What is the difference between shiplap and tongue and groove

This also makes shiplap an attractive choice for bathrooms or kitchens with high levels of condensation. While slightly less robust, shiplap is still strong enough to make most outdoor buildings secure, even more so when made of oak. In common with moat construction materials, this comes with a corresponding increase in price.

For larger projects, especially in a premium material like oak, this can drive the cost of the project up considerably. If the choice is mainly an aesthetic one based on looks, tongue and groove may be a more cost effective option. Also, if used in large amounts, the choice of tongue and groove with v could be more expensive for no gain in performance for the same reasons. For those on a particularly tight budget, simple overlap profile cladding may be worth considering.

While some concession on strength and weatherproofing will have to be made, it is still perfect for basic storage buildings, particularly in oak. With their interlocking design, both tongue and groove and shiplap are quick and easy to erect. It is always important to pre drill holes to avoid splitting the timber and only use stainless steel or brass screws.

While fitting tongue and groove and shiplap cladding is almost identical, there is one important instruction to bear in mind. While the finished appearance will be identical in either case, if the boards are upside down it can lead to water damage in the future.

Always make sure the first board is fitted with the tongue pointing up and subsequent boards will then have the same orientation. For one, shiplap and tongue and groove paneling are typically painted white or something perkier than a plain woodgrain. Instead of paneling that simply acts as a functional chair rail and wall trim, it creates a barn-like bucolic aesthetic, livening up a space.

Instead of only considering these wood panels for a bathroom half-wall — although that looks amazing, too! Lastly, and this is where the once out-of-style panels really get an update, they are often oriented horizontally. For example, you might see a modern farmhouse kitchen with a focal wall of horizontal shiplap behind the rustic farmhouse table or adjacent to a bookcase within a home library with a rolling library ladder. All that said, there is one aspect of the wood panel design trend that is often overlooked: the kind of paneling used.

However, the closest style to shiplap is tongue and groove. Since these two wood paneling styles do appear so similar, homeowners tend to make the wrong choice in their design unknowingly. Visually speaking, shiplap and tongue and groove wood paneling appear quite similar. Once they are installed, they look comparable, which is why many confuse the two.

When installed, each L-shaped notch supports the next plank, whether stacking on a wall or attaching to a ceiling. Essentially, the notches — also called a rabbet joint — will slide and fit together, overlapping ever-so-slightly like steps. Sometimes, shiplap planks will offer a gentle bevel along the longer edges to offer a softer, more rounded look to a finished paneling project. Overall, it gives a tighter, cleaner appearance than shiplap.

Not sure whether you want to use shiplap or tongue and groove in your project? With similar looks, you might toss up your hands and blindly choose.

However, you would be making a big, even costly, mistake. When choosing shiplap vs. You should also understand the advantages and disadvantages of each and be mindful of some other considerations. Only then can you make an informed decision. So, shiplap vs. Are you looking for a faster installation to turn your reno project around quicker? Some installers prefer to use actual nickels for this. Nail each plank onto the stud through the face of the board, leaving visible nail holes on the finished installation.

The biggest difference in installation is that tongue and groove paneling actually fits together like puzzle pieces instead of overlapping. Nails are also driven through the tongue of each plank into the stud at a degree angle. Due to the way shiplap panels connect, they are a better option for high-heat, low-humidity climates. Wood often shrinks in dry climates, and shrinkage is less likely to show with shiplap because it overlaps instead of interlocks. Tongue and groove panels may be a better option for very cold climates because they insulate slightly better than shiplap.

Shiplap is an easier option than tongue and groove paneling for DIYers because of how the panels connect and how they are attached to the wall. Tongue and groove paneling needs to be fitted together and secured through the tongue, which can be tricky if you are not experienced with it.

Just make sure each plank is level before nailing it to the wall. Cost differences are more about the panel material than the way the panels connect. Solid wood is always going to be the most expensive option, though the price varies depending on the type of wood you choose.

For example, pine planks are an inexpensive softwood option, while cedar planks are more expensive because it is a less common, more durable hardwood. MDF is less expensive than solid wood but more expensive than plywood. This is a good option if you are looking for a smooth, modern design, since there are no knots or imperfections in MDF.

Similar to shiplap, tongue and groove is a style of joining two wood panels together. However, there are key differences that make these two styles different. It also hides nails, giving it a smoother look overall. Once installed, shiplap and tongue and groove can look very similar; although, as mentioned above, there are some key differences when it comes to installation and design. As you try to decide between the two, consider the following questions:. Northern Log Supply has both shiplap and tongue and groove paneling available, direct from the forest.