Shiplap
Overlapping boards allow for expansion on a home's exterior in moderate climates
Shiplap is an exterior cladding or interior wood paneling similar in look to tongue and groove planks. A rabbet or groove cut at the end of the boards allows them to overlap and still lie flush when assembled. Although not as strong as a tongue and groove joint, the loose connection assists with temperature and humidity changes, allowing for expansion of the wood.
Shiplap is most commonly found on exteriors, though many people are discovering they like the casual look for home interiors.
Both the walls and vaulted ceiling in this bedroom are covered with shiplap paneling.
Shiplap panels simply overlap from board to board, relying on a rabbet cut at the end the boards that allows them to lie flush.
Shiplap creates a shadow line where the wood overlaps the rabbet joint.
As a change of pace, the shiplap in this room is applied vertically.
In moderate climates, shiplap can be a good exterior choice. But for more extreme temperatures, a tongue and groove joint would be preferred.
Browse more shiplap photos
Browse more shiplap photos