Why do old houses have shiplap?

Author: Faustino Gerlach  |  Last update: Monday, February 2, 2026

So it gives excellent weather protection, allows for movement, and is perfect for outdoor use. To take things a step further, some say that this material actually comes from containers that were once used to ship cargo, so it's common in old homes that were built along the railway.

Why was shiplap used in old homes?

``Shiplap'', also known as tongue and groove, was quite a common wall covering in working class houses and more rural communities because it was cheap, readily available, and didn't require any skill to put up. It looked better than just nailing planks to the frame!

What is so special about shiplap?

Benefits of Using Shiplap

The boards are made from interlocking pieces of wood that fit together snugly without the need for nails for screws. This makes them strong enough to withstand wear and tear while still adding appeal to any living space.

What is the new trend instead of shiplap?

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.

What are the downsides of shiplap?

Cons of Shiplap
  • A big complaint from those with shiplap in their homes is that it is a magnet for dust. Dust will settle in the gaps and grooves and can make the space look dirty.
  • If not installed correctly, shiplap can warp or rot. ...
  • Shiplap can make a home look cliche if it doesn't fit with the rest of the decor.

بررسی علل تغییر موضع خامنه‌ای درباره مذاکره با آمریکا و وضع اقتصاد کشور با شهرام خلدی و احمد علوی

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.

What looks like shiplap but is cheaper?

5 Alternative Materials for Shiplap Ceilings
  • Beadboard. Beadboard is a type of paneling made from narrow boards or panels with a series of evenly spaced, convex-shaped beads or grooves along one edge of each board. ...
  • PVC Panels. ...
  • Tongue and Groove Paneling. ...
  • Wood Look-Alike Panels. ...
  • Painted Plywood or MDF Panels.

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.

What are people using instead of shiplap?

6 Shiplap Alternatives To Elevate Your Walls
  • Reeded or Fluted Wood Panels. Reeded or fluted panels add a timeless and understated texture to your walls. ...
  • Reclaimed Wood Planking. Looking for sustainability and character? ...
  • Nickel Gap Boards. ...
  • Board & Batten. ...
  • Herringbone Patterned Wood. ...
  • Applied Moulding.

Is shiplap more expensive than drywall?

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.

Does Joanna Gaines still use shiplap?

Chip and Joanna were once known for their ample use of shiplap. But these days, it seems they've replaced their old favorite wall siding with wallpaper.

Does shiplap increase home value?

Shiplap adds marketability and some value to your home

“I've seen a 5% increase in value when a home is decked out in trim,” she notes. “I think shiplap can add value to the home because it creates a more customized feature rather than generic drywall.

Where does shiplap look best?

The Best Places to Use Shiplap in Your Home
  • Mudroom / Entryway. Bright white shiplap can be used to great effect in a small place, lightening up a mudroom or entryway.
  • Kitchen Backsplash. Shiplap is a great modern alternative to kitchen tile backsplash. ...
  • Accent Wall in Bedroom or Living Room.

Who made shiplap famous?

Key Takeaway: Shiplap's rise in popularity is due in large part to Chip and Joanna Gaines' creativity on “Fixer Upper”. Their innovative use of shiplap boards has inspired many homeowners to incorporate similar elements into their own living spaces.

Do you put anything behind shiplap?

If don't already have drywall installed, you do not need it as a base for affixing shiplap. You can install shiplap directly to your studs to save on time, money, and mess.

What color is shiplap by magnolia?

This can't-go-wrong neutral is a creamy weathered white paint color from the Market Collection, a curated collection of 25 colors personally crafted by Joanna Gaines. Explore Shiplap (JG-22) online.

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.

Why not to use shiplap?

The wood ends up painted an accent color and it provides no real value to the room. In fact it can cause a room to look odd or out of place. Add to this the wood that is often available for shiplap is generic boards or even plywood.

Which is cheaper, shiplap or paneling?

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.

What is taking the place of 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.

Are accent walls out of style in 2025?

But simply because this has become so highly popular and on trend leading to fewer accent walls being showcased in interior magazines and across social media. That doesn't mean that the accent wall doesn't hold its place in the design world. It does. It's still a fantastic technique to use.

What is replacing the shiplap trend?

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.

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.

Is shiplap modern or farmhouse?

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.

What is another name for shiplap?

While shiplap is the catchiest design term you'll hear and see most often, there are actually several additional types of wood paneling, from beadboard to board and batten to wainscoting. However, the closest style to shiplap is tongue and groove.

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