A wooden bench with decorative pillows in various patterns and textures sits against a DIY shiplap accent wall. A potted green plant is placed near the bench, adding a touch of nature to the minimalist design.
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DIY Black Vertical Shiplap Accent Wall Tutorial

ByLisa

It’s week 2 of the One Room Challenge and wow, did that go by fast! A lot of big things happened since we talked last week, but I will get to that. Knowing I had a fair amount of construction ahead of me, I started a week early which isn’t against the rules. If you missed week one and the full plan for the guest room makeover, check it out first to see what’s in store. Now let me walk you through this week and my DIY black vertical shiplap accent wall full tutorial.

A stylish room features a dark DIY shiplap accent wall, a wooden bench with hairpin legs, decorative pillows, and a plant. The text reads "DIY Vertical Shiplap Wall" with a website link to Garrison Street Design Studio.

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Before I dive into the main event for this week, let’s talk about the obvious changes in here. The carpet is gone and the new floors are in! The popcorn ceilings got scraped and re-textured and the entire room has been painted. If you want more details on these, head to my Instagram story highlight to see how it all went down, literally. 

An unfinished room with light gray walls and a white ceiling features a window that lets in natural light. Against the wall, a wooden cabinet holds a small lamp and some paint supplies for the upcoming DIY project: installing a shiplap accent wall. The bare floor awaits finishing touches.

A room under renovation features light gray walls and a DIY shiplap accent wall in progress. A window with blinds partially raised lets in natural light, while flooring is being installed. A ladder and tools are scattered in the foreground, alongside a partially laid wooden floor.

DIY Black Vertical Shiplap Accent Wall Tutorial

If you remember my design plan from last week you know there is definitely an accent wall going up in here. And if you are a regular, you know I love my accent walls. They are a great way to add visual interest to a room without breaking the bank. This room definitely needed some extra personality so I decided a vertical shiplap accent wall was the easiest way. I chose to do the entire wall the bed goes on. 

This wall will be the back drop to the custom bed I am building (coming soon!) By taking the shiplap vertically like I did on my mom’s fireplace, the room will feel taller. Did I mention this is a faux shiplap wall? Yep! I took the easy way out on this one with shiplap paneling! Let me show you how I did it 😉 

What is Shiplap?

For those of you new to this design trend, shiplap is a type of wood usually cut into 4-8 inch strips with a tongue and a grove that come together to create a gap about the thickness of a nickel. Shiplap planks were made popular in modern day home design by Joanna Gaines on the TV show Fixer Upper. Traditionally shiplap is laid in horizontal lines and frequently painted white. However, this style is more of a farmhouse look. In recent years many designers have put their own spin on it with more modern patterns like herringbone and vertical planks.  

DIY Shiplap Accent Wall Supply List

Shiplap Paneling 
Brad Nail Gun 
Jig Saw
Circular Saw
Clamps
Stud Finder
Primer
Paint 
Wood Filler
Quarter Round
Liquid Nails or Construction Adhesive 

Step 1

The first step is to measure out the whole wall both the length of the wall and the height of your wall. My wall is 143 1/2 inches long which is just shy of 12 feet long. My ceilings are just under 8 feet tall at 92 1/2 inches. 

A wall partially painted gray sits above a hardwood floor, hinting at a DIY shiplap accent wall in progress. Two electrical outlets are visible, surrounded by some unpainted patches. The flooring is dark wood with a smooth, polished finish.

Step 2

Decide on the orientation you want to lay the shiplap paneling and calculate how much you need. I laid mine vertically because the vertical lines draw your eyes up and make the ceilings feel taller. I also think vertical shiplap is a bit more modern and horizontal is a more rustic look. 

My wall is just under 12 feet long and each panel measures 4×8 feet. Because I chose to go vertical and my ceilings are less than 8 feet tall, I needed 3 panels to cover the length of my wall. Three panels at 4 feet in width equals 12 feet. 

If you decide to lay your panels horizontally you will need to stack two panels to cover the height of the ceiling. 

Step 3

Prime the shiplap panels. They say that they are primed but based on the feel I was skeptical my paint would adhere well. I had leftover primer from the ceiling and walls so I primed my panels. I laid them out on my trusty folding tables in the garage and went to town. 

A well-organized garage with tables set up for a DIY project. The walls are lined with shelves holding tools, rolled-up materials, and various supplies for the upcoming shiplap accent wall. A ceiling light illuminates the workspace, and a garage door is partially visible.

Step 4

Paint the shiplap panels. I chose to go dark on my shiplap wall and used SW Iron Ore aka my favorite color. I rolled the surface of the panels first and then let it dry. 

A close-up of a tabletop with a dark surface featuring evenly spaced parallel grooves, reminiscent of a DIY shiplap project. The background shows a partially open garage door, revealing a wooden beam and various tools, perfect for crafting your next accent wall.

