How Do You Do Shiplap? A Family-Friendly Guide to Rustic Charm & Easy DIY

If you’ve ever scrolled through Pinterest or HGTV’s website, you’ve probably seen that shiplap is having a major moment in the world of interior design — especially in family-friendly spaces. But here's the real question: How do you actually do shiplap without losing your sanity (or your budget)? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step guide that’s safe for kids, fun for families, and stylish enough for pros.

Table of Contents

• What Is Shiplap Anyway?
• Why Shiplap Works in Family-Friendly Spaces
• Tools & Materials Needed
• Step-by-Step Installation Guide
• Pro Tips for a Perfect Finish
• DIY with Kids: Making It Fun & Safe
• Maintaining Your Shiplap Walls
• Buying Guide: Best Shiplap Panels & Tools for Families
• Conclusion

What Is Shiplap Anyway?

You might think shiplap is just a fancy word for horizontal wood planks on a wall — but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Originally used in shipbuilding (hence the name!), shiplap is a type of wooden board designed with overlapping edges to create a tight seal. In modern interiors, it adds texture, depth, and a cozy farmhouse vibe.

Feature	Description
Material	Usually pine, cedar, or MDF
Edge Design	Recessed edges that interlock
Installation	Nailed vertically or horizontally
Finish	Painted, stained, or left natural

Why Shiplap Works in Family-Friendly Spaces

Let’s face it: kids can be tough on walls. Whether it’s crayon art or accidental bumps, high-traffic areas need materials that are durable yet easy to clean. Enter shiplap:

• Durability: Resists dents better than drywall
• Easy to Repair: Damaged boards can be swapped out individually
• Style Meets Function: Adds character while hiding wear and tear
• Personalization: Perfect canvas for hanging artwork, growth charts, or photos

Tools & Materials Needed

Before diving into installation, gather your supplies. This isn't a project you want to start halfway through a Home Depot run.

Essential Tools

• Tape measure
• Level
• Brad nailer or finish nailer
• Miter saw or circular saw
• Caulk gun
• Sander
• Paintbrushes/rollers

Materials Checklist

• Shiplap boards (pine recommended for beginners)
• Wood filler
• Caulk (paintable)
• Primer and paint or stain
• Wood screws/nails

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Plan Your Layout: Decide whether you want vertical or horizontal orientation. Horizontal tends to make ceilings feel higher, while vertical gives a modern look.
2. Measure & Cut: Measure the wall and cut your first board to fit, leaving space at the bottom for baseboard or flooring expansion.
3. Install First Board: Use a level and secure it with nails/screws. Check frequently to ensure straightness.
4. Continue Adding Boards: Slide each new board into the groove of the previous one. Tap gently into place and secure with a nailer.
5. Seal Gaps: Use caulk to fill any small gaps between boards for a seamless look.
6. Sand & Finish: Lightly sand the surface, then prime and paint/stain as desired.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Finish

• Use pre-primed boards if painting to save time
• Stagger seams by cutting boards at different lengths for visual balance
• For corners, use miter cuts to create a seamless transition
• Don’t skip the filler – it makes the wall look polished
• If you’re unsure, practice on a scrap piece before installing

DIY with Kids: Making It Fun & Safe

Want to involve the kids without ending up in the ER? Here’s how to turn shiplap into a family bonding activity:

• Paint Party: Let them pick the color and help apply primer or paint after installation
• Design Time: Use painter’s tape to sketch patterns or borders they can fill in
• Decoration Day: Hang their drawings or growth chart right on the wall

Keep power tools off-limits, and supervise closely during sanding or painting steps.

Maintaining Your Shiplap Walls

Once installed, shiplap is pretty low-maintenance — but it still needs some love. Here’s how to keep it looking great:

• Clean Regularly: Dust with a microfiber cloth or soft brush
• Touch Up: Minor scuffs can be touched up with paint or stain
• Inspect Joints: Re-caulk if gaps appear over time due to humidity changes

Buying Guide: Best Shiplap Panels & Tools for Families

If you're not cutting your own boards from raw lumber, pre-made panels are a game-changer — especially for families short on time and tools. Here are our top picks for kid-friendly installations:

Top Shiplap Panel Picks

Product Name	Material	Size	Best For	Price Range
EverTrue Shiplap Wall Panels	Waterproof PVC	4' x 8'	Basements, playrooms	$50–$70
GreenHill Wood Planks	Pine	1x6x8ft	Living rooms, bedrooms	$15–$20 per plank
Modernica Interlocking Panels	Engineered Wood	Custom sizes	Professional-looking results	$80–$120 per panel

Must-Have Tools for Beginners

• Bostitch Brad Nailer: Lightweight, perfect for delicate work
• Dewalt Cordless Drill: Great for securing boards and anchors
• Stanley Level + Laser Guide: Ensures straight, even installation

When to Buy Pre-Made vs. DIY

Situation	Pre-Made Panels	DIY Boards
Kids involved	✅ Yes	❌ Maybe with adult help
Time-sensitive project	✅ Yes	❌ Longer prep time
Unique shapes or curves	❌ Hard to customize	✅ Easier to shape manually

Conclusion

So, how do you do shiplap? With a little planning, the right tools, and a sense of adventure — anyone can do it. Whether you're revamping a nursery, adding character to a living room, or creating a dedicated homework zone for the kids, shiplap offers style, durability, and flexibility.

It’s also a great way to bring the whole family together — even the little ones can help pick colors or hang decorations afterward. And with so many options available, from DIY wood planks to snap-together panels, there’s no reason to put off that farmhouse chic upgrade you've been dreaming about.

Now go grab those boards, clear a weekend, and let your inner designer shine. Your shiplap story starts today!