How Much Does It Cost to Install Shiplap? [2025 Data]
The average cost to install shiplap is $1,000, but it can range between $500 and $1,500, depending on materials and project size.
The average cost to install shiplap is $1,000. However, you could spend between $300 and $5,600, depending on the materials you choose and the size of your project. Installing shiplap is possible indoors or out. Exterior installation requires additional considerations and costs more than interior applications.
Shiplap Installation Cost Factors
Shiplap is a popular choice for creating unique wall spaces inside or outside your home. The average cost to install shiplap falls between $2 and $7 per square foot. Here's what you can expect to spend based on the various pricing factors.
Interior vs. Exterior
Shiplap is a type of wooden paneling consisting of rabbeted, overlapping boards. It’s suitable for both interior and exterior use and can be installed horizontally or vertically. If you're installing it indoors, you can choose from any type of shiplap product, but if you're installing it outdoors, you'll need to pay attention to the type of material your shiplap consists of.
Exterior shiplap applications require materials that can withstand the elements or hold onto a protective finish. MDF and pre-finished shiplap materials aren't appropriate for outdoor use, while pine and hardwood shiplap will require treating, painting, and maintenance to keep them in good condition. Exterior applications will also require additional materials, including underlayment, trim work, and caulking, which will increase the total project cost.
| Interior Shiplap Average Cost (per Square Foot) | Exterior Shiplap Average Cost (per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| $2–$7 | $3.60–$11 |
Project Size
The size of your project is one of the most significant cost factors and relies heavily on the other pricing factors for shiplap. However, larger projects consisting of greater square footage can cost less per square foot than smaller projects due to the potential for bulk purchasing discounts and the finer detail often associated with smaller projects, such as fireplace surround or accent wall installations.
| Project Size in Square Feet | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 100 | $300–$800 |
| 150 | $450–$1,200 |
| 200 | $500–$1,550 |
| 400 | $800–$2,800 |
| 800 | $1,600–$5,600 |
Material Type
The type of material your shiplap consists of is important for aesthetics. However, if shiplap is part of your bathroom remodeling ideas or you'll use it as your home's siding, consider using cedar or PVC for added protection against water damage.
| Shiplap Material | Average Cost per Square Foot (Material Only) |
|---|---|
| Pine | $2–$4 |
| Cedar | $3–$7 |
| Hardwood | $1.50–$6 |
| Plywood | $2–$3 |
| PVC | $3–$7 |
| MDF | $2–$6 |
| Pre-finished | $3–$6 |
Labor
The cost of labor to install shiplap ranges from $35 to $100 per hour and is included in your price estimate if you hire a professional for the work. If your shiplap installation is part of a larger project, such as a home or room renovation, other costs will come into play.
Here are some common fees for your remodeling team.
Contractors cost: 10%–50% of your overall project cost
Plumbers cost: $45–$200 per hour
Interior designer cost: $50–$200 per hour
Cost to hire an electrician: $40–$120 per hour
HVAC costs: $100–$250 per hour
Prep
More or less preparation work will be necessary before installing shiplap, depending on the specifics of your project. While installing shiplap over drywall or other interior finishes is possible, exterior installations need underlayment and could require the removal of any existing siding. Expect to spend between $4 and $17 per square foot if significant demolition and preparation is necessary to make way for shiplap.
Cost of Reclaimed vs. New Shiplap
One of the most common reasons to install shiplap is its unique appearance. A popular trend includes using reclaimed wood materials as shiplap products. Using reclaimed materials provides an old-world look. However, it comes at a significant cost. Purchasing reclaimed shiplap costs an average of between $5 and $7 more per square foot than the price of new-material shiplap.
Shiplap Ongoing Costs
The only ongoing cost associated with a shiplap installation is the price of maintaining it to keep it in top condition. Maintenance involves painting, staining, or otherwise protecting the material and is crucial in wet locations, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoors.
Using cedar or PVC shiplap materials in these locations can reduce the frequency and cost of maintenance tasks. When maintenance time comes around, expect interior painting costs of between $2 and $6 per square foot and exterior painting costs of $1.50 and $4 per square foot.
DIY Shiplap Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
If you have solid skills, installing shiplap as a DIY project is possible and can be rewarding. In fact, avid DIYers can save up to half of the cost of hiring a professional to do the work. However, because the best-looking installations require a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, most homeowners choose to hire a nearby siding contractor or a local carpenter to perform the job. Hiring a pro also often offers more insight into design and how-to ideas. Additionally, professional installation comes with a work guarantee that DIY installations just don't have.
Cost of Common Shiplap Add-Ons
The cost to install shiplap is often just part of the price of a larger remodeling project. Additionally, integrating your shiplap into the aesthetics of your home will require trim work, finishing, or related tasks. Here are the costs of some common shiplap project add-ons.
Trimwork cost: $0.50–$25 per linear foot
Remodeling cost: $15–$60 per square foot
Room renovation cost: $10–$150 per square foot
Soffit replacement cost: $6–$30 per linear foot
Flooring installation cost: $2–$25 per square foot
How to Save Money While Installing Shiplap
Depending on the scope of your project, installing shiplap can be a cost-effective way to upgrade your home's appearance, or it can represent a significant investment. Identifying the right contractor for the job is an excellent way to ensure good value. However, there are also a few other ways to help control costs and reduce the total price of the project.
If you have solid woodworking skills and proper tools, you can save money by purchasing raw reclaimed wood or raw board lumber and turning it into shiplap boards for use in your project.
Choosing to install shiplap on a single wall in a room as an accent will cost less than installing the material throughout the room
Choose new over reclaimed material and apply any one of several wood-aging techniques to mimic the look of using old wood for your project.
If you can achieve a close-to-desired look, opt for a less expensive raw material for your installation. For instance, shaping plywood into shiplap boards will save money compared to using premium hardwood boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost to install drywall is between $1.50 and $3 per square foot, while shiplap installation costs between $2 and $7 on average. In most applications, shiplap installations cost more than that of putting in drywall. However, several ways exist to reduce shiplap prices, especially for small locations or accent walls, which can keep the total cost of shiplap competitive with that of drywall.
Installing a tongue-and-groove wall requires similar techniques to those associated with installing shiplap. However, because of the precision necessary to make each board fit perfectly and the increased material prices, the cost is higher than that of shiplap installations. Expect to spend between $2 and $6 more per square foot for tongue-and-groove walls versus shiplap ones.