Then I came back once it was dry and painted all the nickel gaps in the shiplap with a brush. I needed one more coat with the roller for full coverage and to smooth out any brush strokes. 

A large purple paint can labeled "HGTV HOME by Sherwin Williams Ovation Plus" sits on a dark, freshly painted wooden surface. A paintbrush lies beside it, ready for action. The background reveals an unfinished shiplap accent wall with exposed insulation, perfect for a DIY project.

Step 5

Cut the shiplap panels down to size vertically. I had to trim about 4 inches off the bottom of the panels to accommodate my ceiling height. I stacked all three panels on top of each other and lined up the edges so I could cut them at the same time. I used my mini circular saw with a scrap 1×3 as a guide to do this. 

A garage workspace featuring a table saw, clamps, and a wooden plank on a black tabletop is perfectly set up for your next DIY project. The bright room brims with tools on shelves, ready to help you craft that coveted shiplap accent wall.

Just make sure you pay attention to how close the saw blade is to your work surface. I may or may not have cut the end of my table as well, haha! I swear these folding tables are the true MVPs of my garage!  

A close-up of a wood plank with sawdust on a table hints at a DIY shiplap project. A yellow circular saw is partially visible at the top, ready for action. The plank shows multiple cut marks, and the textured table surface embodies craftsmanship in progress.

Once I cut the length to size I dry fit it in the room to make sure it fit. Note: You will want to measure the height of your wall in multiple spots where the panels will be. They will likely vary by a 1/8-1/4 inch. I cut mine based on the shortest length knowing the small gap on the bottom of the wall would be covered by trim.

Step 6

Locate your wall studs using a stud finder. You will want to mark these out so you know where to nail your panels in. I marked mine with painter’s tape on the ceiling since the panels would cover any markings on the wall itself. 

A partially painted wall with white paint on the upper part, taped with small blue pieces for alignment, hints at a DIY shiplap accent wall. The paint gradually fades into the previous color. The ceiling is white, and the floor is not visible. Text at the bottom reads "Garrison Street Design Studio.

Step 7

Install the first shiplap panel. Because I was only a little bit short of 3 full sheets, I chose not to start in the middle of my wall. With only a half inch needing to be cut off the last panel, I had a very small margin of error and chose to lay my panels left to right just in case. If your wall is not as close to full panels as mine, I highly suggest starting in the middle of your wall and working your way out. I was just fearful I would miss measure the middle and be short at the end. 

Dark vertical wall panels form a striking DIY shiplap accent wall against a white backdrop and wooden floor. Electrical outlets punctuate the design, while unfinished edges hint at ongoing renovations.

I attached the shiplap panels to the wall with my brad nailer and 2 inch nails. I started at the top of the wall where I knew I would hit a stud and continued down the sides and bottom. I only nailed in the middle of my panels if I needed to in order to avoid more nail holes I would have to fill later. 

Step 8

Cut out the electrical outlets. Luckily I only had one outlet to work around, but of course it was in the middle of a panel. I took my measurements and drew it out on the front of the shiplap and cut it out with my jig saw. I will say having the right tools here is very important! I needed my drill to drill a hole to get my cut started and I definitely could not have done this special cut without my jig saw. 

A workbench features a black dumbbell, a yellow cordless power drill, and a red jigsaw, hinting at a DIY shiplap accent wall project. The surface is sprinkled with wood dust and shows a small cut-out section. In the background, various colorful tools and equipment complete the scene.

You can see all the details on how I did this in my Instagram stories highlight. If you have any light switches to work around you will have to do those the same way. 

A dark wooden wall panel with vertical grooves, resembling a DIY shiplap accent wall, features a square opening for an electrical outlet with exposed wires. The floor showcases a polished wooden surface.

And it fit like a glove!

Step 9

Cut the shiplap panels down to size horizontally. Unless your wall length is an increment of four feet, you will need to trim the shiplap panels down this way as well. I only had to cut off 1/2 inch on my very last panel, but if you start in the middle as I suggested in step 7, you will be cutting two panels down instead of one. 

I cut this one down the same way I cut the length. I used my mini circular saw and a scrap piece of wood and clamps. 

A circular saw rests on a wooden workbench in a garage, ready for your DIY shiplap accent wall project. Shelves with various tools and materials sit in the background, including a ladder, containers, and wood pieces. This well-lit setting showcases a tidy and organized workspace.

Once the panel is cut to size, install in the same manner as step 7. 

Step 10

Fill the nail holes. This step is why I caution adding too many nails, you have to fill all of the holes. I used my favorite nail filler and a putty knife.

A modern DIY shiplap accent wall features dark vertical paneling with visible screws, complemented by a floor of dark wood planks. A visible electrical outlet graces the lower wall, while blue tape runs along the top edge for precision.

I let the nail filler dry for about 15 minutes and then I came back with a wet rag and wiped off the excess to avoid sanding. 

