Characterized by long horizontal (or vertical) panels formed by overlapping "rabbets" (grooved boards), weathertight shiplap has long been popular in areas with harsh climates. Because of this functionality, and due to the fact that it was often made from relatively inexpensive pine, shiplap has traditionally been associated with less formal structures, such as woodland cabins and coastal cottages.
But architect Sheila Bonnell of FRAMe Architectural + Design (a member of the Remodelista design directory) encourages us to break with tradition when it comes to shiplap, regarding it not as just a "rustic" or "period" material, but as a timeless detail that is as much at home in modern architecture. Recently we asked Sheila to share her insights into the myriad applications of shiplap.
Above: In the dining area of Harbor Cottage, shiplap paneling was used to unify the space and give it an updated cottage feel. Photo by Justine Hand.
Remodelista: You've used shiplap in many of the homes you've designed. What is it that draws you to this material?
Sheila Bonnell: Put simply, shiplap is less formal way of adding interest to a wall and/or dimension to a space. The fact it has to be installed by hand and that you can feel the craftsmanship, the fact that it is a natural material, that it is textured, that it allows you to create a seamless line throughout a space, that it has historic and regional contexts, for me, all these things make shiplap very lively and engaging.
Above: In this modern eat-in kitchen in Sweden, shiplap was employed as a warm accent behind the counters. Image via Alvhem Interiors.
RM: Where do you use shiplap?
SB: Anywhere!
RM: Even in a formal house?
SB: Yes, if it feels right. I know it's an anathema to some, but I tend to resist "rules" and a strict adherence to historic accuracy which can become static, in favor of creating something that is effecting and engaging. So in a formal house I wouldn't automatically rule shiplap out, because actually I think it's really timeless. And because it creates texture in such a clean, unfussy way, it can work just as well in a contemporary setting. In fact, one of the things I love about shiplap is that it works both ways. Because it is hand-crafted, it can add "warmth" to what might be a more austere modern setting. Or, conversely, because it has a very clean line (particularly when painted) it can be used to make an historical setting feel more contemporary.
Above: Shiplap is quite happily paired with elegant marble counters in photographer Abi Campbell's London kitchen. Photo by Matt Clayton.
RM: How do you use shiplap in a space?
SB: Shiplap is extremely versatile so it can be used in a number of different ways, depending on the needs of the space. At Harbor Cottage, the first floor was a single, open room which served as a living room, dining area, and kitchen. To unify the space, I used shiplap on all four walls, as well as across the doors and kitchen cabinets.
You can take this continuity further by also using shiplap in the ceiling. Or you can use shiplap to accentuate a single architectural feature. In my own home, covering all the walls was beyond our budget, so we made the choice to panel the high ceilings as a means a maintaining the intimacy of the space.
Shiplap can also be used to create a nice sense of scale. For example, if you have a lofty ceiling, you might use shiplap only up to a particular height on the wall, to create more human scale as well as a secondary datum, which is architecturally more interesting.
Above: Equally at home in a modern or traditional setting, shiplap can be employed as a striking architectural accent as seen in the hallway spotted on Dering Hall, or to create a cozy nook as in this office by Tracery Interiors.
Above: Architect Joan Heaton used a pickled shiplap in a winter cabin in Vermont. Image via Susan Teare.
RM: Painted or unfinished? What kind of wood do you typically use?
SB: Again, it depends on the space and what you are trying to acheive. In one of the first projects I did, which was a small cabin in Maine, I used Point Orford Cedar, that I left unfinished. Not only was the texture of the wood plainly visible, but the boards responded to the weather releasing an amazing aroma, all of which enhanced the feeling of the wood as a living thing.
In my own home, we used poplar and then white-washed it, so that some of the grain came through. And then at Harbor Cottage we used poplar again and painted it Linen White from Benjamin Moore. Poplar is great if you are going to apply a finish, because it is smooth and accepts paint evenly. One thing about paint though, you want to make sure that you maintain the space in between the boards, so apply paint carefully, or preferably, paint the boards before you install them.
Above: A detail of the shiplap paneling at Harbor Cottage shows the spacing of the boards. Image by Justine Hand.
RM: I've seen the boards applied right up against each other and with a more of a gap. What's your preference?
SB: Myself, I like to maintain a bit of a channel between the boards, rather than have them right up against each other. This creates a lighter, more airy feel and emphasizes the wonderful horizontal (or vertical) accent of the boards.
Above: At Harbor Cottage, architect/designer Sheila Bonnell employed traditional shiplap in a clean, modern way to create a contemporary space that is still very much in context with the rural Maine setting. Image by Justine Hand.
RM: Any other tips for applying shiplap?
SB: Yes. Most importantly, make sure you maintain a seamless line across your architectural features! At Harbor Cottage, you can see that the lines are carried right through the door and along the kitchen cabinets. This kind of attention to detail demonstrates "intentionality," so that even though the effect of shiplap is less formal, it still shows that someone really thought about it what they were doing and put a lot of care into the space.
Above: The flip side: Sydney-based architect Christopher Polly used vertical shiplap in striking contrast to the horizontal elements in his kitchen.
N.B. Get more insider secrets with our favorite Advice from the Experts.