Shiplap
A type of wooden board with a rabbet cut along each long edge so adjacent boards overlap to form a tight, weatherproof joint, widely used for siding and decorative paneling.
In-Depth Explanation
Shiplap boards feature a stepped or rabbeted edge profile that allows each board to overlap the one beside it, creating a distinctive shadow line between courses. Originally developed as economical exterior cladding that sheds water effectively, shiplap has surged in popularity as a decorative interior wall treatment in farmhouse and modern rustic design. Shiplap differs from tongue and groove in that it uses overlapping rabbets rather than interlocking profiles, making it simpler to install. Common materials include pine, cedar, and engineered wood products in widths from 4 to 8 inches. Installation typically involves face-nailing or blind-nailing boards to studs or furring strips.
Usage Example
We installed white pine shiplap horizontally on the living room accent wall and painted it white for a farmhouse look.