Give Stone a Shot For a more budget-friendly way to mimic this shiplap alternative, peel-and-stick stone is a great cost-effective option. Try white stone for the classic shiplap look, or opt for brown if you're looking to create a more rustic feel.
There is a huge cost savings to use plywood strips to create a shiplap wall instead of true shiplap boards. Faux shiplap is easier, and way cheaper!
Nickel gap boards are a great way to create a rustic look without the fuss of shiplap. They are similar to the previous shiplap look but now come in a broader range of colors, including flat whites that ignore the wood grain look for a cleaner, more modern feel. This option has narrow slots between each board.
Nickel gap siding is basically the modernist way to do shiplap that still has a tiny bit of a vintage appeal. The materials nickel gap comes in run the gamut—wood, MDF, etc., and you can find it in a variety of finishes or paint it as well. Generally, it's quite a bit cheaper than real shiplap too.
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.
In terms of affordability, shiplap planks typically come out on top. Due to their construction and a more clean-cut installation, which affects labor costs, shiplap is relatively cheaper.
Refined, clean-lined designs are replacing shiplap walls, barn doors, and rustic accents. More vibrant and colorful spaces are replacing the gray-on-gray trend. Warmer tones like beige, taupe, and jewel tones are starting to emerge, moving away from the cool, monochromatic palettes that have dominated in recent years.
Cost. Shiplap tends to be more affordable than beadboard paneling. That being said, the end expenditure will depend largely on variables such as material quality and professional labor fees. Both beadboard and shiplap can be painted or stained according to your personal preference, which can add to the overall budget.
Shiplap is Not Waterproof or Moisture Resistant
The wood planks are usually sealed with paint or stain, but this doesn't fully protect against water. If you need water-resistant material for an area prone to high humidity or dampness, consider using vinyl planks or other moisture-resistant shiplap.
Today, beadboard is still often associated with coastal New England homes, but is admired and emulated across the country.
Nearly all trends are cyclical, so just as we've had a resurgence of 90s fashion trends, we're also seeing a rise in interest in shabby chic. As with any trend, it's certainly possible to overdo it. If you want to avoid going overboard with the shabby chic trend, there are simple ways to rein in this style.
Shiplap: Flat, interlocking planks that connect using weathertight joints called rabbets. Tongue and groove: Flat, interlocking planks that connect using tongue and groove joints. Beadboard: Narrow wooden planks with a small ridge (called a bead) between each board.
Shiplap is quicker and easier to manufacture than tongue and groove, meaning the same species of wood will be cheaper as shiplap than as tongue and groove. Additionally, shiplap is quicker to install than tongue and groove, so it will be cheaper should you pay a professional for installation.
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.
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.
Shiplap has long been celebrated for its rustic charm and farmhouse appeal, but in 2024, it's taking on a fresh, modern twist. As a versatile and stylish design element, shiplap is being reimagined in innovative ways that bring a touch of elegance and warmth to any space.
Box moldings and raised wood paneling are gaining popularity as alternatives to shiplap. They bring a modern and sophisticated touch to any space, giving shiplap a run for its money.
So, what exactly is shiplap? It's rough sawn pine wood boards, often used in barns or historic homes for insulation. Others argue that it's used on old house exteriors for framing, just beneath the siding or in the construction of barns, sheds, and outbuildings.
Farmhouse decor has been a long-standing trend, but in 2025, it's getting a much-needed refresh. Gone are the days of overly rustic, cookie-cutter designs. This year, the look leans toward a more refined, modern farmhouse aesthetic.
Shiplap is the preferred option for quick, budget-friendly DIY projects, offering timeless visual appeal with minimal fuss. Slatwall, however, shines where utility and flexible storage are priorities. At Ninth & Vine, transform any space with the perfect wall finish.
For many uses, tongue and groove boards have been rendered obsolete by the introduction of plywood and later composite wood boards, but the method is still used in higher-quality boards.
If you're looking to upgrade your space, the cost to install a tongue and groove ceiling can range from $400 to $8,250 depending on size. The average project costs $2,000, and most homeowners spend $4 to $15 per square foot.