A DIY shiplap wall is a simple, low-cost project that quickly improves the look of any room.

Many users look for clear instructions they can follow at home, and this guide focuses on cost-effective methods that work well for beginners.

Using inexpensive plywood strips and simple tools, you can create the clean shiplap look without the cost of real boards.

This project works in bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, or any space that needs a quick update.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare the boards, install each row correctly, and finish the wall with paint. The goal is to make the whole process easy, affordable, and manageable for anyone.

Why DIY Shiplap Is a Budget-Friendly Wall Project?

DIY shiplap is a budget-friendly wall project because it lets you create a clean, stylish look using low-cost materials.

Instead of buying real tongue-and-groove boards, you can use thin plywood sheets that are much cheaper and easy to cut into long strips.

Many stores will even cut the boards for free, which saves time and money.

The tools needed for this project are basic, and most people already have them at home, like a sander, a saw, a level, and a nail gun.

You don’t need advanced skills or special training to install the boards, which removes the cost of hiring help.

The simple steps also make it easy to finish the wall in a weekend, giving you a fast upgrade without a high budget.

Step-By-Step Guide to Making Your Own Shiplap Wall

These steps guide you through building a shiplap wall with affordable plywood strips. Each part is simple to follow, so you can finish the project with basic tools and a little time.

Step 1: Gather All Your Materials

Start by collecting everything you need before you begin the project.

You’ll need 4×8 sheets of 1/4-inch plywood, a saw to cut the strips, a pneumatic nail gun, nails, a level, spacers like nickels, spackle, a putty knife, and a sander.

You’ll also need caulk and your final paint.

Optional tools such as a stud finder, jigsaw, skill saw, and drill bits help make precise cuts around outlets, pipes, and corners.

Step 2: Cut the Plywood into Strips

Having the store cut your plywood sheets into strips saves time and effort, and many stores offer this service for free.

Choose slightly under 8-inch strips to get six boards from each sheet, but you can select any width that fits your style and the look you want.

Once the boards are ripped into strips, measure and cut each piece to the right length for your wall.

Pre-cutting everything before installation makes the process faster and more organized.

Step 3: Sand the Edges Smooth

Before installing the boards, check each plywood strip for rough spots or splintered edges.

Sanding the strips helps them fit neatly against each other and creates a smoother surface for painting. You can sand by hand, but using an electric sander speeds up the process and gives more consistent results.

A small mouse sander works well because it is lightweight, easy to control, and effective for smoothing long edges.

Taking time to sand properly helps the finished shiplap wall look clean and polished.

Step 4: Find and Mark the Wall Studs

Finding the studs is important because it gives the boards a strong, secure place to attach.

Use a stud finder to locate each stud, then mark the spots with a pencil so they’re easy to see while working.

While it’s possible to nail into drywall, attaching the shiplap directly to the studs creates a sturdier, longer-lasting hold that keeps the boards from loosening over time.

Marking all the studs before installation also saves time, prevents mistakes, and keeps the layout accurate once you begin nailing the boards in place.

Step 5: Begin Installing the First Board

Start at the bottom of the wall because it gives you a straight, reliable reference point for the rest of the installation.

Measure and cut the first board, then use a level to make sure it’s perfectly aligned. Since floors aren’t always straight, it’s important not to rely on them for accuracy.

Taking extra time on this first board is essential, as every board that follows will match its angle and placement.

A level, precise starting point ensures the entire shiplap wall looks even and professional.

Step 6: Add Spacers and Install the Next Boards

After securing the first board, place nickels or spacers along the top edge to create an even, consistent gap.

Set the next board above the spacers and nail it into place, aiming for the studs whenever possible to keep the installation strong.

Continue this process for each row, always checking alignment as you go. Measure every section of the wall before cutting new boards to keep seams clean and properly matched.

This is especially important in corners, where any uneven cuts or gaps are easier to notice.

Step 7: Paint Between Gaps as You Go

Because plywood boards create small gaps, you may notice the wall showing through the seams once everything is installed.

