If you’re “board” of the same flat, painted walls, shiplap and beadboard can add tons of texture and visual interest
Beadboard paneling features long vertical planks with raised ridges between each board, while shiplap has rabbeted grooves that create slight beveled indentations lengthwise.
Shiplap installation costs around $1,000 on average, while beadboard costs about $1,325, with beadboard covering more wall area as traditional wainscoting.
Your choice depends on your project goals: shiplap works as a versatile accent or full wall covering, while beadboard protects lower walls in high-impact areas.
Hiring a local carpentry professional keeps installation precise and level, handling measurements, cuts, and proper spacing for either shiplap or beadboard paneling.
We’ve come a long way since the dated wood paneling that dominated the ’60s and ’70s. Fresh designs breathe new life into this concept and add rustic charm to modern spaces, and there are a few different ways of achieving the look.
Enter, shiplap and beadboard. Although these styles have similar looks, the design behind them varies. Here’s what to know about shiplap versus beadboard before you start adding one to your walls.
Shiplap is a wooden wall paneling with a rabbet, or groove, at the top and bottom of each plank. This allows the boards to self-space and fit snugly together, while forming a tight barrier against wind and water. The term “shiplap” actually came from its original purpose as waterproof paneling for ships.
“When we were restoring an 1850s historic property, we decided to use beadboard for the kitchen celinting,” says Bob Tschudi, Angi Expert Review Board member and general contractor in Raleigh, NC. “The contours gave the ceiling an antique look, even though we installed recessed lighting to make the kitchen space brighter.”
Shiplap’s versatile farmhouse look makes it work as a beautiful accent or as a whole-wall (or whole-room) covering.
If you have an older home, you may just have some shiplap hiding behind the plaster. Keep an eye out for it if you do any demolition or remodeling.
The rabbets between shiplap boards are perfect catch-all crevices for dust, so it’s necessary to hit your shiplap regularly with a duster or microfiber cloth.
The grooves also make it a bit difficult to paint—too much paint can easily get goopy, while too little can leave behind annoying bare patches.
Beadboard is a popular type of wainscoting—a term used to describe decorative wood paneling that’s added to the lower portion of an interior wall. It features long, vertical panels with raised ridges (aka “beads”) between each plank. These interlocking joints make it fall under the tongue-and-groove category of wood paneling.
Although beadboard’s primary purpose is its decorative appeal, it also adds an extra layer of protection.
It’s an especially good choice for areas that might see regular impact from furniture and other objects, such as dining rooms or offices.
It may rot or warp if exposed to excess moisture or high humidity. This makes it a risky choice for basements and homes that are without central AC or those that have chronic issues with humidity.
Beadboard is labor-intensive to install and a huge pain to remove—you’ll need to carefully (read: painstakingly) cover up every little hole with caulk before sanding it down and giving it a fresh coat of paint. If you prefer to change up the look of your home often, think twice to ensure it’s something you’ll be happy with, as it can be a challenge to get rid of.
“We recently remodeled a bathroom and surrounded a standalone soaker bathtub with shiplap,” says Tschudi. “The final look was both modern and rustic, and the homeowner was very pleased with the result.”
Shiplap and beadboard can be pretty similar in appearance, but there are a few distinct differences to note. Here’s how they compare side-by-side.
Shiplap is recognizable by its distinct beveling. This gives the appearance of slight grooves lengthwise between each plank. Beadboard, as well as other tongue-and-groove paneling, fits together more tightly and typically lacks the same indentation between boards.
Best Appearance: Depends on personal preference
Shiplap costs an average of $1,000 to install, or between $2.50 and $7 per square foot. Beadboard and similar wood paneling costs around $1,325 on average, or about $7 to $20 per square foot. You also may need more beadboard to finish a project, as it will cover the entire lower portion of the wall rather than acting as an accent. Of course, this will all vary based on the type of wood and the thickness of the boards.
More Affordable: Shiplap
Although DIY-friendly beadboard kits can simplify the installation process, beadboard requires time and care to install. On top of cutting the sheets to size, it’s also important to properly measure the spacing for the perfect look. Shiplap, on the other hand, self-spaces and is much more fool-proof.
Easiest to Install: Shiplap
Both shiplap and beadboard will naturally collect dirt over time—however, the grooves between shiplap planks tend to collect a ton of dust and call for regular dusting. Beadboard is usually easier to wipe down, but given its location, is more prone to dings and scuffs. Still, a quick wipe-down and the occasional sweep with a melamine sponge should keep it looking spotless.
Easiest to Maintain: Beadboard
Both shiplap and beadboard are built to last. However, beadboard doesn’t boast the same weatherproof qualities as shiplap. With excess moisture or humidity, the boards may rot or warp over time.
Longer Lifespan: Shiplap
While similar in style and technique, shiplap isn’t considered a type of wainscoting. Wainscoting typically covers the lower third or half of a wall, while shiplap is a standalone accent that can get installed in a variety of locations. It may cover an entire wall, or it may act as strategically-placed decorative paneling behind a focal point (such as a headboard or mantle). Either way, because it doesn’t strictly cover the lower portion of the wall, it doesn’t quite fit under the “wainscoting” umbrella.
Incredible workers! Very skilled with the machinery, climbing, cutting, roping, and removal. Handled everything. Professionals!
Hoffman Expert Tree ServicesI m so impressed with Custom Paint Jobs LLC s craftsmanship. They truly care about quality.
Custom Paint Jobs, LLCStorms Mobile Welding was great to work with. They were prompt, professional and did an overall excellent job on the project. I highly recommend.
Excellent choices and quality of materials. Workmen were very efficient and took their work very seriously. Pride of workmanship and cleaned up beautifully at end of job. Would recommend this company highly.
Window Depot USA of Central OhioGreat job...edging and pre clean up went well with a great job with seal coat. Friendly, efficient and professional.
All Star Paving and SealingGreat tree company, very professional and honest. Glad we found them, they had the best pricing
It was wonderful working with Yordy and his team. They were very professional and are experts in what they do. They have completed the work on time, with better quality and with in fairly reasonable price. We just started with backsplash work , but liking his work, we went on to provide...
Flooring SolutionsWe hired Jim to replace our hardwood floors with new hardwood. He and his helper Jerry did a fantastic job. Their work ethic is impeccable!! We would highly recommend McColl Floors!
The job went extremely well. Work was done as promised and the job came out better than expected due to Mr. Moyer's commitment to excellence and personal pride in providing the best work possible. He is one of those professionals who is not satisfied until the customer is completely happy...
Pro FlooringWe needed to have a wall cabinet resized so that we could fit a larger refrigerator underneath. I removed the cabinet from the wall myself and brought it in, where Wally was able to resize it for me in his shop. The results were perfect: it's exactly the size that I asked for, and...
Pioneer WoodworksFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost to install shiplap siding or wall surfaces in your home depends on several factors, including the material type and the size of your project.
Installing beadboard ceilings is a great DIY project. Learn what to expect cost-wise from this project, whether removing or covering a popcorn ceiling.
You may consider shiplap versus tongue and groove panels for your dream home. Learn the differences of these materials, from cost to installation and more.
When it comes to choosing between shiplap vs drywall, you need to take cost, appearance, and durability into account. Read on to learn more about each option.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to makeover your home, beadboard paneling is the way to go. Beadboard is wood paneling with vertical grooves and small ridges between each plank, giving your home a big boost of charm.
What is shiplap? The answer might not be in line with what you’ve heard. Read on as we cover everything you need to know, including exactly what shiplap wood is, what its pros and cons are, and how you can capture its rustic look in your home.
