Shiplap is a finish that is popular on home renovation shows, and it’s easy to see why! It can add character and texture to a room, and even make an attractive siding. But how much will shiplap cost?
The average cost for interior shiplap will cost between $500 and $1,700 for a room that is 200 square feet.
Meanwhile, shiplap siding can cost anywhere between $2,800 to $7,500 for a 1,000 square feet, but labor costs and the kinds of wood used also factor into the price.
In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at the cost of shiplap. But first, let’s clarify what shiplap actually is.
What Is Shiplap?
Shiplap is often confused with whitewashed wood panelling, but this is actually a misconception. While all shiplap is wood paneling, not all paneling can be considered shiplap.
The term ‘shiplap’ originates from its use as waterproof wood paneling for ships. A groove known as a rabbet cut at the top and bottom of every plank lets the boards fit closely together.
When horizontally installed, this creates a very effective shield against the elements. Shiplap is so much more than standard wood paneling!
The fact that shiplap is weatherproof makes it ideal for use in siding. Wood is a durable option with a rustic aesthetic that many homeowners find attractive.
How Expensive Is It To Install Shiplap On Interior Walls?
A professional installation of shiplap in a 200-square-foot interior room costs between $1,000 and $1,700.
As contractors have access to discounts on supplies and they normally have the necessary tools they hand, asking a contractor to do the job for you may be the more economical option.
However, doing some of the work yourself (such as preparing the walls or attaching baseboards) can save you money on contractor costs.
For interior shiplap, we recommend hiring a local indoor trim carpenter, and some general contractors may be able to install shiplap for you.
Is It Expensive To Install Shiplap Yourself?
Installing shiplap by yourself in a 200-square-foot room can cost anywhere from $500 and $1,400, according to the materials and tools you have at your disposal.
To install shiplap yourself you will need a level, nails, a nail gun, spackle, a stud finder, underlayment, wood filler, and a finish. The cost of these items will vary depending on where you live and the quantities you need to buy.
The total time it will take for you to install shiplap yourself will depend on your DIY experience and wall installation experience, as well as how much prep your wall requires.
Make sure you correctly measure and carefully install your shiplap to make sure it looks neat and even.
However, shiplap siding is a bit trickier and you may even need a permit. Therefore, it might be better to hire a local siding contractor or a contractor who takes care of external jobs like siding and roofing (Looking at adding a soffit to your roofing? See our guide here).
Breakdown Of Shiplap Costs
Shiplap walls and siding prices mainly consist of labor and materials, but you will also need additional supplies to finish it. A contractor normally factors in these costs to their total price, but it is a good idea to check this.
Let’s take a look at the estimated prices for shiplap installation in a room that is 12 feet by 14 feet and has around 168 square feet of wall.
Materials
You can anticipate paying $420 to $1,176 for shiplap boards, mainly depending on the kind of woof. Shiplap can be made of redwood, plywood, pine, cedar, etc.
Labor
Carpenters tend to cost $35 an hour, while siding labor costs around $1 to $4 per square foot.
Underlayment
You can expect to pay $75 to $90 for the wood that needs to be installed on top of your shiplap.
Nails
Two 5-pound boxes of nails tend to cost $2 to $6, and are a crucial part of a successful shiplap project.
Before you nail your shiplap boards you need to smooth the walls with primer. You will need around 4 to 5 gallons of primer that tends to cost around $100 to $125.
Wood Putty Or Wood Filler
To cover shiplap blemishes, you will need to use wood putty or wood filler. These tend to cost between $15 and $20.
Finish
Finishes will add color to the shiplap walls. The price for the finish can cost anywhere between $22 and $26.
Extras
If you need to fix your drywall before installing shiplap then you should consider extra costs too. The average cost for drywall repair is $535.
However, if you want to install shiplap siding too then you may need to apply for a building permit.
What Can Affect The Cost Of Shiplap?
The biggest factor affecting the cost of shiplap is the kind of wood you use, but you also need to consider how thick the boards are and whether they are pre-finished.
Wood
Hardwood can cost anywhere between $2.50 to $3.50 per square foot. Cedar tends to cost between $2.50 to $7 per square foot.
Meanwhile, pine can cost between $2.75 and $3.75 per square foot.
Board Sizes
Shiplap comes in a variety of lengths, thickness, and widths. Thicker shiplap boards tend to be more expensive than thinner boards.
Complexity And Size Of The Space
The bigger the square footage, the more costly the project. If you have windows or doors on a shiplap wall, then you will need more accurate labor and measurements.
Outdoor VS Indoor Shiplap
It’s costlier to install shiplap siding externally than internally because of the additional labor required to cover a massive surface area.
Wall Preparation And Repairs
Removing old siding or fixtures takes additional time and adds extra costs.
Plain VS Pre-Finished Boards
Pre-finished shiplap boards either come primed, or painted as well as primed. While these are more expensive than plain boards, it does make the process quicker. It is also possible to paint shiplap yourself.
Finish
While a luxury finish is more expensive, it does better protect your shiplap and has more longevity.
Final Thoughts
We hope our article has clarified how much shiplap costs so you can transform your house into an elegant home!
Hey! My name is Luke. I am the Co-founder of PowellCustomHomes.com, it’s great to have you here at our site. With a combined 20 years of experience, we can help you build the home that you want, specific to your requirements and lifestyle.
No task is too small. We can guide you and offer advice, no matter if you are filling in gaps in the wall, hiding cords, or simply fixing up construction mistakes. We love to help, and strive to do so in any way that we can.
