Here’s what to know about the popular material.

To answer the query, “What is shiplap?”

Since that show’s debut, it seems like everyone wants to cover their walls with white-painted wood paneling.

2020 Real Simple Home Tour: Stairs with shiplap

Photo: Christopher Testani

Here’s what you should know about shiplapfrom how it began to modern design hacks.

What Is Shiplap?

Generally, it has a distinctive 90-degree-angled joint connecting the boards.

shiplap wooden boards

Home Depot

For interior use, shiplap originally served as a practical rather than an aesthetic design asset.

Today, shiplap is among severaltypes of wood panelingused to create a similar look.

Things No One Tells You About Shiplap

Today, shiplap is more about form than function.

removable shiplap wallpaper in office

Target

It infuses a home with a nautical or rustic style and makes a space feel cozy.

After installing wall paneling, you have to be more strategic about how you dust.

A microfiber cloth can help or try the Scrub Daddy.

Avoid applying too much paint to the roller and opt for several thinner coats of paint.

Don’t Stress, Distress!

Consider a diagonal or chevron pattern for a traditionalandmodern look with the same material.

Don’t Forget the 5th Wall

Shiplap is a fast, inexpensive way to panel a ceiling.

Just see to it the problem you’re covering up is purely aesthetic.

Consider Off-the-Wall Ideas

Shiplap’s not just for walls.

This versatile aesthetic blends equally well in a rustic or farmhouse-style kitchen and a minimalist, modern decor.

The biggest difference is that tongue and groove connects together by interlocking while shiplap overlaps.