Renovating the Drop Room - Installing Vertical Shiplap
How to Install Vertical Shiplap in Your Mudroom: A Cozy and Functional DIY Upgrade
Installing shiplap is always one of my favorite diy projects to add charm, texture, and a polished look to any room. It is a timeless choice that can lean towards multiple design styles; classic cottage, modern farmhouse, cozy rustic... you can't go wrong.
In the case of the drop room, removing the closet had left long vertical gaps in the dry wall, and rather than patching it up, adding some shiplap was the perfect solution.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through our process of installing vertical shiplap and share some key tips to get that perfect, professional-looking finish.
Vertical vs Horizontal Shiplap
There is a time and place for both vertical and horizontal shiplap, and I’ve used both styles in different spaces. I chose vertical shiplap for the drop room because it naturally draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more open. This is especially useful in smaller or lower-ceilinged spaces where you want to create an illusion of height. Additionally, since the closet removal left long vertical gaps, continuing with the vertical lines of the shiplap provided a seamless and intentional design solution.
Horizontal shiplap, on the other hand, works beautifully in spaces where you want to emphasize width and create a cozy, grounded feel. It’s an excellent choice for accent walls, living rooms, or wide hallways where you want to create a sense of expansion. While both orientations add texture and character, the choice ultimately depends on the effect you want to achieve in your space.
Materials You’ll Need:
Measuring tape
Level
Pencil
Nail gun or brad nailer
Construction adhesive (optional)
Caulk and wood filler
Sandpaper
Paint and paintbrush/roller
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Vertical Shiplap in Your Mudroom
Step 1: Prep the Space
Start by removing any existing baseboards, trim, switch/outlet plates, or hooks from the walls. The baseboards were already done in our case, as I took them off before painting the floors.
Step 2: Install Your Baseboards (if using)
In some cases, you might choose to forgo baseboards for a more seamless look. However, we opted to install 5-inch baseboards around the space using a brad nailer. Since floors are not always perfectly level, it’s crucial to check and adjust your baseboards as you install them. Ensuring they are level will create a cleaner transition and provide a solid foundation for your vertical shiplap.
Step 3: Cut Your Boards
Using a miter saw or circular saw, cut your shiplap boards to the desired lengths. We prefer to cut as we go since walls and ceilings are rarely perfectly level. This approach allows for adjustments along the way, ensuring the cleanest fit. It also helps when working around outlets or switches, as you can measure and plan for precise cutouts with greater accuracy.
Step 4: Install the First Board
Start at one corner of the wall and work your way across. Use a level to ensure your first board is perfectly straight—this is crucial for a polished look! Secure the boards by nailing them into the studs whenever possible. For a cleaner finish, I prefer to nail into the tongue of each board, which will be concealed by the next one. This technique minimizes visible nail holes, reducing the need for extensive filling and touch-ups later.
We began our first board next to the door frame. This saved us from making a complicated cut around the visible part of the frame. We continued working around the room from that spot.
Step 5: Continue Installing Boards
Place each additional board snugly next to the previous one, ensuring a tight and even spacing. If going horizontal, stagger your seams if needed for a more natural, professional finish. If needed, use a jigsaw to cut the board when working around door frames, outlets or switches.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Once all boards are secured, fill nail holes with wood filler and caulk any gaps along the edges. Caulk is magic in these kinds of projects- really giving it that clean look! Lightly sand for a smooth finish before painting.
We ended up adding a piece of trim around the ceiling to really clean up the seam.
Step 7: Paint
Paint is where you can really add some unique design to your shiplap! You don't have to go with the classic white! Get creative with your color choice! For a high traffic room, it's best to go with a satin or semi-gloss finish, but a matte paint over an accent wall would look really amazing as well! We like to use a foam roller and a paint brush to get the cleanest paint look without any streaking.
Final Thoughts
With just a weekend’s work, you can transform your mudroom into a stylish and welcoming space using vertical shiplap. This simple DIY upgrade enhances not only the aesthetics but also the functionality of your home’s busiest entryway.
Are you tackling a shiplap project? I’d love to see your progress! Share your before-and-after photos and tag me on Instagram at @mycraftedcottage.
Happy DIYing!
