For aesthetic purposes, wooden planks are a great shiplap alternative. Keep in mind that wood planks do not fit into each other, so take care while installing – or hire a professional – to ensure they are straight and smooth.
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.
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!
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.
Some traditional design elements that we see in 2024 design trends are some of the same architectural details and design styles you've seen in the past and will see again in the future. These include classic home décor staples like statement chandeliers, wainscoting, and crown molding.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today, beadboard is still often associated with coastal New England homes, but is admired and emulated across the country.
Board and batten and shiplap are both outstanding choices for residential design, each with its own charm and versatility. Board and batten's vertical orientation and elegant lines add a touch of sophistication, while shiplap's horizontal profile invites a cozy and rustic feel.
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.
Joanna Gaines' style can be described as modern rustic, enriched with details and accents of different styles determined by homeowners' preferences. We see her very often combining rustic with industrial or farmhouse with vintage. Of course, modern or even glam accents aren't missing from her creations, either.
Depending on how it's set (horizontally vs vertically), painted, and where in the home it's featured – shiplap can find it's way into any home whether it's a traditional, modern, or industrial style.
Is shiplap considered timeless? Shiplap has been used for centuries. So while it's more likely to be found in homes rather than shipyards in 2023, shiplap isn't going anywhere soon.
Ultimately the consensus is that gray will never fully be out of style, but in 2024 there's a shift towards using warmer tones in our homes. 'For years grays have dominated the 'neutral' spaces in our homes, but warmer tones are making a comeback.
We call our product “Shiplap no lap” because our boards do not have a groove or lap. With our no lap boards they can be installed by simply butting edge to edge.
Shiplap may also prove better for external paneling in areas with temperatures that are prone to frequent changes because it's able to expand and contract more than tongue and groove paneling. Meanwhile, tongue and groove paneling is generally more stable because of its interlocking bond.
Shiplap is still very much in style. But what designers are seeing is we are moving away from using it to add a rustic farmhouse style to a room and instead keeping it sleek and simple to suit more modern spaces.
Key Takeaway: Picking a shiplap width can be a big decision, since it'll likely have a big impact on your living space. Six-inch wide boards are commonly used to create rustic, cozy atmospheres. For those working with larger areas or needing a bit more dramatic effect, eight-inch panels might be a better choice.