To avoid this, it helps to paint the wall behind the boards and brush paint along the edges of each plank as you work.

This keeps any exposed areas from looking unfinished later. As you continue installing the rows, check the level every few boards to make sure nothing shifts.

This is especially important on older walls that may not be perfectly straight and can cause the boards to drift.

Step 8: Cut and Fit the Final Top Board

When you reach the top of the wall, measure the remaining space carefully from both sides to ensure accuracy.

Ceilings are often uneven, so one side may have a slightly smaller gap. Trim the final board with a table saw or jigsaw to fit neatly into this narrow space.

Take your time with this last piece, since it completes the wall and creates a clean, finished look.

A well-cut top board helps the entire shiplap installation appear even, polished, and professionally done.

Step 9: Continue Around the Room

Repeat the same installation steps on every wall you plan to cover, keeping the layout consistent from one wall to the next.

When you reach outlets, light switches, or pipes, measure and mark carefully so each cut fits cleanly around the obstacle. A jigsaw or drill makes cutting openings easier and more accurate.

As you continue adding boards, check alignment often to ensure each row lines up with the previous one.

This keeps every wall even and helps the entire room look neat, balanced, and uniform.

Step 10: Finish with Trim and Spackle

After all the boards are installed, finish the wall with trim to create clean edges around corners, ceilings, and doorways.

Trim helps hide small gaps and gives the shiplap a polished, built-in look.

Next, fill all nail holes with spackle or drywall mud and smooth them with a putty knife. Once dry, lightly sand the patched spots so the surface feels even.

Caulk any visible seams where boards meet trim or walls, creating a smooth, seamless finish before painting.

Step 11: Paint the Shiplap

Once the wall is prepped, choose your paint color and begin applying it evenly across the boards.

A short-handled brush works well for reaching into the grooves and keeping lines clean. Using primer first can help the paint adhere better, especially on raw plywood.

The chosen paint color will unify the boards and help hide small imperfections, giving the wall a smooth, consistent appearance.

After finishing the first coat, let it dry fully before adding a second coat for better coverage.

Step 12: Add Baseboards

When the paint is completely dry, reinstall the baseboards to finish the bottom edge of the wall.

This step covers the lower gaps and helps the entire shiplap installation look professionally completed. Secure the baseboards carefully so they sit flush against the new boards.

Once everything is in place, step back and take a look at your work.

A finished shiplap wall can completely change the feel of a room, adding texture, warmth, and a fresh, updated style with budget-friendly materials.

This tutorial is based on a helpful video by Jenna Sue. You can check out the original video on their YouTube channel here or watch it below.

Key Tips for a Smooth DIY Shiplap Installation

Following a few simple habits can help your shiplap wall look clean, even, and professionally finished. These tips keep the boards aligned, reduce mistakes, and make the entire installation process easier from start to finish.

• Plywood keeps the cost low, so buy all your sheets at once to make sure the boards match in color and thickness.
• Let the store rip the plywood into strips for free to save time and reduce cutting mistakes at home.
• Mark the studs before installing anything so the boards stay secure and don’t shift over time.
• Check your level often because even a small tilt can make the whole wall look uneven.
• Paint the wall and board edges as you go to prevent visible gaps once the boards are installed.
• Measure each board before cutting, especially near outlets, corners, and tight spaces.
• Take extra care with the top row since ceilings are often uneven and can cause gaps.

Conclusion

Creating your own shiplap wall is a project that almost anyone can complete with patience and the right steps.

It’s a budget-friendly way to change the look of a room without needing special skills or expensive materials.

By using plywood strips, checking your measurements, and keeping each board level, you can build a wall that looks clean and well finished.

The key is taking your time with the small details, like sanding edges, painting as you go, and filling gaps before the final coat. These steps help your wall look smooth and professional.

Once everything is trimmed and painted, the whole room feels brighter and more put-together.

This project proves that a big home update doesn’t always require a big budget, just steady work and simple tools.