Shiplap is Back! Should You Use it in Your Home?

Interior Decorating, Interior Decorating Tips, Interior Design

If you’re one of those who likes to binge the show “Fixer Upper” on HGTV, you probably noticed how much the show’s hosts love to use shiplap on seemingly every project they take on. And while you may think that the material is no longer commonly used here in Toronto and surrounding areas, think again!

In fact, shiplap is quite popular among Toronto homeowners, and perhaps Joanna Gaines — aka the “Queen of Shiplap” — had a little something to do with it.

Regardless, shiplap may be a great material to include in your home when it comes time to do a little revamping of your interior. So what’s the story behind this building material?

What is Shiplap?

Shiplap is a type of wooden board that’s typically used to build sheds, barns, and other structures that are little on the rustic side. It features a groove at the top and bottom to make piecing shiplap together a cinch. Thanks to this mechanism, the pieces can fit snugly together to form a tight seal.

Shiplap has a distinguished appearance thanks to the slight horizontal gaps between each piece.

Back in the day, shiplap was also used in the construction of seaside cottages and cabins, particularly those in harsher climates because of its ability to keep water and wind out of houses thanks to the overlapping joints. Interestingly, shiplap was typically covered over with wallpaper or other material.

It was mainly used for practical purposes rather than for style. But now, shiplap is being exposed and purposely left out for all to see.

How is Shiplap Used?

While shiplap may have traditionally been used in the construction of rustic buildings, it is also now being used in interiors, including elegant and sophisticated ones. It’s an awesome way to add some character and charm to any interior space and has been used by homeowners and interior decorators in just about every room.

You’ll find shiplap on walls and ceilings of all sorts of spaces, even in bathroom shower walls!

If the idea of adding shiplap to your home’s interior has piqued your interests but you’re not quite sure how to incorporate it, get some expert assistance with the help of the pros at Hope Designs today!