The Best Way to DIY Vertical Shiplap

This post is all about DIY vertical shiplap installation in your home. Vertical shiplap is a unique way to add character and texture throughout your rooms.

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Why Vertical Shiplap?

Shiplap is a great way to add texture and dimension to any room. It works great as an accent wall or around an entire room! Vertical shiplap is simply the technique of hanging the boards vertically instead of horizontally. Often shiplap is horizontal but the vertical way creates a new twist to the traditional style!

I wanted to do something with shiplap in our primary bathroom and thought vertical shiplap was so interesting! We decided to shiplap the wall behind the vanity as well as a half wall around the water closet. I share all of our tips and learnings in this post in hopes it helps you create a beautiful shiplap wall in your home too!

Shiplap Supplies

• Nickel gap shiplap boards
• Lattice moulding
• Brad Nails
• Caulk
• Wood Filler

Tools

• Brad Nailer
• Level
• Measuring Tape
• Jigsaw
• Miter Saw
• Circular Saw

Step 1: Measure & Prep Walls

First things first, we always measure twice and cut once! Before you even purchase the shiplap boards, measure your space multiple times to get a good estimate of how much you need. Knowing each shiplap board is roughly 5 inches wide, you can conservatively calculate how many boards you’ll need across a wall or space.

During the measuring step, I like to clear the walls of any mirrors, wall decor, fixtures, etc. We removed the vanity lights, mirrors, and outlet covers.

Step 2: Measure and Cut Shiplap Boards

Measure the shiplap boards to the required length of the wall. Cut each board to length. Because I added a piece of trim at the top of the vertical shiplap wall, I cut each board about 1/4 inch shorter. Most walls and ceilings are not level so having that 1/4 inch buffer allowed for a fit every time.

For our half wall in the water closet, we cut each 8′ board in half into 4′ boards. I measured while my husband cut and it made the process so much quicker!

Step 3: Install Shiplap Boards

To install the vertical shiplap boards, use a brad nailer to secure the boards to the wall. Because you are nailing the boards into drywall rather than studs, angle your nails into the drywall. Alternate the angle of each nail. This will help keep your nails and boards secure in the drywall.

Tip: place your nails on the piece of the shiplap that will be hidden under the next piece for fewer nail holes to fill.

Continue layering the shiplap boards on top of each other, checking with your level along the way.

Step 4: Cut & Install Trim Boards

I chose to add trim pieces to the top of the shiplap wall to hide the inconsistencies of the boards that meet the ceiling. It creates a more finished look! I used these thin lattice boards from Home Depot and put them right on top of the shiplap.

If you choose to install lattice boards to cover the seams like I did, measure and cut the board to the length of your wall. Install over the top of the vertical shiplap wall. Secure using brad nails.

I also finished the half wall with a 1×2 to create a handrail.

How to install the last Vertical shiplap board?

The last vertical shiplap board needs be ripped down to fit the final gap and remove the groove from showing. To cut the last piece measure the distance from the end of the wall to the last board. Subtract the size of the gap (typically 1/8″). Cut the piece vertically using a circular saw or a jigsaw.

HOW TO Cut out holes for outlets and light switches?

The best way I’ve found to cut out areas of the shiplap to accommodate outlets and switches is to simply measure the distance from the sides of the shiplap board. Mark on the board itself and then cut using a jigsaw.

I like to measure just inside the hardware so that we don’t require extenders. The hardware can fit snug right on top of the shiplap board as seen below.

Step 5: Fill Nail Holes & Caulk

Finish off the project by filling nail holes with wood filler. Allow the wood filler to dry and then sand it with a sanding block.

Caulk the seams of the shiplap using paintable caulk. Tip: use a q-tip to remove caulk from the shiplap grooves!

The final DIY vertical shiplap reveal

I am so obsessed with the final outcome of this vertical shiplap installation! We will eventually paint it but for now, I am kind of loving the white.

Until I decide on which color blue, the white will stay! I grabbed almost every single dark blue/grey paint sample that Sherwin Williams had!