Shiplap has been making waves in the world of interior design, and it’s not hard to see why. This versatile material adds a touch of rustic charm to any space while offering the flexibility to fit into modern and traditional decors alike. But what is shiplap, exactly" Let’s dive into the nautical origins of shiplap, its rise to fame in home design, and how you can incorporate it into your living space.
Understanding the Basics and Historical Significance

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Shiplap is more than just a buzzword tossed around by home improvement shows and design magazines. It’s a type of wooden board traditionally used for constructing sheds, barns, and other rustic buildings. The key feature of this type of wooden board is the notch or groove (called a “rabbet”) cut into the top and bottom edges of each board. When installed, these rabbets overlap, creating a tight seal that prevents water from seeping through, which is why shiplap was originally used in shipbuilding. The history of shiplap is as rich as the wood grains it boasts. Its design was a practical solution for waterproofing and fortifying the structures it graced. Over time, shiplap transitioned from a purely functional material to a stylistic choice for interior and exterior walls, often celeb...