Shiplap Style Under Your Kitchen Bar

Adding shiplap to the space under your kitchen bar is a gorgeous way to incorporate farmhouse style into your home. The classic horizontal plank look pairs beautifully with industrial stools, antique corbels, and distressed accents. With the right tools and materials, installing shiplap under your bar can be an approachable DIY project that makes a stylish statement. Read on for tips that will have your bar area looking stunning in no time.

Shiplap refers to wide, horizontal boards with grooved edges that fit snugly together. Traditionally made from pine, shiplap offers durability along with rustic visual appeal. The subtle gaps between planks create charming shadow lines that accentuate the texture. Painted or stained shiplap adds dimension through contrast, allowing the wall treatment to become a decorative focal point. Whether your taste runs modern, traditional or somewhere in between, shiplap infuses character into kitchens and bars of any style.

Planning Your Shiplap Wall

The first step in any shiplap project is careful planning and measurement. You'll need to determine the square footage under your bar by multiplying length times width. Experts recommend allowing for 10% extra to account for unusable ends and cutting errors. For a 10 foot by 4 foot area, plan for approximately 50 square feet of shiplap. Purchase boards in varying widths, such as 4, 5 and 6 inches, for a pleasing visual mix. DIY home stores like Lowe's and Home Depot carry ready-made pine shiplap, or you can order more unique wood types online.

Next, decide on the overall look you want to achieve. Painted shiplap in crisp white or soft gray creates a clean, airy aesthetic. Richer wood stain shades like espresso or ebony have a cozier, more traditional feel. Mixing painted and stained boards adds eye-catching contrast. Whatever color you choose, be sure to get enough to cover the entire project area. Test out shades on spare boards before committing to the full batch.

Choosing the Right Shiplap

Shiplap boards come in a range of widths and thicknesses. Thicker shiplap around 3/4 inches deep provides defined shadow lines, while thinner 1/2 inch boards offer a more subtle look. Opt for wider 5-6 inch boards in smaller spaces, using narrower 3-4 inch planks in larger zones. Mixing up widths creates organic, visually appealing rows. Be sure to choose boards rated for interior use that can withstand humidity and temperature changes.

Coordinating with Your Kitchen Design

Whether your kitchen is traditional, modern, industrial or farmhouse in style, shiplap can work beautifully as an accent. For contemporary spaces, try sparse, asymmetric rows in crisp white. In cozy cottage kitchens, create a cottage-chic focal wall with painted shiplap in robin's egg blue or cheery yellow. For industrial lofts, mix unstained wood tones like walnut and hickory. Incorporate reclaimed boards for added flair. Whatever your kitchen's style, let the shiplap complement your existing finishes for a cohesive look.

Preparing the Wall for Shiplap

Once you've mapped out your design, it's time to prep the wall for installation. Start by taking down any existing wall coverings like wallpaper or panels using a steamer or chemical stripper. Fill any holes or imperfections with spackle, sanding smooth when dry. Thoroughly clean the surface to remove grease, dirt and dust so the shiplap boards adhere properly. Use TSP cleaner or an all-purpose degreaser to cut through kitchen grime. Rinse thoroughly and let the wall dry completely before beginning installation.

Mark stud locations using a stud finder so you can secure the shiplap boards properly. Planks should be nailed into studs for optimal strength and support. Investing in a laser level will help keep your rows perfectly straight during the install process. Starting with a flat, clean, level surface ensures your DIY shiplap wall looks professionally done.

Tips for a Seamless Shiplap Installation

Carefully measure and cut each board to fit your space precisely. Leaving even 1/8 inch gaps will compound over many rows. Use painter's tape and spacers to keep boards evenly spaced as you work. Stagger seams so they don't line up across rows. Apply adhesive thoroughly over the entire back of each plank. Use a pneumatic brad nailer to attach boards firmly to studs every 8-12 inches. Work methodically to keep shiplap rows neat and consistent. Take your time - rushing leads to uneven gaps and misaligned boards that ruin the effect.

Installing the Shiplap Accent Wall

Installation is easiest with two people, though a single DIYer can tackle the project alone. Apply adhesive evenly across the back of each board using a notched trowel. Press boards firmly in place, maintaining even gaps with painter's tape spacers. Use a pneumatic nail gun or drill pilot holes and secure boards with wood screws every 8-12 inches. Staggering joints between rows provides stability.

In corners and around windows, precisely measure and cut boards for a seamless fit. Coping saws and jigsaws with fine-toothed blades simplify intricate cuts. Take your time and double check measurements - inaccurate cuts stand out on the finished wall. Once boards fill the space, remove any tape and use painter's caulk to fill gaps. Let dry completely before sanding any high spots, leaving gaps subtly shadowed.

Styling Your Shiplap Bar Area

Accent your new shiplap wall with industrial barstools, pendant lighting and reclaimed wood shelving for an on-trend look. Incorporate galvanized metal, black pipe fittings and antique signs for a rustic pub-style space. Or pair painted shiplap with marble counters, brass hardware and sculptural sconces for refined, contemporary ambiance. Let your wall treatment steer the overall style while echoing kitchen finishes.

Finishing Touches for Flawless Style

Once all boards are securely installed, take time to complete the finishing touches. Sand any rough spots, then apply painter's caulk to gaps and seams for a polished look. Let dry fully before painting or staining over the entire wall. This helps the shiplap blend together seamlessly. Add two coats of protective polyurethane for durability and easy cleaning. Complete your bar area with stylish corbels or brackets to support countertops.

For added flair, intersperse accent boards stained in a contrasting tone. Hang floating shelves, sconces or track lighting on the new focal wall. Pretty pottery, plants or artwork complete the personalized space. With quality materials and careful planning, your new shiplap feature wall will become a stylish gathering place to enjoy for years to come. Get ready to relax with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while admiring your beautiful, rustic-chic handiwork.

Maintaining Your Shiplap Wall

With proper care, shiplap accent walls are built to last. Use a soft brush attachment to gently vacuum dust regularly. Spot clean spills and splatters as needed using a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap. Avoid excessive moisture that can damage wood over time. Re-apply protective sealer annually to shield shiplap from kitchen grime and moisture.

To refresh the look of painted shiplap, use a small brush or roller to touch up paint as needed. For oil-based stain, a light sanding opens the grain for re-application of stain and sealer. With periodic cleaning and maintenance, your shiplap wall will retain its rustic beauty for years of coffee dates, family dinners and memorable kitchen moments.

Shiplap isn't just for walls! Consider these creative applications to incorporate rustic plank textures throughout your kitchen and home:

• Use shiplap planks as a backsplash behind sinks or stoves for an eye-catching focal point.
• Run shiplap horizontally along the bottom half of walls for a unique wainscoting look.
• Install shiplap on the ceiling for visual interest overhead.
• Use shiplap to accent other architectural features like niches, columns or window frames.
• Incorporate shiplap-style cabinet doors and drawer fronts for rustic storage.