Design a Stylish Kitchen Island with Shiplap
Kitchen islands provide additional prep space and storage in a kitchen, making them a popular and useful addition. But a basic kitchen island can also look boring and bland. One way to add beautiful rustic character is by installing shiplap boards on the island.
With its prominent horizontal plank lines, shiplap brings eye-catching texture and coastal or farmhouse style to any space. Using shiplap for your kitchen island is a relatively easy DIY project that can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen.
The Warm and Rustic Appeal of Shiplap
Shiplap refers to horizontal boards with rabbeted edges that allow the planks to overlap slightly. This creates visible seams for a charming rustic aesthetic. The rows of horizontal lines add beautiful visual interest and dimension.
Constructed from real wood, shiplap has a wonderful natural texture with grain patterns and occasional knots adding even more character. It creates a relaxed, coastal or farmhouse vibe that feels cozy and inviting. The tactile wood grain also helps soften the hard surfaces of a kitchen space.
Shiplap Layout and Patterns
Shiplap can be installed vertically or horizontally on a kitchen island, but horizontal is more common since it keeps the continuous plank look. For a unified look, continue the horizontal shiplap boards over edges and corners rather than switching to vertical.
You can choose full-length boards or incorporate seams, planning the layout ahead of time. Random staggered seams break up the pattern while consistent seams can create a repetitious stripe effect.
Paint Color Choices for Shiplap
Both painted and natural stained shiplap are beautiful options for kitchen islands. For painted shiplap, grays and whites are classic choices that complement most decors. Soft green, blue or yellow pastel hues also work well for a beachy vibe.
To add more dimension, go for a two-tone look by painting the bottom shiplap boards a darker color. This stylish contrast grounds the lightness of the top half.
Distressed vs Clean Shiplap Finishes
Both distressed and smooth planed shiplap have their aesthetic appeals. Distressing creates small nicks, dents and inconsistencies that enhance the rustic vintage look.
For a more polished modern or farmhouse style, clean crisp edges with consistent reveals between boards have a beautiful simplicity. Sand and finish evenly for this look.
Shiplap Materials for Kitchen Islands
There are a variety of material options when choosing shiplap for your kitchen island project.
Real Wood Shiplap Options
Pine, cedar, and oak are common woods used for authentic shiplap. Pine has pronounced graining for very visible texture. Cedar has a reddish hue that darkens beautifully over time. Oak is harder and more expensive but has dramatic grain patterns.
Reclaimed barnwood is another wonderful upcycled choice for rich patinas, natural cracks and markings. Using a mix of woods adds even more visual interest.
Engineered and Composite Wood Shiplap
For lower cost and maintenance, engineered wood or vinyl shiplap offer durability with the look of real wood grain. Composite is resistant to moisture, scratches and warping.
However, real wood offers greater longevity and can be sanded and refinished over time. The variations and imperfections of authentic reclaimed wood also provide unrivaled character.
Finishing and Staining Shiplap Boards
Natural wood shiplap can be finished in many ways to achieve different visual styles. A clear sealer or stain allows the natural beauty of the wood grain to shine through.
Deep walnut or ebony stains give a rich dramatic accent. Lighter whitewashed finishes soften the wood. Distressed techniques like rub-through whitewash or liming wax expose some of the natural wood undertones.
Installing Shiplap on a Kitchen Island
Once you've selected your shiplap boards, it's time to install them for your kitchen island project. Careful planning and precision when cutting and fastening the shiplap are necessary for a flawless finished look.
Prepping and Planning Your Shiplap Installation
Remove existing hardware and counter top from the island base. Sand or prime the surface if needed so boards have a smooth surface to adhere to. Plan board placement and trim any boards ahead of time.
Use painter's tape along the edges of the island to prevent damage. Have wood glue, nails/screws, and tools ready. Work slowly and methodically for best results.
Cutting Shiplap Boards to Fit Your Island
Measure the width and length of each side of your island. Rip 4-6 inch wide boards to the needed lengths. Precise 45 degree angled cuts will be needed where the horizontal boards meet the vertical island sides.
A miter saw makes these angled end cuts easier but can also be done carefully with a hand saw. Take time to get cuts perfect.
Installing and Securing Shiplap Boards
Start with a full length bottom board secured evenly across the bottom. Use wood glue and nails/screws in the ridges to adhere and avoid hammer marks.
Add the next horizontal row tightly, overlapping ridges and maintaining an even reveal between boards. Use shims or spacers as needed to prevent gaps. Stagger seams between rows.
Work methodically to cover the entire island base up to the countertop edge. Take time to get boards and seams as tight and even as possible.
Sanding and Finishing Shiplap
Once all boards are securely installed, take time to ensure seams are tight. Remove any spacer shims and fill small gaps if needed. Sand lightly to remove rough edges.
Finish with your choice of sealant, stain, whitewash or paint for a polished look. Add protective clear coats for durability and stain resistance.
Accessorizing and Styling a Shiplap Kitchen Island
Once your beautiful new shiplap island is in place, add some finishing touches to complement the relaxed rustic look.
Add Warm Lighting and Barstools
Hanging pendant lights are perfect over a kitchen island. Go for exposed Edison bulbs, vintage cage lights, or simple industrial pendants. Matching barstools complete the space.
Choose stools with woven rattan or wood seats and exposed leg beams. Neutral upholstered stools also keep the space light and airy.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring in natural textures and soft greens to enhance the woodsy vibe. Fresh flowers, greenery in planters or a bowl of fruit are simple options.
Jute or sisal rug textures, ceramics and driftwood accessories also work beautifully with rustic shiplap islands.
Rustic and Coastal Accents
Galvanized tin buckets, woven baskets, shells or starfish bring beachy vibes to a shiplap kitchen. Distressed wood signs, vintage bottles and reclaimed storage crates add farmhouse charm.
Display kitchenware like cast iron pans for a homey accent. Floating shelves allow you to style and change out accessories.
Open Shelving and Display
Complement shiplap with adjacent open shelving to break up the wood plank look. It allows you to display glass jars, cookbooks, vases and other kitchen items.
For added brightness, try white metal shelves or wire racks. Wood wine boxes and floating shelves also work well with shiplap details.
Caring for and Maintaining Shiplap
Real wood shiplap will require some regular maintenance to keep it looking beautiful over time.