Shiplap Cladding Systems
Clean lines. Consistent spacing. Finished surfaces. Shiplap is a versatile cladding system for walls and ceilings in both interior and exterior applications—designed with overlapping edges for controlled shadow lines and a refined appearance. Perfect for exterior siding, soffits, and accent walls.
Available in select premium hardwood materials for high-end construction. Custom profiles available.
Where Shiplap Is Commonly Used
Interior Applications
- • Interior walls
- • Ceilings and soffits
- • Accent walls
- • Feature installations
Exterior Applications
- • Exterior walls and facades
- • Covered patios
- • Porches and breezeways
- • Soffit applications
Design Flexibility
- • Modern, clean-lined interiors
- • Coastal or transitional aesthetics
- • Continuous wall and ceiling surfaces
- • Full-height or accent applications
Shiplap System Overview
Profile Design
- ✓ Overlapping or rabbeted edges
- ✓ Designed to conceal fasteners
- ✓ Consistent reveal between boards
- ✓ Clean transitions at corners and terminations
Orientation Options
- • Horizontal: Traditional, clean-lined look
- • Vertical: Modern, architectural aesthetic
- • Accent: Feature installations to define spaces
- Boards can be installed full-height, full-width, or as accents
Interior vs Exterior Use
For exterior applications, Building Science Corporation recommends weather barriers and drainage planes behind wood cladding systems.
Interior Installations:
- • Focus on visual consistency and finish quality
- • Minimal maintenance requirements
Exterior Installations:
- • Require appropriate weather barriers
- • Prioritize drainage, airflow, and weather exposure
- • May be sealed or finished based on exposure
Installation Best Practices
Substrate & Preparation
- • Install over flat, properly prepared substrates
- • Exterior applications require appropriate weather barriers
- • Proper fastening and layout planning is essential for long-term performance
Board Layout
- • Maintain consistent alignment and spacing
- • Stagger joints where possible
- • Plan transitions at windows, doors, and corners
- • Shiplap systems simplify alignment while delivering a refined surface
Fastening
- • Shiplap profiles conceal or minimize visible fasteners when installed correctly
- • Use corrosion-resistant fasteners appropriate for your application
- • Follow manufacturer guidelines for fastener spacing
Material Options
Shiplap is available in select premium hardwood materials commonly used in high-end interior and exterior construction, chosen for stability, durability, and long-term appearance. Material selection is configurable based on application, exposure, and design goals—without changing the core shiplap system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shiplap suitable for exterior use?
Yes, when installed with proper preparation and weather management. Exterior shiplap requires appropriate weather barriers and may be sealed or finished based on exposure and aesthetic preference.
Can shiplap be installed vertically?
Yes. Both horizontal and vertical installations are common. Vertical shiplap creates a modern, architectural aesthetic and may require higher waste factors due to additional cuts.
Does shiplap hide fasteners?
Shiplap profiles are designed to conceal or minimize visible fasteners when installed correctly. The overlapping edge covers the fastener location on the previous board.
Can shiplap be used on ceilings?
Yes. Shiplap is commonly used for both wall and ceiling applications, particularly in covered porches, soffits, and interior rooms.
Do I need to order extra material?
A waste factor of 10–15% is typically recommended, depending on layout and cut complexity. Vertical installations and complex layouts generally require higher waste factors.
Available Shiplap Sizes
Shop by size — overlapping shiplap boards for walls, ceilings, and siding.
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