How much does shiplap cost?

MDF shiplap costs $1.50-$3/sq ft. Pine costs $2-$5/sq ft. Cedar costs $4-$8/sq ft. PVC costs $3-$7/sq ft. Professional installation adds $3-$8/sq ft in labor. A DIY accent wall (80 sq ft) costs $120-$400 in materials. A DIY full room (400 sq ft) costs $600-$2,000. Plywood ripped into strips is the cheapest option at $0.50-$1.50/sq ft. Can I install shiplap myself?

Can I install shiplap myself?

Yes. Shiplap is one of the most popular DIY wall projects. You need a brad nailer, level, miter saw, stud finder, and construction adhesive. Start from the bottom, use nickels as spacers for consistent gaps, and nail into studs. An accent wall takes 4-8 hours for a first-timer. Pre-paint boards before installation for easier coverage in the gaps. What is the best shiplap material?

What is the best shiplap material?

MDF is best for budget-friendly painted shiplap ($1.50-$3/sq ft) — smooth, pre-primed, easy to cut. Pine is best for authentic look and staining option ($2-$5/sq ft). Cedar is premium with natural beauty ($4-$8/sq ft). PVC is best for bathrooms and wet areas ($3-$7/sq ft). For most accent walls, MDF or pine are the go-to choices. Should shiplap be horizontal or vertical?

Should shiplap be horizontal or vertical?

Horizontal is the most traditional orientation and makes rooms feel wider — it's the classic farmhouse look. Vertical shiplap makes ceilings appear higher and has a more modern feel. Diagonal is the boldest statement but creates more cutting waste. For most accent walls and full rooms, horizontal is the safe and timeless choice.

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Woodworking & Lumber

Shiplap Guide: Types, Cost, Installation & Design Ideas

Lumberama Editorial Team, Interior Millwork & Design Specialists Aug 12, 2026 9 min read

What Is Shiplap

Definition: Horizontal (or vertical) wood boards with a rabbeted edge that creates a uniform gap between boards. Originally used as exterior siding on barns and houses. Now popular as interior decorative wall and ceiling treatment. Creates the iconic farmhouse, coastal, and modern look.

Gap (shadow line): The rabbeted (notched) edges overlap to create a consistent gap. Standard gap: 1/16 to 1/8 inch (nickel-width). This shadow line creates the distinctive shiplap look.

Types

Solid wood shiplap: Pine (most common): $2-$5/sq ft. Cedar: $4-$8/sq ft. Poplar: $3-$6/sq ft. Available in 1/2 or 3/4 inch thickness. Can be stained or painted. Most authentic look and feel.

MDF shiplap: Pre-primed, ready for paint. Cost: $1.50-$3/sq ft. Lightweight, easy to cut. Cannot be stained. Smooth, consistent surface. Most affordable option.

PVC/vinyl shiplap: Moisture-proof (great for bathrooms). Cost: $3-$7/sq ft. No painting or maintenance needed. Comes in white and limited colors. Best for wet areas.

Plywood shiplap (budget hack): Rip 1/4 or 1/2 inch plywood into 6-8 inch strips. Cost: $0.50-$1.50/sq ft. Budget-friendly DIY option. Requires more work (ripping strips, spacing). Less consistent than pre-milled.

Design Ideas

Accent wall: Most popular application. Behind bed (headboard wall). Living room fireplace wall. Bathroom vanity wall. Entryway or hallway feature wall.

Full room: All four walls for complete farmhouse look. Can feel overwhelming in small rooms. Works best in white or light colors for full rooms.

Ceiling: Dramatic overhead treatment. Makes rooms feel more finished. Popular in bedrooms and covered porches.

Direction: Horizontal: most traditional, makes rooms feel wider. Vertical: more modern, makes ceilings feel higher. Diagonal: bold statement, more cutting waste.

Color: White: classic, clean, most popular. Natural wood: warm, rustic. Gray: modern farmhouse. Dark (black, navy): dramatic accent wall. Two-tone: different color above and below chair rail.

Cost

Materials per sq ft: MDF: $1.50-$3. Pine: $2-$5. Cedar: $4-$8. PVC: $3-$7. Plywood strips (DIY): $0.50-$1.50.

Professional installation: Labor: $3-$8/sq ft. Total installed (pine): $5-$13/sq ft. Total installed (MDF): $4.50-$11/sq ft.

Typical accent wall (8x10 ft = 80 sq ft): DIY MDF: $120-$240 materials. DIY pine: $160-$400 materials. Professional (pine): $400-$1,040 installed.

Full room (12x14 with 8 ft ceiling = ~400 sq ft walls): DIY MDF: $600-$1,200 materials. DIY pine: $800-$2,000 materials. Professional: $2,000-$5,200 installed.

Additional supplies: Brad nailer + nails: $50-$150 (or rent). Construction adhesive: $5-$10/tube. Paint + primer: $30-$60/gallon. Caulk: $5-$10/tube.

DIY Installation

Tools: Brad nailer (18 gauge). Level. Tape measure. Miter saw or circular saw. Stud finder. Caulk gun.

Steps: Find and mark studs. Start with a level bottom board (use level line, not baseboard as reference). Apply construction adhesive to back of board. Nail into studs with brad nails (18 gauge, 1.5-2 inch). Use nickels or spacers for consistent gap between boards. Stagger seams (don't align end joints). Continue up the wall. Rip the final board to fit at ceiling. Caulk any gaps at edges. Paint (2 coats, use roller for faces and small brush for gaps).

Tips: Acclimate wood 48 hours in room. Paint boards before installation (faster, better coverage in gaps). Remove outlet covers and extend boxes with box extenders. Start from the bottom and work up.