Many homeowners have been using shiplap wood for various projects. Before you invest money and time into shiplapping your spaces, there are a few things you need to know upfront. There are a lot of misconceptions about shiplap, and you need to have the right information before you jump into this home trend. Read our blog to discover the intricacies of shiplap wood.

What Shiplap Wood Is

The first thing you must know is that some of the cute designs you see on popular home improvement shows aren't real shiplap. According to Real Simple, real shiplap is identified by the 90-degree angle of the joint connecting the boards. There is a lot of confusion concerning shiplap, beadboard, and V-groove cladding.

V-groove and beadboard are connected using tongue and groove. Shiplap, however, is joined with an overlapping rabbet joint. This creates the 90-degree angle gap you can see between the boards. So, if there isn't a gap, you're not dealing with real shiplap. If you're not interested in real shiplap but just want the cladding visual, that's fine. You can achieve that with other methods. If you want a real shiplap, you must contact a reputable shiplap supplier.

Shiplap Wood Was Used at Sea

As the name indicates, shiplap was originally used as a style of ship construction. The overlapping joints helped to make sure the boards were tight and weatherproof. This is also true of a house. Older homes required weatherproofing as central heating and air hadn't been invented yet. Every effort had to be made in the construction process to ensure the home could withstand the elements and retain as much heat as possible during the winter.

Shiplap Wood Is Intended for Harsh Climates

Shiplap for housing was also intended for harsh climates where homes needed to withstand hard winters. This would have included seaside cottages or cabins. This is one reason why shiplap is often associated with creating an older, more historic look today. However, you should remember that creating a true shiplap is about creating a weather-tight home. Of course, if you're just looking for an accent wall, that's also great. Contact your local shiplap supplier for the proper amount you need for your next project.

Shiplap Wasn't Always the Star of the Show

This construction method has become popular thanks to home improvement shows that often feature shiplap or shiplap-like designs. Wen shiplap was used in the past as a practical construction method of weatherproofing, it wasn't the star of the show at all. Shiplap would have been covered over in many historic homes. It was, essentially, insulation or foundational construction. In the same way we cover up plywood or drywall, past builders would have covered up shiplap. The shiplap seams were not considered attractive, so those would have been covered over layers of muslin, cheesecloth, and wallpaper. Today, homeowners find shiplap wood impressive and visually appealing the way it is. It is used for various projects in home design.

Shiplap Wood Installations Create a Space Illusion

If you have a small room and want to create the illusion of height, you can install shiplap vertically. If you want to make a small room look more spacious, install it horizontally. This creates the illusion of the room being wider. This shiplap wood installation process would be great for smaller bedrooms, offices, or bathrooms. If you're looking to transform your home, shiplap wood is a great choice.

Shiplap Works Anywhere

The fun thing about shiplap today is that it does work in any space. You don't have to be on the farmhouse bandwagon to enjoy the aesthetically pleasing virtues of shiplap. This design method creates texture in a clean, simple way. It works just as well in contemporary settings as in more rustic designs.

These are just a few things you need to know about shiplap. Shiplap wood has a long history, from being used on ships at sea to improving living spaces for homeowners. This style of wood can transform your home with ease. If you want shiplap wood or other home improvements, please contact Stratford Builders Warehouse today. We are happy to help you with your next construction project. Our team offers hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and more.