A DIY shiplap accent wall painted black serves as the backdrop, with a silver ladder positioned in front. A blue cloth and a small container rest on the ladder's step, contrasting elegantly against the dark wood floor.

Step 11

Touch up the paint from the nail holes. I had several touch ups to do so I used an artist brush for the nail holes and a roller to blend my other touch ups. I have also used a foam brush before which works fairly well also. 

Step 12

Install quarter round. This step is technically optional but you will likely need some sort of trim or baseboard at the bottom of your wall to hide any small gaps. I have seen some installations with trim around the top and the side of the wall but I preferred to keep it clean and simple. 

A red dumbbell rests on a wooden floor against a dark gray, DIY shiplap accent wall. Two small pieces of blue tape are affixed to the wall on either side of the dumbbell.

I painted the quarter round to match the wall color and cut it to length with my miter saw. Because of the small size, I chose to glue it to the shiplap paneling rather than nail it. I taped it in place and added some weights for 24 hours until it was fully dry. 

Step 13

Sit back and enjoy your DIY shiplap wall! I am so happy with how this turned out! It adds so much character to the room and the vertical lines make the ceiling feel so much taller. For just over $100 my guest room has a bold statement wall!

A modern interior featuring a wooden bench with black metal legs, topped with black and white patterned pillows. A potted green plant sits beside the bench, set against a chic DIY shiplap accent wall and rich wooden floor.

Why Shiplap Paneling? 

Shiplap paneling is a newer product I stumbled upon at my local Home Depot and I was instantly intrigued. I have used real shiplap boards in our bedroom, the bunk room, and on my mom’s fireplace but they have definitely become more expensive over the last few years. So when I saw these for only $36.98 a panel, I was all about it! 

When comparing the cost of true shiplap to these panels the extra cost was significant. It cost me $110.94 plus tax to do this shiplap wall project with this faux shiplap paneling vs $312.51 for MDF shiplap or $346.17 for pine shiplap. You can also cut your own faux shiplap boards from thin plywood sheets but that is tedious in my opinion. So I went with the affordable option. 

A minimalist room with a wooden bench featuring decorative pillows in various patterns is enhanced by a DIY shiplap accent wall. The bench rests against this stylish backdrop, with a potted plant on one side. The dark wood floor perfectly complements the modern decor.

Is shiplap paneling easier than shiplap boards?

In my opinion they both come with pros and cons. This was my first time using the shiplap panels but so far I have no regrets using the paneling vs real shiplap. In fact, there is a strong possibility these will make additional appearances in my future designs in different ways 😉 

Shiplap paneling pros – It’s more affordable and install feels faster and can be done with less nails. 

Shiplap paneling cons – They are large sheets and you need a truck to transport. Cutting is a little more difficult because of their awkward size. 

Shiplap boards pros – They are easier to transport and cut down to size. 

Shiplap boards cons – They are more expensive and if you use real pine shiplap you have to deal with bowing and warped pieces. 

A wooden bench with three decorative pillows featuring black, white, and geometric patterns sits in front of a dark shiplap accent wall. A potted plant with lush green leaves is placed on the right side on a metal stand.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to prime the panels?

That’s a great question. They do say they are primed but I felt like the surface of the panels would not take paint well so I thought it was a good idea. Just know that if you do not prime them you might have to do several more coats of paint. I recommend priming based on my experience.   

Can I paint them on the wall? 

You definitely can. I pre-painted mine because I was using a dark color and edging along the side walls, ceiling, and floor would have been harder in my opinion. But if you use the same color as your walls, painting in place is probably easier. 

Do I need to glue the panels to the wall? 

I did not. I don’t usually like to glue anything because it seems so permanent. I secured my panels to the wall studs with brad nails and no glue. So far it seems more than sufficient but time will tell. 

Is this project beginner friendly? 

Absolutely! This is not a difficult DIY and can done over a weekend. The most difficult part is having the right tools. But if you have a small wall or just want to add a small accent section and can get away without making any cuts it’s even easier! 

A modern interior features a wooden bench with black metal legs, decorated with assorted pillows and a potted plant. The dark shiplap accent wall contrasts with the light wood bench. An inset shows a "before" image of the same wall, bare and undecorated, highlighting the DIY transformation.

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A woman with wavy hair sits on a wooden floor, leaning against a dark DIY shiplap accent wall. She's wearing a striped shirt and jeans, smiling. A wooden bench with decorative pillows and a potted plant are beside her.

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Garrison Street Design Studio - DIY Black Vertical Shiplap Accent Wall Tutorial

A modern interior showcases a wooden bench with patterned pillows and a side plant against a sleek DIY shiplap accent wall. The image includes the text "DIY Vertical Shiplap Wall" from Garrison Street Design Studio.

This post, DIY Black Vertical Shiplap Accent Wall Tutorial, appeared first on Garrison Street Design Studio.

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