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You don’t know ship(lap)

  • Housetrends
White shiplap establishes a rustic theme
White shiplap covers the walls and ceiling, establishing the rustic retreat theme in this bedroom.

Oh my goodness, I love shiplap! To me, it says seaside retreat or rural farmhouse, and whether it’s in its natural rustic state, stained or painted, shiplap can make a beautiful statement in any home.

White shiplap establishes a rustic theme

I was first introduced to it on my favorite HGTV show, Fixer Upper. Chip and Joanna Gaines are a hoot to watch. They take these old, neglected homes and turn them into show houses. And when Joanna comes across shiplap, hidden behind some awful 70s paneling, she goes crazy! She has made this wood plank a décor trend and may be the only person who loves shiplap more than I do.

White shiplap complements an antique bathroom design

What is it?
So, what exactly is shiplap? It’s rough sawn pine wood boards, often used in barns or historic homes for insulation. Others argue that it’s used on old house exteriors for framing, just beneath the siding or in the construction of barns, sheds, and outbuildings. Shiplap has rabbets, recess or groove cuts on each side, which allows the boards to overlap and form a tight seal. 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.

Reclaimed shiplap transforms a fireplace

Since shiplap can be found underneath drywall in older houses it can be used as décor or an accent wall. Whitewash adds brightness without covering up the wood grain, giving it a Cape Cod or coastal vibe. Stained shiplap can bring a warm richness to the room while leaving it au naturel gives it a more rustic, rural feel. Shiplap can also be repurposed and used in new construction which some say pays tribute to the historic past of old houses.

With so many ways to incorporate shiplap into your home, however, you choose to do it, you can’t go wrong.

Article by Gina Miller



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