When it comes to wall coverings, many homeowners find themselves torn between shiplap and drywall. Both options have advantages, but choosing between them requires careful consideration of cost factors, installation and maintenance requirements, and appearance.
This guide will explore the key differences between shiplap and drywall to help you make an informed decision that suits your style preferences, budget, and practical needs.
Shiplap and Drywall
To start, it’s helpful to understand what shiplap and drywall actually are. These two wall coverings have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
What is Shiplap?
Shiplap refers to wooden boards with a distinctive profile featuring two opposing rabbet joints, or notches, cut on the edges. These notches allow the boards to overlap and create a tight seal when installed in an alternating pattern. Originally popular as a weatherproofing material for ship and building exteriors, shiplap frequently appears in modern interior designs today.
It’s worth noting that not all horizontal wood paneling is true shiplap. Square-edged boards, tongue-and-groove planks, and overlapping clinker (lapstrake) boards are often mislabeled as shiplap but have different profiles. Subtle differences can affect both the installation and the final look.
What is Drywall?
Drywall, also called gypsum board or plasterboard, features calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) panels. Most home improvement and construction sellers sell drywall in 4-by-8-foot sections measuring ½ inch thick, although you can order it in other sizes.
Standard white drywall is most common, but specialty options like moisture-resistant green drywall (greenboard) are also common in high-humidity areas. Greenboard’s versatility allows drywall to be used in virtually any room, from living areas to bathrooms.
Appearance and Style
The look of shiplap and drywall can significantly alter a home’s overall look and feel. Each option has creative design possibilities that work for different tastes and interior styles.
Shiplap’s Rustic Charm
Shiplap’s visible seams create a distinctive, textured look that adds character but uniformity. The material provides an ideal surface for painting or staining.
Homeowners can choose from a range of board widths—narrow 4-inch Cape Cod style for a classic look or wider 6-inch and 8-inch boards for a more spacious feel.
Drywall’s Smooth Canvas
Drywall creates a smooth, uniform surface that serves as a blank canvas for a wide range of materials and wall covers. It’s highly compatible with paint, wallpaper, wainscoting, decorative molding, and trim.
For those seeking more elaborate designs, drywall is ideal for layering and texturing with joint compound or creating raised patterns and bas-relief sculptures.
Cost and Installation of Shiplap Vs. Drywall
When comparing shiplap and drywall, weigh both material costs and installation expenses. The ease of installation can significantly impact the overall project budget, especially for DIY enthusiasts.
Shiplap Costs and Installation
Solid wood shiplap costs between $2.50 and $10.00 per square foot,* depending on the wood species and quality.
Plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) shiplap boards are more budget-friendly, costing between $1.00 and $5.00 per square foot,* but they’re not as durable as hardwood.
One of shiplap’s main advantages is its DIY-friendly installation process. Homeowners with basic carpentry skills can install shiplap using commonplace tools such as a saw, level, stud finder, hammer, and nails.
The shiplap installation process is straightforward:
- Start from the top or bottom of the wall
- Fit each board in place and check that it’s level
- Nail the boards securely
- Fill nail holes with spackle, or leave them exposed for a rustic look
This process makes shiplap easy for budget-conscious homeowners willing to tackle the project themselves. On top of that, shiplap’s forgiving nature means that minor mistakes are less noticeable, making it ideal for those new to DIY projects.
Drywall Costs and Installation
Drywall panels are generally cheaper than shiplap, costing between $1.50 and $3.00 per square foot.* However, for DIY installation, additional materials like joint tape, joint compound (drywall mud), and sanding equipment are necessary.
Installing drywall is a more complex and messy process that many homeowners choose to leave to professionals. Professional drywall installation costs between $1.00 and $2.10 per square foot on average.*
The drywall installation process involves:
- Hanging the drywall panels
- Taping and mudding the seams
- Sanding the dried compound for a smooth finish
- Cleaning up the resulting fine dust
While installation can be more labor-intensive and time-consuming, it remains a popular choice due to drywall’s versatility and wide availability. For homeowners who prefer a seamless finish, professional installation guarantees a polished look that’s more difficult to achieve with DIY projects.
*Cost information in this article sourced from Angi and HomeAdvisor.
Upkeep and Durability
Lifespan and maintenance are important factors when choosing between shiplap and drywall. Each option has its strengths and weaknesses.
Shiplap’s Resilience
Shiplap, especially solid wood shiplap, is durable and easy to maintain. Other advantages include:
- Ease of cleaning
- Resistance to wear and tear
- Ability to withstand minor impacts without significant damage
- Potential to dry out and be salvaged if exposed to moisture (for solid wood shiplap)
The gaps between shiplap boards can collect dust over time, which are easiest to clean with a vacuum brush attachment. Regular inspections for signs of warping or splitting can help keep your shiplap’s appearance and longevity at its best.
Drywall’s Downsides
While drywall is a popular and cost-effective option, it has some drawbacks in terms of durability and maintenance:
- Prone to scratches, dents, and holes from impacts
- Susceptible to water damage, which can lead to mold growth
- Requires careful cleaning to avoid damaging the surface
- May need periodic repainting or repair to maintain its appearance
Despite these challenges, drywall is a practical choice for many homeowners due to its low cost and versatility. To address minor damage, purchase a quick-patch repair kit, which most hardware stores carry. High-quality paint and primer can also strengthen drywall’s resistance to wear and tear.
Flexibility in Design
Shiplap and drywall can each enrich a home’s interior design in their own ways. Here’s what each excels at.
Shiplap
Shiplap is highly adaptable and works well in a variety of locations:
- Accent Walls: Shiplap can create a gorgeous focal point in any room by highlighting a single wall, drawing attention, and adding depth to the space.
- Ceiling Treatments: Shiplap isn’t limited to walls; it can also be used on ceilings for texture and design.
- Built-in Features: Custom built-in shelves or cabinetry with shiplap backing can add character and cohesion to a room’s design.
Drywall
Drywall offers a different type of flexibility and a ton of finishing options:
- Textured Finishes: You can easily finish drywall in a range of textures, such as knockdown, orange peel, or popcorn.
- Wallpaper and Paint: Drywall is an ideal base for wallpapers and fresh coats of paint.
- Architectural Details: You can use drywall to create niches, soffits, and other architectural features.
Environmental Impact
More homeowners than ever are concerned with the environmental impact of their building materials. Luckily, both shiplap and drywall can contribute to a more sustainable home.
Eco-Friendly Shiplap
Shiplap can be an environmentally friendly option when using sustainably sourced wood. Look for certifications from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to check that the wood is harvested responsibly. Using reclaimed wood for your shiplap repurposes old materials, reducing the need for new lumber and minimizing waste.
Sustainable Drywall
Drywall production requires significant energy, and the material itself is not biodegradable. However, manufacturers are making strides in producing greener options. Some drywall products contain recycled content, and innovations in manufacturing processes are helping to reduce the environmental impact. Proper disposal of old drywall through recycling programs can also mitigate some of the material’s ecological footprint.
Final Thoughts About Shiplap vs. Drywall
Choosing between shiplap and drywall ultimately comes down to personal preferences, budget considerations, and practical needs. Shiplap offers a distinctive character and is relatively easy to install DIY, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. Its durability and low maintenance requirements are additional points in its favor.
On the other hand, drywall provides a smooth surface that can accommodate a wide range of design styles. While it may require professional installation and more careful maintenance, its versatility makes it a practical choice for many homeowners.
