesn't have knots. However, it's susceptible to moisture damage, so avoid using it in damp areas.
- PVC: PVC shiplap is waterproof, making it ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or even outdoor applications. It's more expensive than wood or MDF but offers superior durability in wet environments.
Consider the look you want to achieve. For a rustic aesthetic, rough-sawn wood is a great choice. For a cleaner, more modern look, smooth MDF or pre-primed wood might be preferable. Finally, think about the thickness of the shiplap. Thicker planks create a more substantial look but may require adjusting trim work around doors and windows.
Calculating the Amount of Shiplap Needed
Once you have your wall measurements and have chosen your material, you can calculate how much shiplap to buy. Here's the formula:
- Calculate the wall area: Multiply the wall width by the wall height (in inches).
- Determine the coverage per shiplap plank: Multiply the width of a single plank by its exposed height (the height after accounting for the overlap if the shiplap planks are overlapping).
- Calculate the number of planks needed: Divide the total wall area by the coverage per plank.
- Add extra for waste: It’s always a good idea to add 10-15% extra to account for cuts, mistakes, and oddly shaped areas. Round up to the nearest whole number.
Example:
- Wall width: 120 inches
- Wall height: 96 inches
- Wall area: 120 x 96 = 11,520 square inches
- Shiplap plank width: 6 inches
- Shiplap plank exposed height: 5 inches
- Coverage per plank: 6 x 5 = 30 square inches
- Number of planks needed: 11,520 / 30 = 384 planks
- Add 10% for waste: 384 x 0.10 = 38.4 planks
- Total planks to purchase: 384 + 38.4 = 422.4. Round up to 423 planks
Essential Tools and Materials
Having the right tools and materials will make the project run smoothly. Here's a comprehensive list:
- Shiplap planks: The amount you calculated earlier.
- Nail gun or finish nailer: For attaching the shiplap to the wall. An 18-gauge brad nailer is ideal.
- Nails: Appropriate length for your nail gun and shiplap thickness.
- Level: A 4-foot level is recommended for ensuring your planks are straight. A laser level can also be helpful.
- Stud finder: To locate wall studs for secure attachment.
- Measuring tape: For accurate measurements.
- Pencil: For marking cuts.
- Saw: A miter saw is best for making accurate angle cuts, but a circular saw or hand saw can also be used.
- Safety glasses: To protect your eyes from sawdust and debris.
- Ear protection: To protect your hearing from the noise of power tools.
- Wood filler or caulk: To fill nail holes and gaps for a seamless look.
- Sandpaper: For smoothing filled holes and rough edges.
- Primer and paint: If you plan to paint the shiplap.
- Paintbrush or roller: For applying primer and paint.
- Caulk gun: If using caulk to fill gaps.
- Spacers (optional): Coins or shims can be used to maintain consistent spacing between planks.
Consider renting tools you don’t own, especially if this is a one-time project. This can save you money and storage space.
Prepping the Wall
Proper wall preparation is crucial for a professional-looking shiplap installation. A clean, smooth surface ensures the shiplap adheres properly and looks its best.
Cleaning and Repairing the Wall
Start by cleaning the wall thoroughly. Remove any dust, dirt, or grease with a damp cloth and mild detergent. If the wall has any holes or imperfections, now is the time to repair them.
- Patching holes: Use spackle or joint compound to fill any nail holes, dents, or larger holes. Apply the compound with a putty knife, smooth it out, and let it dry completely. Sand the patched areas smooth with fine-grit sandpaper.
- Removing obstructions: Remove any baseboards, trim, or molding that will interfere with the shiplap installation. These can be reinstalled later to cover the edges of the shiplap.
Locating Studs
Finding and marking the wall studs is essential for securely attaching the shiplap. Use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark their locations with a pencil. Studs are typically spaced 16 or 24 inches apart. Drive a nail into the wall to confirm the stud location if you are unsure. It's helpful to draw a vertical line down the wall at each stud location for easy reference during installation.
Priming the Wall (Optional)
Priming the wall isn't always necessary, but it can improve paint adhesion and prevent the underlying wall color from showing through. If you're using MDF shiplap or painting a light color over a dark wall, priming is highly recommended. Use a high-quality primer and apply it evenly with a brush or roller. Let the primer dry completely before proceeding.
Installing the Shiplap
Now comes the exciting part – installing the shiplap! This step requires patience and precision, but the results are well worth the effort.
