Whether you’re looking for siding, paneling, soffit, or material to help you on your next nautical adventure (yes, we said nautical), shiplap is the material for you. What exactly is this magical product with so many different uses? Shiplap refers to a board that has a rabbeted edge made from cutting out alternating 90-degree notches in the edges of the board. This allows the boards to fit together snugly so that there is little-to-no space left between them. While there are many types of shiplap out there, Marks Lumber manufactures a traditional shiplap, meaning that the boards are made to fit neatly together.

History 

Traditional shiplap was originally created for the sides of ships, as the rabbeted edges created a leak-proof seal. Once shiplap made its appearance on land, it was used for interior walls because the tight seal helped insulate rooms, keeping them warm and dry. However, rather than leaving them exposed as an accent wall as is the trend nowadays, they were typically covered up with cheesecloth or wallpaper. Shiplap eventually made its way into the siding world because of its ability to withstand harsh weather, holding up to wind, water, and extreme shifts in temperature. The rabbeted edge allows the wood to breathe and move with the changes in seasons and humidity, making it a perfect siding choice for the unpredictable, Montana weather.

How to Use It

Shiplap has recently been trending in the design world because of the clean, quaint look it offers for interior paneling. It’s most commonly used to accent a space by using it on a single or a few walls or on the ceiling. However, shiplap can also be used on exterior walls. While it has become popular to paint the boards white for a more modern look, you can also simply apply a clear finish, showcasing the wood and creating a rustic look that will make your home feel extra cozy. The natural colors of the rough sawn Douglas fir mixed with the uniform, crisp look of the boards creates a unique blend that highlights almost any aesthetic.

Marks Lumber manufactures shiplap in 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch widths, allowing you to install mixed widths, adding dimension and character to your home. Additionally, shiplap can be installed vertically or horizontally, giving you a wide range of stylistic options to choose from in one single product. Whatever look you are going for, shiplap can help bring any space to life, whether on a ceiling, wall, fireplace, siding, or soffit. Once you’ve decided that shiplap is the right product for you, be sure to refer to our shiplap installation instructions. Proper installation is key to the longevity of shiplap, and Marks Lumber is here to help you.

Contact Marks Lumber today for more ideas on how to use shiplap on your next project.

Learn More About Our Shiplap Siding Products