Key Takeaway: It's possible to install shiplap without having to purchase and learn how to use power tools. Construction adhesive and liquid nails work great to secure boards, and pre-cut planks remove the need for electric saws. And remember to stagger your shiplap installation for that classic look!
How to hang shiplap without a nail gun? You can use liquid nails instead of using a nail gun. You might want to just tap one or two nails into each board. This adds extra security.
Tip: If you don't have many/any wall studs to attach your shiplap properly, you can use construction adhesive. Apply a generous amount of adhesive to the back of your shiplap board. Then, place it on the wall and tack it with a finishing nail gun.
We always recommend face nailing shiplap when installing it on your walls, ceiling, and as exterior siding.
Yes. You can place it right over drywall or plaster. It it a great way to cover up some wall damage. If you do have a lot of damage you may want to try to repair it before adding shiplap.
For shiplap with a smooth prepainted surface, like our Timeless nickel gap shiplap, you'll want to use adhesive and nails. Instead of nailing through the face of the board, you'll only nail through the flange of each board to avoid any visible nail marks that will affect the overall look of your wall.
Drywall screws are more secure when installed properly, but drywall nails are much cheaper and, in certain areas, easier to put in.
Fasten shiplap using standard or painted trim nails (15 or 16 gauge). Fastener length should be long enough for 1 1/4”-1 1/2” of penetration into solid wood. Some boards may need to be trimmed lengthwise to fit the final dimension of your wall or ceiling. Use a table saw or circular saw to trim lengthwise.
Can you glue shiplap instead of nailing? Sure thing. Using construction adhesive or wood glue along with mounting tape can secure your boards without visible nails. Try peel and stick planks for an easy installation without using power tools.
Can You Install Shiplap Directly to Studs? Though not typically recommended, it is possible to install shiplap on bare studs. Check local building and fire codes and your homeowners' insurance policy to ensure you meet requirements. If you choose this route, insulate between the studs first.
If you want to use shiplap to create a seamless look, caulk is your best option. Caulk is a material many people use to seal joints and cover up nail holes. In the case of shiplap, caulk gives your boards' edges some nice and clean lines. You should finish your shiplap edges with caulk before painting the panels.
Go with finish nails for thick wood and brads for thinner wood. Finish nails are stronger than brads and offer more support. Select them for larger woodwork such as crown moulding. Pin nails are ideal for decorative moldings.
I just put several dots of the Liquid Nails on the board right before sticking it up. You'll want to push the boards on evenly and with firm pressure, but they stick well, so it's not hard. I left approximately 1/8″ (or the width of a coin) between the boards, so they would look like actual boards in shiplap.
Nails are a favorite for large jobs in construction because they're cheaper than screws and offer shear strength — or the ability to withstand shear pressure, where two surfaces slide past each other. But screws offer superior tensile strength over nails.
In the 1950s, Illinois fire-protection engineer Paul Quigg and a team of co-workers at the U.S. Gypsum Corp. perfected the drywall screw.
Conclusions. With many projects, you could use both framing nails nails and screws. However, factors such as tensile strength, shear resistance, holding power, and other building specifics might make all the difference when deciding on the best type of fastener for your construction project.
Faux-brick paneling may be a great shiplap alternative for you. It is better for renters as it is easy to install (just peel and stick) and easy to take down without damaging the wall underneath. Faux-brick paneling can be an easy DIY, saving you the costs of installation.
Attach First Row of Shiplap
Place a nail through the top and bottom of each shiplap board where it crosses a stud. Use adhesive to glue the board down first. Or, ask a partner to help you hold it in place.
To make sure boards are evenly spaced, place a nickel or quarter between the boards as a spacer. Some people like the look of visible nail heads on shiplap. To avoid visible nail holes, nail boards through the rabbet or tongue.
After installing the shiplap, or if they are already installed, clean the nail holes and fill with paintable caulk or spackle. Once the caulk or spackle is dry, sand the surface lightly. Roll or brush on a final coat of paint, using the small paintbrush to make sure the nail holes and grooves are covered.
Horizontal shiplap is the most common application in homes. It is also the easiest to install since you do not need furring strips like you might in a vertical application. The nickel gaps between your shiplap boards will create strong horizontal lines that give the illusion that your room is wider than it actually is.
You can install shiplap directly to your studs to save on time, money, and mess.