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a beautiful bathroom with white shiplap walls
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Shiplap Bathroom Ideas and Install Guide

Shiplap is a popular design element that has been used for years in home interior design. It is a type of wooden board that is often used to create rustic; farmhouse looks in homes.
Prep Time2 days
Active Time2 days
Total Time4 days
Course: home improvement
Cuisine: Shiplap
Keyword: installing shiplap in a bathroom, shiplap, shiplap bathroom, shiplap in a bathroom
Yield: 1 space
Cost: $200 +

Equipment

  • Saw (circular or miter)
  • Paintbrushes and rollers
  • Sandpaper
  • Caulk and caulk gun
  • Tape Measure
  • Level

Materials

Instructions

Cutting and Fitting the Shiplap

  • Measure the walls where you want to install the shiplap and calculate how much wood you need.
  • Cut the shiplap boards to the appropriate length using a saw (circular or miter).
  • Sand down any rough edges or splinters on the boards.
  • Test fit the boards on the wall to ensure they fit correctly and make any necessary adjustments.

Installing the Shiplap on the Bathroom Walls

  • Starting at the bottom of the wall, nail or screw the shiplap boards into place, using a level to ensure they are straight.
  • Continue installing the boards, leaving a small gap between each to allow for expansion and contraction.
  • Once all the boards are installed, use caulk to fill in any nail holes if desired.

Sanding the Shiplap

  • Sand the shiplap with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any rough spots or bumps. 
  • After sanding, clean the shiplap with a damp cloth to remove dust or debris.

Priming and Painting Bathroom Shiplap

  • Use a brush or roller to apply a clear sealer or primer to the shiplap to protect it from moisture and let it dry completely.
  • Paint the boards with your desired color and let them dry completely.
  •  Apply two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.

Adding Trim and Caulk

  • Use a nail gun to attach the trim to the wall.
  • After installing the trim, fill gaps or seams with caulk to create a seamless finish. 
  • Use a caulk gun to apply it and smooth it out with a damp finger or a caulk smoothing tool.

Notes

Tips and Tricks

  • If you are using wood shiplap, it is a good idea to have the boards for your project arrive early so that you can have them adjust to the moisture content in the space prior. Have them stay in the space for 2 weeks to a month ahead.
  • Pre-paint and prime the shiplap prior to installation. This will save a lot of time trying to paint in between the boards once they are installed.
  • Fill the seams between the boards if desired.