What is a cheaper option for shiplap?

Author: Friedrich Simonis  |  Last update: Thursday, March 19, 2026

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! Buying pre-cut shiplap can be super expensive. Why not learn to cut your own shiplap, and save your money for other renovations?

Is there a cheaper alternative to shiplap?

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!

What is the new trend instead of shiplap?

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.

What is a cheap alternative to tongue and groove?

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. But it all comes down to the material, size of the room or project and sometimes even the area in which you live.

Is beadboard cheaper than shiplap?

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.

A Cheaper and Easier Alternative to Shiplap... Nickle Gap

Is shiplap out of style in 2024?

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.

What are the pros and cons of beadboard?

Beadboard, characterized by vertically grooved panels, adds a traditional touch to interiors. Advantage: Easy installation and versatility make it suitable for various design styles. Disadvantage: Susceptible to moisture damage and challenging to clean the ridges effectively.

Is slat wall better than shiplap?

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.

Is nickel gap cheaper than tongue and groove?

Nickel gap shiplap is often cheaper than tongue and groove because the amount of time and labor required for installation are typically less.

What is the average price for tongue and groove?

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.

What is taking the place of shiplap?

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.

What is replacing shiplap 2025?

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.

Is beadboard outdated?

Today, beadboard is still often associated with coastal New England homes, but is admired and emulated across the country.

Why not to use shiplap?

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.

Does shiplap make a room look bigger or smaller?

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.

Is it cheaper to drywall or shiplap?

Is it cheaper to shiplap or drywall? Drywall is generally cheaper than shiplapping walls, with an average cost of around $1.50 - $2 per sq foot. However, shiplapped walls bring a unique aesthetic to rooms that drywall can't match. For this reason, many homeowners find that the higher price point is justified.

What is better than shiplap?

Reeded or Fluted Panels

"One example, called Tambour, is a great alternative to shiplap because it provides visual dimension while feeling a bit more bespoke.”

Is tongue and groove outdated?

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.

What is nickel shiplap?

Nickel gap is the spacing in between shiplap planks, coining its name from the idea that you could slot a nickel into each of the spaces. Traditional shiplap planks butt right up next to each other without any gaps, but UFP-Edge Timeless nickel gap shiplap features built-in spacing between each board.

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.

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.

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.

Which is less expensive beadboard or shiplap?

Cost. Shiplap costs an average of $1,000 to install, or between $2.50 and $7 per square foot. Beadboard and similar wood paneling costs around $1,325 on average, or about $7 to $20 per square foot.

What is vertical shiplap called?

Kinds of wainscoting panel techniques: -Wall -Flat -Beaded (Beadboard, Vertical) -Raised -and Shiplap (Horizontal) The boards were made from wood of ships; boards from ships that overlap hence “shiplap”) Ways to do the wall, flat, beaded, and raised paneling: -Board and Batten -Overlay.

What is half-wall paneling called?

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.

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