Should I nail or screw shiplap?

Nails are the best options when installing shiplap cladding. Trim nails are faster to install than screws since you do not need to predrill the material and won't be risking causing unsightly splits. They can also be easily covered or touched up if needed.

What screws do you use for shiplap?

Use 2 in (5.1 cm) nails or screws to ensure that the nail will pass through the shiplap and deep into the studs. For each method, drive two 2 in (5.1 cm) nails or screws straight through the board and into the center of each stud.

Should shiplap be face nailed?

We always recommend face nailing shiplap and tongue and groove when installing it on your walls, ceiling, and as exterior siding. Face nailing means that you shoot your nail at a 90 degree angle to the board through the flat (or face) of the board.

Does shiplap need to be nailed to studs?

Always use 2 nails or screws to attach each board to the stud, and make sure that they penetrate the studs. If you're staggering your shiplap, be aware that the spot where the staggered boards butt together will not be the same from level to level.

Can you install shiplap without nails?

Yep. You read that right. I just installed a shiplap accent wall without using a single nail. That means no filling a zillion nail holes and no sanding them before you can paint.

15 Shiplap Don'ts | What NOT to do When Installing Shiplap

Should I start shiplap from top or bottom?

The first key to installing shiplap is to always, always, always start at the bottom of your wall! This little piece of advice is actually good for two very important reasons. First, by starting at the bottom, it allows gravity to be a helpful aid as you work your way up the walls.

What type of nails should I use for shiplap?

We recommend using 16- or 18-gauge finish or brad nails. 1-½” to 2” in length should be sufficient. Both gauges are strong enough to hold the lumber securely, but small enough as to not leave a large hole on the face of the board. Go ahead and buy the bulk pack: you're going to need it!

Can you nail shiplap into drywall?

Good news—you don't have to! You can install shiplap right over the drywall. However—and this part is crucial—you must first take the time to find all the studs within your walls and mark them carefully before you place a single board.

Can shiplap be blind nailed?

Siding 6” and 8” wide can be blind nailed through the tongue. Nails must penetrate 1 ¼” inches into solid wood. In vertical application, start at one corner with grooved edge toward the adjacent wall. Use a level or plumb line to ensure that the first board is installing plumb.

Can I use a brad nailer for shiplap?

Although shiplap cladding is unique in terms of how it is put together, the nails used are comparable to applying trim to the walls. This means that 18-gauge brad nails and 15 to 16-gauge nails, the same as you would use for baseboards, work well with shiplap.

Where do I nail my shiplap cladding?

Begin at the bottom, ensuring that the first board is level with the lap that is adjacent to the wall, pointing upwards. For boards up to 150mm wide, use a single fixing located 25 – 30mm above the lower lap. Never nail through the lap joint.

Should you stagger shiplap?

Stagger the shiplap boards so that the end joints are spread out along the wall or ceiling randomly. If you stack seams on top of each other, you'll create an eyesore that draws your eye to the dark lines of the jointed ends. Building pros agree that staggering seams provides a better looking aesthetic.

How do you finish shiplap edges?

One of the easiest ways to achieve a clean edge is by using caulk. Caulk will give you a smooth edge and can be painted, so it's perfect for corners. It will fill in any rough edges and cuts that may not be perfect. If you want to get a really clean edge, then the caulk is the way to go.

Can you install shiplap with Liquid Nails?

Shiplap can be installed directly to sheet rock/drywall. Simply mark the stud locations for nailing the shiplap or you can apply a construction adhesive such as liquid nails.

Does shiplap go over drywall?

Shiplap installs easily, on stud walls or over existing drywall. We purchased our shiplap from a local sawmill and were able to install it ourselves for well under a $1 per square foot.

What should I put behind shiplap?

You only need drywall behind the shiplap if the building codes require you to do so. Although you may not need it, there are drawbacks to not having drywall behind your shiplap.

Do you caulk shiplap seams?

Fill Shiplap Seams With Caulk

To create a seamless look, you'll want to make sure any gaps and edges are filled in with caulk, just like you would fill in nail holes with wood filler when affixing shiplap. Caulking the edges will create clean lines and a finished look.

How high should shiplap be on wall?

Give some thought to how high you want your trim.

So 1/3 or 2/3 of the wall will look better than half of a wall. It won't be exact, but try to get close. I wanted mine to go a bit higher, but then it would have impeded with the electrical outlet, towel racks, and light switch.

Do you need baseboards with shiplap?

If you have existing baseboards or trimwork, you have three choices: Remove the baseboards, install your shiplap, reinstall your baseboards, or. Keep your baseboards, and install shiplap boards that are equal to or have a shallower depth. This way, your shiplap can rest atop your baseboards and won't stick out.

Can you use hammer to install shiplap?

If not using a finish nailer, you need a hammer and nails. Cordless Circular Saw or Miter Saw and a safe place to cut it (work table or saw horses for a circular saw or work table or other stationary place for your miter saw). You may also need a jigsaw (see Step 3) but can easily complete this without it.