Stylish Kitchens with Shiplap Walls
Shiplap walls can add instant style and visual appeal to any kitchen. The horizontal wooden boards provide beautiful texture and a sense of handcrafted charm. Shiplap offers the rustic look of exposed beams blended with a clean, coastal vibe. This versatile wall covering pairs nicely with almost any kitchen decor, from modern to farmhouse.
But shiplap is more than just aesthetically pleasing. The reclaimed-style planks are also budget-friendly. Shiplap allows homeowners to refresh their kitchen's look without the high price tag of a full remodel. Installing these wooden boards is a DIY-friendly project for those wanting to customize their space. The sound-dampening material also helps absorb noise and lend a cozy atmosphere.
Benefits of Using Shiplap in Kitchens
Exposed ceiling beams are commonplace in today's home designs, but shiplap walls take wood paneling to stylish new heights. Here are some of the top reasons to incorporate this texture-rich material into your kitchen:
- Adds Visual Interest - The alternating overlap and channel gaps form natural lines for your eyes to follow.
- Lightens up Dark Spaces - Even dark stain colors help reflect and distribute ambient light.
- Easy to Install - Pre-cut interlocking boards simply nail to the studs.
- Moisture-Resistant - Can withstand splashes and spills.
- Inexpensive Facelift - Less costly than demoing walls or cabinets.
Unlike some rigid wall treatments like wainscoting or tile, shiplap offers flexible installation options. The wooden boards can be arranged horizontally, vertically, or even diagonally. Feel free to get creative with room-spanning statement walls or focal point patches surrounding ranges, sinks, or pass-through windows.
Fabrics Enhance Rustic Shiplap
Layering interior design elements is key for making shiplap walls pop. Accentuate the reclaimed wood charm by intermixing modern fabrics and metals. The shabby chic look gets elevated with:
- Galvanized pendants over kitchen islands
- Polished nickel faucets and lighting
- Ceramic knobs paired with distressed cabinet doors
- Heirloom frame art showcasing vibrant brushstrokes
- White marble or quartz countertops
Contrasting Tones Showcase Depth
While crisp white shiplap has universal appeal, accent walls touched by black or gray stain make the planks stand out. Alternating shades across large surfaces helps articulate texture. Stepping planks out from surrounding walls also emphasizes depth and dimension.
Kitchens with open floor plans seamlessly integrate dining areas through two-tone design details. Match exposed wooden crossbeams on vaulted ceilings with similar floor-to-cabinet heights on statement shiplap walls behind ranges or prep spaces.
How to Choose Shiplap for Kitchens
Shiplap may seem like a simple concept, but there are countless ways to customize the reclaimed wood look. Before installing, consider the following options to match your personal style:
Painted vs Natural Wood Grain
While whitewashed shiplap brightens dark spaces, natural wood grains showcase beautiful nuances. Neutral, weathered grays work well in color schemes emphasizing stainless steel appliances. Those desiring modern simplicity can prime boards for crisp painted textures.
Varying Plank Widths
Wider planks around 6-8 inches convey rugged outdoor barn vibes. More narrow pieces, around 3-5 inches, feel sleek and refined. Combining sizes can help draw the eye while reinforcing depth.
Alternating Orientation
Horizontal shiplap best suits shorter walls, especially when surrounding window sections. Vertically oriented boards can stretch a kitchen's height for loft-like drama. Stylish yet playful patterns combine both layouts.
Open Wood Ends vs Mitered Cuts
Exposed lumber ends emphasize the reclaimed nature of shiplap. Precision 45-degree mitered edges provide cleaner lines. Designers often mix aesthetics, with raw ends facing inside corners.
How to Install Shiplap
One of the biggest perks of using shiplap is that it's relatively easy to install as a DIY project. However, precise measurements and proper anchoring are still key. Be sure to:
- Use a stud finder to mark where boards will attach.
- Nail planks directly to studs for sturdy support.
- Account for corners when measuring run lengths.
- Use painter's tape references to ensure straight lines.
- Maintain consistent gaps for visual continuity.
Having another set of hands helps manage longer boards and ensures even spacing. Investing in lumber carries added weight, so reinforce mounting points accordingly. Most standard walls require minimal patching and priming prior to installation.
Cutting Shiplap Boards
A miter or table saw neatly cuts boards to size with specific beveled edges. Mark measurements in pencil directly on planks. The 45-degree mitered edges ensure tight seams between adjoining boards. Allow the saw blade teeth to enter the workpiece slowly for cleanest cuts.
Anchoring Shiplap to Walls
Use an air compressor with brad nails or finish nails when securing boards. Nail shiplap perpendicular to the direction of wood grains to prevent cracking. Place nails every 16 inches across both ends and the midpoint of planks to reduce sagging over time.
Filling Gaps
Painter's caulk easily fills small gaps between shiplap boards. For more seamless results, apply wood filler along the length of planks with a putty knife prior to fastening everything to walls. Allow proper drying times before sanding surfaces smooth.
How to Finish and Protect Shiplap
Part of shiplap's charm comes from looking and feeling authentic. Match your desired aesthetic when selecting prep and finish products:
Staining
Penetrating wood stains protect while allowing natural grains to show through. Be sure to apply even coats across all boards and lengths for color uniformity. Red oak or walnut oil-based formulas enhance wood patterns.
Painting
For those wanting an updated or whimsical color scheme, properly priming boards ensures paint adherence. Water-based acrylics easily wipe clean. Top coats with sheen resist moisture and stand up well to repeated scrubs.
Distressing
To play up a weathered, vintage look, deliberately damage edges and surfaces after finishing. Wire brushes of sharpened scrappers replicate worn areas. White waxes fill cracks and holes for contrast.
Sealing
Polyurethane adds water-resistant protection necessary in kitchen spaces. Opt for a matte or satin formula to avoid excessive shine that diminishes visible wood grains. Reapply protective seals annually.
Design Ideas for Stylish Kitchens
While most shiplap projects focus on walls, creative applications exist to personalize kitchen functionality further. Consider these unique additions:
Range Hood Covers
Encase exposed ductwork by framing the area above stoves with wooden planks. This custom look dresses up necessary eyesores into architectural features. Open shelving flanking both sides displays cookbooks or barware selections.
Use tongue-and-groove techniques to edge shiplap pieces behind sinks or ranges. The self-spacing joins prevent water from penetrating behind walls. Hand-rubbed wax makes wiping grime easier.