Shiplap is a great way to cover up eyesores in older homes like uneven walls or ugly wallpaper. If you are wondering, can you put shiplap on an uneven wall? The answer is yes! The way that shiplap is installed and the overall look makes it ideal for hiding uneven walls and more.
In fact, shiplap is one of the most effective ways to cover uneven walls because each piece of shiplap is installed individually; it can mask uneven surfaces and hide flaws. All you have to do is start at the bottom of the wall and nail or screw each board into place.
Before you begin, remove the baseboards and cut your boards to length. Next, start at the bottom of the wall and nail your boards into place. The natural gap between boards will help to mask the uneven surface of the wall. This is one of the many reasons shiplap is an excellent option for uneven surfaces and walls.
Should You Put Shiplap on Uneven Wall?
There are plenty of reasons to use shiplap in a home; one of the best reasons to use shiplap on uneven walls is that it is effective at hiding flaws and making a clean, finished look that will elevate a room. But there are some problems with putting shiplap on uneven walls, like outlets, light switches, and more.
Other problems with installing shiplap on uneven walls include not having studs to mount the boards into, which you can get around by choosing extra-long lengths of board and using the corner studs. Don’t forget to check for plumbing pipes or electrical wiring where you are adding nails or screws.
Installing shiplap on any surface may result in some difficulties here and there. One of the things to account for is any outlets or light switches.
Ensure the breaker for the room is off and then remove the cover. Measure the length of the board before the edge of the switch, add at least 2” to account for the size of the switch, and mark the starting point and second edge of the box on the back of the board.
Next, you will need to cut out the box, which is easiest with a jigsaw. After you have cut out the box, install the board as normal and reset the box carefully. This step will allow you to mount it on top of the shiplap.
What Tools Do You Need to Put Shiplap on Uneven Wall?
Installing shiplap can be a simple job with just a few tools. Most of the tools you will need are probably already available in your home, especially if you have done home renovations in the past. However, for more complex jobs you may want to have a good supply of home renovation tools on hand.
The main tools you will need to install shiplap on an uneven wall include a hammer, nails, and a pry bar for preparing the wall and mounting the boards. A tape measure, stud finder, level, and pen will help you ensure the boards are even. Lastly, you’ll need the shiplap boards and a saw.
These are just a few of the basic tools you will need. Other tools that can help with installing shiplap on uneven walls are things like finishing nails, caulk, nail guns, hand saws, furring strips, a mallet, and cardboard or paper to make a template for curved ceilings, arches, or other odd areas of the wall.
Another thing to watch for are boards of varying lengths. You can use boards of different lengths for your shiplap wall; just be sure that you switch up the starting point and overlap the boards as evenly as possible to ensure you do not have a line of seams going down the wall.
Remember, the more boards you use, the more seams you will have to measure and try to line up on the next row. Try to stick with longer boards for an easier installation.
What Preparations Do You Need to Install Shiplap on Uneven Wall?
Preparing a wall for installing shiplap is easy and can make installation easy. You will want to be sure you take the time to prepare the wall before you start because installing shiplap is a fairly quick process and won’t take long if you have prepared well.
Start by measuring your wall so you know how long your boards need to be and how many you will need. Remove any outlet or light switch covers, baseboards, and crown molding. Check for studs along the wall and mark them with a pen for easy mounting.
If you remove the crown molding and baseboards, you will want to get furring strips to make a seamless finish on those edges. The furring strips should be attached to the first board you install using 18-gauge nails. These nails are small enough that they are almost invisible against most woodgrains.
How to Install Shiplap on Uneven Wall
Installing shiplap on an uneven wall is the perfect way to hide flaws in an older home while giving the space a statement wall. If you have a wall in your home that has settled over time and needs a facelift, installing shiplap will help to hide the uneven wall, and it is easy to install.
To install shiplap on an uneven wall, start at the bottom of the wall. Measure, cut, and mount each board on its own. Take time to ensure each board is level as you go, though a little difference here and there will be hidden in the natural gaps of shiplap. Measure, cut, and mount each board.
Watch your measurements and be careful when working with outlets or electrical switches. Be sure the breaker is off when working in these areas, and take care not to drive nails into plumbing pipes or electrical wiring.
Shiplap is the perfect way to hide walls that have settled over time, and it will give you an even surface to make your home feel complete again. That uneven wall will be a beautiful centerpiece when the job is finished.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on September 18, 2022.