Modern Bathroom with Rustic Shiplap Accent Wall
Transforming a basic bathroom into a spa-like retreat starts with one simple yet dramatic change--adding a rustic shiplap accent wall. The textured, reclaimed wood planks add cozy warmth while the neutral palette keeps the space feeling fresh and serene.
Shiplap brings natural beauty to sleek, modern bathrooms in a budget-friendly way. Installation is beginner-DIY friendly. Just secure affordable shiplap boards horizontally or vertically using adhesive and nails. Minimal effort creates a focal feature wall with authentic artisan appeal.
Benefits of a Shiplap Accent Wall in Bathroom
Hardwood shiplap planks introduce varied organic textures to sterile bathroom environments. The prominent boards add subtle rustic flair against crisp white backdrops. Shiplap's imperfectly milled look strikes an artful balance of modern and farmhouse charm.
Wood's innate warmth balances the cool tiles, glass, and metals found in contemporary baths. Shiplap infuses coziness into sleek spaces with clean lines and achromatic color schemes. The textured planks keep the aesthetic light and airy while creating a comforting oasis-like ambiance.
Design Flexibility
Neutral shiplap adapts well to any color palette and pairs nicely with stone, concrete, or wood-look porcelain tiles. Whether going for an urban chic, modern farmhouse, coastal, or Scandinavian vibe, shiplap adds natural flair.
Mix various wood stains like warm acorn, weathered grey, or whitewashed to coordinate with existing cabinetry and flooring. Contrast white shiplap with black accents and brass fixtures for a trendy look.
Moisture-Resistant Durability
Shiplap is constructed using moisture-resistant pine or cedar planks ideal for high-humidity bathrooms. The thick boards withstand fluctuating moisture and temperatures better than drywall or wallpaper.
Properly sealed and maintained shiplap will last for years without warping, chipping, or succumbing to mold growth. The dimensional planks hide existing flaws beautifully while adding a durable focal point.
Preparing the Bathroom for a Shiplap Accent Wall Installation
Shiplap installation requires careful prep work. Removing old wall coverings, patching imperfections, relocating plumbing, and finding studs takes time but ensures quality results.
Remove Existing Wall Finishings
Eliminate old wallpaper or damaged drywall so shiplap boards mount directly to studs or open wall space. Use water, steam, or chemicals to safely strip wallpaper without harming drywall underneath.
If tearing out entire walls, take precautions against asbestos exposure. Wear protective equipment while demoing older homes. Safely contain and dispose of hazardous waste.
Prepare and Patch Wall Surface
Fix divots, holes, cracks, or texture irregularities using drywall joint compound. Sand bumps smooth and fill indentations for a flat foundation.
Look for hidden moisture damage behind tile or around plumbing. Resolve all leaks before installing wood. Apply sealing primer to clean, dry walls for extra moisture protection.
Choose Accent Wall Location
Pick the wall area that makes the biggest visual impact or needs covering up. Place shiplap behind vanities requiring concealment or use it to frame mirrors, windows. Install vertically on narrow dividing walls or horizontally along the back tub surround.
Ensure accent wall placement allows for stud-mounted installation. Use a stud finder to locate framing studs for secure screw anchoring.
Selecting Materials for Shiplap Accent Wall
Choosing eco-friendly, quality shiplap materials prevents installation issues down the road. There are many aesthetic options for achieving the desired reclaimed barnwood look.
Wood Type and Finish
Pine or cedar shiplap resists humidity exposure better than oak or other hardwoods prone to bowing or cracking. Opt for kiln-dried boards no thicker than one-inch for stability.
Factory-applied stains in grey wash, light acorn, or weatherwood complement most color schemes. Whitewashed boards keep the room feeling airy and spacious. Unfinished wood accepts custom stains.
Shiplap Board Dimensions
Varying widths and lengths create visual depth with staggered seams. Mix six and eight-inch boards for added character. Height generally falls between four to nine inches for a substantial planked texture.
Nickel gap shiplap features beveled edges with a 1/4 inch channel exposing wall behind it. The narrow reveal creates decorative shadow lines while hiding imperfect cuts.
Wall Stud Placement
Confirm horizontal wall stud locations to properly anchor shiplap for maximum stability. Use a stud finder to detect framing behind the drywall. Mark stud centers with painter's tape for quick reference.
If installing vertically, add timber blocking secured between the floor and ceiling to affix planks to. Ensure backing meets structural load requirements.
Adhesives/Fasteners
Construction-grade adhesive provides extra holding power supplementing mechanical fasteners. Look for waterproof, heavy-duty bonding options ideal for damp areas.
Pair adhesive with 2-inch finish nails for easiest installation. Pre-drill planks to prevent splitting. Screws give added stability but require countersinking prior to filling holes.
Installing Shiplap Boards
careful prep and layout streamlines the shiplap installation process. Level starter courses and precise board placement prevents frustrating adjustments down the line.
Measure Accent Wall Area
Quantify the exact accent wall square footage and height. Account for doors, windows, and trim when calculating linear plank footage needed. Purchase 10% extra to accommodate errors.
Map stud locations marking centers horizontally 16 or 24 inches apart for reference. Download worksheets guiding vertical shiplap installations for meticulous measuring.
Cut Shiplap Boards to Size
Rip down planks to appropriately sized widths if working around outlets or switches on the accent wall. Leave room for outlet and switch plates to collapse into wall boxes.
Make precise 45-degree miter cuts for finishing edges around inside corners. Use a protractor to measure angles needing customization for flawless transitions.
Create Starter Course
Establish a level, straight reference line near the ceiling to guide starter row placement. Use a laser level and chalk line reel to snap a perfectly horizontal base path.
Cut shiplap edges at slight angles to prevent top-heavy visible seams. Check starter course ends sit squarely over studs for proper anchoring.
Apply Adhesive and Affix Boards
Run uniform adhesive beads along the backside of each plank spanning areas where screws will enter the studs.
Position shiplap precisely over the starter course leaving consistent reveal gaps before fastening. Ensure boards sit flush without tilting unevenly.
Drive finish nails into wall studs through the center of each plank as you work downward. Sink nails and fill holes with putty once installed.
Fill Gaps and Refinish
Look for subtle vertical or horizontal plank alignment issues and correct sporadic gaps before finishing.
Use paintable caulk matching wood tone to fill any glue seams smaller than 1/4 inch. Avoid smearing excessive amounts between planks.
Sand protruding nails mildly flush to shiplap face. Apply protective sealer evenly across all boards as the final step.
Properly decorated shiplap accent walls become stunning bathroom focal points. Well-placed mirrors, shelves, sconces and coordinated accents make the DIY design element shine.