Determining the Starting Point
The starting point can affect the overall look of your shiplap wall. Most people start at the bottom and work their way up, but there are a few factors to consider:
- Level: Check if your floor is level. If it's not, starting with a level line is crucial. Use a laser level or a long level to establish a horizontal line a few inches above the floor. This will ensure that your first row of shiplap is perfectly level, even if the floor isn't.
- Visual impact: Consider how the shiplap will meet the ceiling. If you want a full plank at the top, you might need to start with a partial plank at the bottom. Measure the distance from the top of the wall to the ceiling and see how it aligns with the height of your shiplap planks.
Attaching the First Row
The first row is the foundation for the entire wall, so take your time and ensure it's perfectly level. Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the back of the first plank, and position it along your starting line. Use a level to double-check that it's straight, and then secure it to the wall studs with a nail gun. Use 1 1/4" brad nails for attaching the shiplap. Drive the nails at a slight angle for maximum hold.
Continuing the Installation
Once the first row is in place, the rest is relatively straightforward. Apply construction adhesive to the back of each plank, align it with the previous row, and nail it to the studs. Use spacers (coins, shims, or purpose-built spacers) to maintain consistent spacing between the planks. Check the level every few rows to ensure the wall stays straight. If you notice any deviation, use shims to adjust the planks as needed.
Cutting Around Obstacles
Cutting shiplap around windows, doors, outlets, and other obstacles requires careful measuring and precise cuts. Use a measuring tape to determine the dimensions of the cutout, and transfer those measurements to the shiplap plank. Use a jigsaw or coping saw to make the cuts. Test-fit the plank before attaching it to ensure a snug fit. For outlets and light switches, turn off the power before removing the cover plates. After installing the shiplap, you may need to use outlet extenders to bring the outlets flush with the new wall surface.
Finishing Touches
The finishing touches are what elevate a shiplap wall from a DIY project to a professional-looking feature. These steps include filling nail holes, caulking gaps, and painting or staining the shiplap.
Filling Nail Holes and Gaps
Use wood filler to fill the nail holes. Apply a small amount of filler with a putty knife, smooth it out, and let it dry completely. Sand the filled holes smooth with fine-grit sandpaper. Use caulk to fill any gaps between the shiplap and the wall, ceiling, or trim. Apply a thin bead of caulk and smooth it with your finger or a damp cloth.
Sanding and Cleaning
After filling the nail holes and caulking the gaps, sand the entire wall lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. This will create a smooth, even surface for painting or staining. Remove any dust with a tack cloth or vacuum cleaner.
Painting or Staining
If you plan to paint the shiplap, apply a coat of primer first. This will improve paint adhesion and create a uniform finish. Let the primer dry completely before applying the paint. Use a high-quality paint and apply it evenly with a brush or roller. Two coats of paint are usually necessary for full coverage. If you prefer a natural wood look, stain the shiplap instead of painting it. Apply the stain with a brush or rag, and wipe off any excess. Let the stain dry completely before applying a clear coat of polyurethane to protect the wood.
Reinstalling Trim and Adding Final Details
Reinstall any baseboards, trim, or molding that you removed earlier. This will cover the edges of the shiplap and create a finished look. Use a nail gun to attach the trim to the wall. Add any final details, such as decorative items or artwork, to complete the look of your new shiplap wall.
Maintaining Your Shiplap Wall
Once your shiplap wall is complete, proper maintenance will keep it looking beautiful for years to come. Here are some tips:
- Regular cleaning: Dust the shiplap regularly with a soft cloth or vacuum cleaner. Wipe down the wall with a damp cloth and mild detergent as needed.
- Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish.
- Touch-up paint: Keep a small amount of paint or stain on hand for touch-ups. This will allow you to repair any scratches or blemishes quickly and easily.
- Monitor for moisture: If you're using wood shiplap in a bathroom or kitchen, monitor it for signs of moisture damage. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You've successfully installed a shiplap wall. By following these steps, you’ve not only enhanced your home's aesthetic but also gained valuable DIY skills. Now that you've completed your shiplap wall, take some time to enjoy your handiwork and consider other home improvement projects you can tackle. Share your before-and-after photos on social media and inspire others to transform their spaces! The next step is to step back and admire your beautiful new accent wall. And then, of course, decide which room is next!