Yes, you can absolutely do too much shiplap. Applying it to every surface can make a room feel cramped, cluttered, or dated, as it traps dust and can easily overpower a space.
There is such a thing as too much. If you feel like you need something else you could do wallpaper behind the dining table on one wall. I love shiplap, beadboard and board and batten. I would just say they make a great focal walls, but if you put them everywhere you'll have the opposite effect.
You'll still find the charm and detail of shiplap panels, but with options like tongue and groove wood wall planks, fluted paneling, and limewashed walls, there's a lot more to explore.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Shiplap Cladding
Broadly speaking, basic white shiplap is no longer the height of fashion, with designers shifting toward smoother, "old-world" finishes like limewash and textured plaster. However, shiplap can still feel stylish if used intentionally in smaller doses or updated with modern styling.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
In 2026, the dominant wood style embraces organic warmth, moving away from cool greys and uniform finishes in favor of natural textures and earthy character.
To achieve a flawless shiplap installation, avoid common missteps like skipping the The Spruce step of calculating your layout to prevent thin slivers at the top or bottom, failing to check for levelness, and nailing too close to edges without using studs.
1x6 shiplap boards are the most commonly used width of shiplap. Smaller than the 1x8 inch width, this 6-inch shiplap size provides the most classic, versatile look.
When using traditional shiplap, look to soft white hues for balance. We like Cloud White 967, shown here, White Dove OC-17 or Swiss Coffee OC-45. Add a fun graphic rug or woven accents to nod to the seafaring beginnings of shiplap design.
Interior design in 2026 rejects stark minimalism and cool grays, focusing instead on warmth, deep earthy tones, and layered textures. The current aesthetic heavily prioritizes coziness, traditional detailing, and sustainable materials to create curated, "lived-in" spaces over ultra-luxurious, showroom-like environments.
You don't have to take down your shiplap. You can refresh it with different paint and styling techniques. Conicella suggests that traditional white or cream shiplap may make your rooms feel outdated. For a more modern edge, you should consider going in a moodier direction with darker, earthier tones.
The hottest countertop trends are a shift toward warm, creamy, and natural color palettes, replacing glossy finishes with matte, honed, or leathered textures. For materials, Quartzite and natural stone are surging in popularity as homeowners pivot toward authentic, unique materials.
If you love the texture of shiplap but want to explore different styles, budget options, or easier installations, several alternatives can upgrade your space.
To make a home look expensive, rely on sophisticated neutrals, earthy greens, or muted blues rather than stark whites or highly saturated brights. High-end spaces feel cohesive and intentional, using layered tones, natural materials, and high-quality finishes to create a calm, custom feel.
Shiplap boards run $2 to $7 per square foot in materials. But that's only half the story. Once you add a contractor's labor ($50–$100/hour, typically 8–16 hours for an average room), primer, finishing nails, a rented nail gun, and edge trim—traditional shiplap costs $15 to $30 per square foot installed.
Joanna Gaines actually created a dedicated paint shade named "Shiplap" in her Magnolia Home paint line (color code JG-22). It is a creamy, weathered white that provides a warm and timeless feel, avoiding the harshness of sterile, stark whites.
Shiplap Kitchen Wall Ideas
Shiplap looks gorgeous in a kitchen because of how well it goes with things like stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, and natural light from a kitchen window.
In general, a flat or matte finish is often recommended for its ability to hide imperfections and give living spaces a rustic look. If your shiplap is in a high-traffic area, semi-gloss or satin sheens might be better suited—due to how easy they are to keep clean.
A big complaint from those with shiplap in their homes is that it is a magnet for dust. Dust will settle in the gaps and grooves and can make the space look dirty. 2. If not installed correctly, shiplap can warp or rot.
Beadboard is generally cheaper than shiplap in material costs, running about $1 to $4 per square foot, largely because it is often sold in large 4x8-foot MDF or wood veneer sheets. However, because shiplap requires significantly less labor to install and self-spaces, it often results in a lower total installed cost if you are hiring a professional contractor.
The choice between vertical and horizontal shiplap comes down to the aesthetic you want to achieve and the dimensions of your room. Horizontal is a staple of modern farmhouse design and makes a room feel wider. Vertical feels more modern, contemporary, or cottage-like, and creates the illusion of higher ceilings.
Yes, you can nail through the tongue of shiplap or tongue-and-groove boards at a 45-degree angle (called blind nailing or toe-nailing). This hides the nail heads for a seamless finish. However, to secure the board firmly and prevent the bottom edge from bowing, you should also face-nail the top overlapping edge.
The best method depends on the location and look you want. For inside corners and tight seams, caulk gives the cleanest result. For outside corners and edges where shiplap meets doorframes, trim or corner molding is more durable. Butt joints work well for inside corners where a minimal visible seam is acceptable.