--- title: Step‑by‑Step Guide to Installing Shiplap Walls on a Budget siteUrl: https://logzly.com/shiplapshine author: shiplapshine (Shiplap & Shine) date: 2026-06-16T15:21:55.464459 tags: [shiplap, diy, budgetrenovation] url: https://logzly.com/shiplapshine/stepbystep-guide-to-installing-shiplap-walls-on-a-budget --- **Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy through us.** You’ve seen those crisp, farmhouse‑style walls on Instagram and thought, “I could do that… if I didn’t have to spend a fortune.” The good news? Shiplap is one of the most affordable ways to give a room character, and you don’t need a pro crew to pull it off. For a deeper dive, see our [step‑by‑step guide to installing shiplap on a budget](/shiplapshine/step-by-step-guide-to-installing-shiplap-on-a-budget). ## What You’ll Need ### Materials - **[Shiplap boards](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=shiplap+boards&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – pine or fir are cheap and easy to sand. Look for “unfinished” planks at the lumber yard; they’re usually $1.20‑$1.80 per foot. - **[Construction adhesive](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=construction+adhesive&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – a 10‑oz tube of a strong, water‑based glue works fine. - **[Finish nails](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Finish+Nails&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – 1‑1/2″ or 2″ nails, preferably a [nail gun](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nail+gun&tag=organizationtip101-20) if you have one, otherwise a hammer and a [nail set](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nail+set&tag=organizationtip101-20). - **Caulk** – paint‑ready [acrylic caulk](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=acrylic+caulk&tag=organizationtip101-20) for the seams. - **[Primer and paint](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=primer+and+paint&tag=organizationtip101-20) or stain** – a single‑coat [interior latex paint](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=interior+latex+paint&tag=organizationtip101-20) is cheap and hides [nail holes](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nail+holes&tag=organizationtip101-20) well. ### Tools - [Tape measure](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tape+measure&tag=organizationtip101-20) - Level (a cheap [torpedo level](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=torpedo+level&tag=organizationtip101-20) does the job) - [Circular saw](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=circular+saw&tag=organizationtip101-20) or handsaw - [Stud finder](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stud+finder&tag=organizationtip101-20) (optional but helpful) - [Utility knife](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Utility+knife&tag=organizationtip101-20) - Sandpaper (120‑grit) - [Drop cloths](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=drop+cloths&tag=organizationtip101-20) and painter’s tape ## [Prep Work](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=prep+work&tag=organizationtip101-20) ### 1. Measure the Space Start by measuring the length of each wall. Write the numbers down; I like to sketch a quick box on a scrap [piece of paper](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=piece+of+paper&tag=organizationtip101-20) and note the total linear footage. This tells you exactly how many boards to buy and helps avoid waste. ### 2. Find the Studs If you’re nailing into studs, locate them with a stud finder or tap the wall and listen for a solid sound. Mark the stud locations with a pencil. When you’re on a budget, you can also use a “nail‑on‑stud” method: drive a few nails into the drywall at regular intervals and use those as anchors for the shiplap. ### 3. Prepare the Surface Clean the wall of dust and any [loose paint](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=loose+paint&tag=organizationtip101-20). If the drywall is glossy, lightly sand it so the adhesive will bite. Lay down drop cloths to protect the floor – I used old canvas sheets from my garage. ## Installing the Boards ### H2: Layout First, Nail Later #### H3: Dry Fit Before you apply any glue, lay the first board on the floor and hold it up to the wall. Use a level to make sure it’s plumb (perfectly vertical). This dry run shows you where the board will sit and lets you adjust for any uneven corners. #### H3: Apply Adhesive Run a bead of construction adhesive along the back of the board, about every 12 inches. Press the board onto the wall, starting at a corner and working outward. The adhesive takes the load off the nails and reduces squeaks later. #### H3: [Nail It](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nail+it&tag=organizationtip101-20) In While the board is still held in place, drive finish nails into the studs (or your nail‑on‑stud anchors) every 16 inches. If you’re using a hammer, a nail set helps sink the heads just below the surface so you won’t have to fill deep holes later. #### H3: Overlap the Joints Shiplap boards have a slight lip that slides over the edge of the previous board. This creates a tight seam that looks like a shadow line. Make sure each new board overlaps the previous one by at least 1/2 inch; this hides any gaps and adds that classic farmhouse look. ### H2: Keep the Gaps Consistent If your walls aren’t perfectly straight, you’ll notice a “step” where the boards meet. Use a shim (a thin piece of [scrap wood](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=scrap+wood&tag=organizationtip101-20)) behind the board at the high spot to level it out. The goal is a smooth, even surface that doesn’t wobble when you run your hand over it. ## [Finishing Touches](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Finishing+Touches&tag=organizationtip101-20) ### 1. Fill the [Nail Heads](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nail+heads&tag=organizationtip101-20) With a [putty knife](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=putty+knife&tag=organizationtip101-20), spread a thin coat of spackle over each [nail head](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=nail+head&tag=organizationtip101-20). Let it dry, then [sand smooth](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=sand+smooth&tag=organizationtip101-20). Because we used finish nails, the holes are tiny and the spackle dries quickly. ### 2. Caulk the Seams Run a bead of paint‑ready caulk along each shiplap seam. This seals any tiny gaps and gives the wall a finished look. Smooth the caulk with a [wet finger](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wet+finger&tag=organizationtip101-20) or a [caulking tool](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=caulking+tool&tag=organizationtip101-20); the result is a subtle shadow line that adds depth. ### 3. [Prime and Paint](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Prime+and+Paint&tag=organizationtip101-20) (or Stain) If you’re going for a white farmhouse vibe, a single coat of interior latex primer followed by one [coat of paint](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=coat+of+paint&tag=organizationtip101-20) does the trick. For a rustic feel, a clear [wood stain](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=wood+stain&tag=organizationtip101-20) with a matte [polyurethane topcoat](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=polyurethane+topcoat&tag=organizationtip101-20) brings out the grain without breaking the bank. I chose a [light gray paint](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=light+gray+paint&tag=organizationtip101-20); it made the kitchen feel larger and let the wood texture shine. For a more elevated look, consider a [custom shiplap accent wall](/shiplapshine/transform-your-living-room-with-a-custom-shiplap-accent-wall) to tie the whole room together. ## Budget Hacks - **[Buy in bulk](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=buy+in+bulk&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – many lumber yards give a discount when you purchase a full pallet of shiplap. Even if you don’t need all the boards, you can keep the leftovers for future projects. - **Reuse old boards** – I salvaged pine planks from a neighbor’s attic renovation. A quick sand and a coat of primer made them look brand new. - **Skip the nail gun** – a hammer and a set of nail pliers work just fine. The only extra time cost is a few extra minutes per board. - **DIY [shiplap accent wall](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=shiplap+accent+wall&tag=organizationtip101-20)** – using leftover planks can give a cohesive look throughout the house while keeping costs down. - **DIY caulk smoothing** – instead of buying a fancy caulking tool, use a plastic spoon or the edge of a [credit card](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=credit+card&tag=organizationtip101-20) to smooth the bead. ## Final Thoughts Installing shiplap is one of those home‑improvement tasks that feels big but is actually quite doable. With a little planning, a few [basic tools](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=basic+tools&tag=organizationtip101-20), and the budget tricks above, you can transform a bland wall into a [statement piece](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=statement+piece&tag=organizationtip101-20) without draining your wallet. I still get compliments from guests who think I hired a designer – the truth is, I just rolled up my sleeves and got to work.