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!
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.
The easiest way of doing (faux) shiplap is using plywood underlayment. You can buy this at your local Home Depot or Lowes. Before going to the store, measure out your wall to figure out how many sheets you'll need.
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.
Visually speaking, shiplap and tongue and groove wood paneling appear quite similar. Once they are installed, they look comparable, which is why many confuse the two. However, it's beneath the surface where there is a notable difference.
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.
Wainscoting is any style of wood paneling that is on the lower one-half to one-third of a wall, usually around the entire room perimeter. Wainscoting protects the wall from damage, especially in areas prone to impact, such as dining rooms or children's rooms. Wainscoting is commonly assembled from beadboard panels.
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.
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.
Compare price points for shiplap or tongue and groove paneling and you'll quickly find that shiplap is the more cost-effective of the two. This is due to the wider boards of shiplap and the fact that its simple design makes it easier and quicker to install.
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.
If you're looking for an eco-friendly shiplap alternative that exudes history and richness, then reclaimed wood planks are a great solution. Reclaimed wood is not only environmentally friendly, but it also brings a unique and earthy feel to any space.
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.
Vertical Shiplap
Can make a room appear larger–vertical lines will help give the illusion that your ceilings are higher than they actually are. Considered more of a vintage look, vertical shiplap can work well with rustic, period elements.
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.
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.
Beadboard differs because you get vertical grooves and small ridges between each board. This combination creates the beaded effect that gives the paneling its name. With beadboard, you lay a row of narrow, vertical planks on your wall.
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.
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.
“Car siding is made from tongue-and-groove panels that have an additional groove down the center of each piece, so that the wood is actually twice as wide as it appears to be,” adds Cristina Miguelez, a remodeling and design expert at Fixr.
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.
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.