Vertical shiplap is most commonly called vertical tongue-and-groove, nickel-gap paneling, or car siding. While traditional shiplap features an overlapping rabbet joint, running the boards vertically or flush-fitting them usually relies on tongue-and-groove boards for a secure fit.
Meanwhile, vertical shiplap is more associated with modern or contemporary design. It offers sleek lines, dynamic texture, a clean look, and a modern and fresh feel to the space. The shiplap market is diverse, with many options of types, materials, textures, and colors.
While wainscoting is the broad category of lower-wall paneling, beadboard is a specific style within that category. Beadboard wainscoting is defined by its distinctive look: narrow, vertical panels separated by a small indentation or ridge known as a “bead.”
No, vertical shiplap is not out of style. While the heavy, horizontal “modern farmhouse” style has cooled, vertical shiplap has emerged as a timeless millwork staple. By drawing the eye upward, it elongates rooms, disguises wall imperfections, and adds a fresh, sophisticated texture to modern spaces.
You'll still find the charm and detail of shiplap panels, but with options like tongue and groove wood wall planks, fluted paneling, and limewashed walls, there's a lot more to explore.
A home typically looks outdated when it features overdone, time-stamped trends from specific past decades, such as honey oak cabinetry, popcorn ceilings, or generic word art. Outdated homes also often suffer from poor lighting, worn-out flooring, and heavy window treatments that block natural light.
Neither looks "better" overall; rather, the best choice depends on the height of your ceiling and your design style.
No, shiplap and wainscoting are not the same. The core difference is that shiplap is a type of material/board, while wainscoting refers to a design application.
Wainscoting is not outdated; it is a timeless architectural feature that remains highly stylish in modern interior design. While its traditional purpose was for wall insulation and protection, today it is used to add architectural character, texture, and a touch of elegance to any room.
Broadly speaking, basic white shiplap is no longer the height of fashion, with designers shifting toward smoother, "old-world" finishes like limewash and textured plaster. However, shiplap can still feel stylish if used intentionally in smaller doses or updated with modern styling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Shiplap Cladding
You'll want to use an adhesive for sure, but you should always use a 18ga brad nailer where you can hit a stud. Then use a 18ga or 23ga nail on the tongue and groove lap joints to secure the boards to each other.
Yes, shiplap can absolutely be installed vertically. While traditionally placed horizontally, vertical shiplap has become a popular design choice that modernizes a space, giving it a fresh, contemporary look while drawing the eye upward to make ceilings appear taller.
While shiplap is the most recognized term, it's just one of many options including beadboard, board and batten, and wainscoting.
Board and batten siding is a vertical wood siding made by installing vertical boards (usually 8″+ wide) along horizontal nailing strips let into the wall framing.
If you love the texture of shiplap but want to explore different styles, budget options, or easier installations, several alternatives can upgrade your space.
Vertical shiplap and beadboard are popular, textured wall treatments that serve very different aesthetics. Shiplap features wider planks with a distinct "nick" or gap between them for a modern, rustic farmhouse look. Beadboard uses narrow planks separated by a small, rounded raised ridge (the "bead") and is ideal for traditional, cottage, or historic styles.
Traditionally, wainscoting is installed on the bottom third of the wall. This helps to make the room look balanced and well-proportioned. For example, if your wall is 96 inches tall, the wainscoting, including the moulding and baseboards, should be around 32 inches high.
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.
Cons
No, vertical siding is not a fad. While it is currently trending, it is a historically rooted architectural choice with lasting staying power. It offers practical benefits, such as enhanced water runoff and the ability to make homes appear taller.
A tacky look isn't always the result of bad taste or budget mistakes. Designers say it often comes down to overcommitment—locking into trends, finishes, or layouts to the point that a home stops feeling lived in.
As we look toward 2026, one thing becomes clear: interior design is shifting toward spaces that feel meaningful, rooted, and deeply connected to the way we live. These trends highlight a collective desire for warmth, craftsmanship, and authenticity.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.