Does shiplap look better vertical or horizontal?

Author: Miss Matilda Hagenes Jr.  |  Last update: Saturday, July 11, 2026

While vertical shiplap can make a room appear larger, horizontal shiplap can widen the look of a room, like in this powder room. Although it's a small room, the horizontal shiplap treatment broadens the look. Horizontal shiplap can look more modern than vertical shiplap.

Should I put shiplap horizontal or vertical?

My tip when it comes to shiplap? If your ceilings are low, choose vertical shiplap as opposed to horizontal, as this will make your space feel taller. The vertical lines will help give the illusion that your ceilings are higher than they actually are! And if in doubt, go white.

Should wood plank walls be vertical or horizontal?

If you want to give an illusion of more height then go for vertical (up and down) boards. Horizontal will make a room look a little wider. I think both would work well, I would personally go with the horizontal ones as I feel they are more coastal in style and more contemporary.

What is the most popular width of shiplap?

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. For best optimization of the nickel gap reveal, use in small to medium sized rooms.

What makes a room look bigger vertical or horizontal shiplap?

While vertical shiplap can make a room appear larger, horizontal shiplap can widen the look of a room, like in this powder room.

15 Shiplap Don'ts | What NOT to do When Installing Shiplap

Is horizontal shiplap outdated?

While shiplap has been used for centuries – and some designers are replacing it with other wall treatments – it hasn't lost its charm. It just takes a little out-of-the-box thinking if you really want it to shine. If you're tired of shiplap, try box moldings or raised wood paneling.

Is it better to have thick or thin shiplap?

Key Takeaway: Shiplap widths play a vital role in shaping your space's aesthetic. Wider 8-inch boards lend themselves to rustic vibes, while narrower 5 or 6 inch planks add to a fresh, coastal look.

What is the best gap for shiplap?

Typical nickel-gap installation allows for a 1/8" gap between boards that is covered by the lip of each board. Our shiplap paneling can be installed with the gap or with the boards pushed together. Because our shiplap is distressed, perfect gap alignment using spacers isn't necessary as long as the boards are straight.

What kind of wood is best for shiplap?

Cedarwood is the best material for shiplap siding because, among other woods commonly used, it is the most water-resistant.

Should I use horizontal or vertical lines on wall?

Vertical stripes can make your wall appear higher. Horizontal stripes can make your space seem larger.

Should plywood walls be vertical or horizontal?

Here, it's clear that horizontal sheathing outperforms vertical, especially at higher wind speeds. For example, in areas categorized as Exposure B— places where obstructions, such as suburban or wooded areas, temper the wind—a 3⁄8-in.

Should wood walls be horizontal or vertical?

Horizontal panels give a calm and stable look, while vertical panels stimulate movement of the eye up across height. A mix of both also is a great opportunity to lift up the appearance of your home.

How can I make my shiplap look better?

He suggests taking your existing shiplap in a moodier direction. Darker, muddier colors will help your shiplap feel more updated. If you're not ready to commit to a whole new paint color in your home, Devlin says that styling the surrounding space with updated materials can make a world of difference.

Should shiplap be nailed or screwed?

What nails to use to install shiplap cladding. Galvanised nails should be used; this will prevent staining occurring in the event of corrosion. As with screws, nails should be at least 2.5 times the thickness of the board.

Should shiplap be vertical or horizontal?

It can make a room look wider than it is. So, if you want to make a room look or feel larger than it is, horizontal is the way to go. Horizontal shiplap is also commonly applied behind staircases because it balances the stairs' vertical direction while extending the stairs' appearance.

What is the best direction for shiplap?

Shiplap looks great as a horizontal application on staircases because the shiplap lines become extensions of the stairs. It also balances the vertical direction of moving up or down stairs. Horizontal shiplap as a backsplash acts as counterweight to cupboards that often hold some vertical visual weight.

What is the most popular size of shiplap?

Fortunately, shiplap comes in numerous widths to best fit the interior design of your home; however, 5 ½-inch and 7 ¼ -inch are the most commonly used widths. You can use one width of shiplap board to create your home's style, or you can mix the widths to create a unique design.

What is the new trend instead of shiplap?

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.

Does Joanna Gaines like shiplap?

It's no secret that Chip and Joanna Gaines are fans of designing with shiplap, a rough-sawn pine paneling often used in barns and historic homes. Get shiplap ideas from some of the most spectacular ways the 'Fixer Upper' stars have used this versatile material.

Is shiplap a dying trend?

She says shiplap requests “have definitely cooled off” in the last year. “We've even had clients eliminate it at the last minute, worried it was too trendy,” Conte adds. Designers who participated in Apartment Therapy's 2024 design trend prediction survey agreed, saying this is the year to say goodbye to shiplap.

What is the trend in shiplap in 2024?

Top Shiplap Trends for 2024

Deep blues, charcoal grays, and even black shiplap are becoming the go-to choices for adding depth and sophistication to living rooms, bedrooms, and even kitchens. These rich hues create a dramatic backdrop that makes other design elements pop, providing a bold yet cozy atmosphere.

What looks like shiplap but is cheaper?

5 Alternative Materials for Shiplap Ceilings
  • Beadboard. Beadboard is a type of paneling made from narrow boards or panels with a series of evenly spaced, convex-shaped beads or grooves along one edge of each board. ...
  • PVC Panels. ...
  • Tongue and Groove Paneling. ...
  • Wood Look-Alike Panels. ...
  • Painted Plywood or MDF Panels.

What are the disadvantages of shiplap?

Cons of Using Shiplap

One potential issue is that the wood planks may not be waterproof or moisture resistant so additional protection might be needed. This can be accomplished by using water-resistant stain or paint if installing shiplap near sinks or showers.

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