Installing Exterior Shiplap Siding Step-by-Step
We’ve all seen it: a siding job that looks great at first but starts to show problems after a season or two—uneven gaps, warped boards, or water stains. These issues almost always trace back to a few common and completely avoidable installation mistakes. The difference between a professional, long-lasting finish and a future headache is all in the details. This guide is your roadmap to getting it right the first time. We’ll highlight the critical errors people make when installing exterior shiplap siding and show you exactly how to prevent them, from proper acclimation to correct fastening techniques.
Key Takeaways
- Your project's success is decided before you hang the first board: Acclimating the wood, prepping the wall, and installing furring strips creates a vital air gap for moisture drainage, which is the key to preventing rot and warping.
- Get the first row perfectly level, as it guides the entire wall: For a clean finish, use a technique called blind nailing—driving fasteners through the top flange of each board so the next course hides them. This secures the siding while allowing for natural expansion and contraction.
- Protect your work by sealing every cut end of the wood before installation: After the boards are up, use quality exterior caulk and a protective finish to create a watertight barrier. Consistent cleaning and inspections will keep your siding looking great for years.
What Is Exterior Shiplap Siding?
At its core, shiplap siding is a type of wooden plank profile designed for a tight, overlapping fit. Each board has a special groove, called a rabbet joint, cut along its top and bottom edges. This L-shaped notch allows the planks to overlap snugly, creating a channel between them that adds a distinct shadow line and visual texture. The name itself gives a clue to its origins—this method was first used to build ships, where the overlapping boards created a watertight hull strong enough for the open sea.
Today, that same weather-resistant design makes it a fantastic choice for home exteriors. It delivers clean, horizontal lines that can feel both classic and modern, adding character and curb appeal to any structure. Unlike tongue-and-groove siding, which locks together, shiplap’s overlapping joint allows for slight movement as the wood expands and contracts with changing weather. This flexibility helps prevent cracking and warping over time, making it a durable and reliable choice. Our Exterior Shiplap Cladding Wall Panels offer this timeless look with the durability needed to protect your home from the elements.
Why Choose Shiplap?
So, what makes shiplap a go-to choice for siding? First and foremost, it’s incredibly weather-resistant. The overlapping design creates a strong seal that stands up to wind and rain, directing water away from the wall sheathing underneath. This protective quality is a huge advantage for any home’s exterior.
Beyond protection, shiplap is built for longevity. Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Shiplap’s design gives the boards room to move without buckling or creating large gaps, which means it lasts longer with less stress on the material. Aesthetically, shiplap siding has a distinct visual appeal. Its clean lines and subtle shadows add texture and character, fitting in with styles from rustic farmhouse to sleek contemporary designs. It’s a versatile look that has truly stood the test of time.
Common Shiplap Materials
When it comes to exterior shiplap, the material you choose makes a big difference in both appearance and long-term performance. Natural wood is the traditional choice, and for good reason. Cedar is a fantastic option because it contains natural oils that help it resist moisture and deter pests, making it ideal for outdoor use. It’s a durable wood that holds up well in various climates.
Pine is another common wood choice, often more budget-friendly than cedar, but it requires more thorough sealing and regular maintenance to protect it from the elements. For those looking for lower-maintenance alternatives, materials like fiber cement are gaining popularity. Fiber cement boards can be manufactured to mimic the look of wood shiplap but offer enhanced durability against rot, fire, and insects, often requiring less upkeep over the years.
What Tools and Materials Do You Need?
Getting everything you need in one place before you start is key to a smooth installation. It saves you from extra trips to the store and keeps your momentum going. Below is a breakdown of the tools, materials, and safety gear you’ll want to have on hand.
Your Tool Checklist
Having the right tools makes all the difference. You’ll want a reliable measuring tape, a pencil, and a chalk line for marking your layout. A long level—at least three feet—is essential for keeping every board perfectly straight. For cutting, a miter saw gives you clean angles for corners and trim, while a table saw or circular saw is necessary for long rip cuts. To fasten the boards, a pneumatic nailer makes the job go much faster than hammering by hand. Finally, have a good caulk gun ready for sealing all the gaps when you’re finished.
Required Materials and Hardware
This is where your project takes shape. First, you'll need your Exterior Shiplap Cladding Wall Panels; it's a good idea to order about 10% extra to account for cuts and mistakes. You’ll also need furring strips to create a drainage plane and a high-quality vapor barrier to protect the sheathing. For fasteners, choose corrosion-resistant options like stainless steel nails or screws to prevent rust stains. To complete the look, gather your exterior-grade trim boards, a paintable exterior caulk for sealing gaps, and a quality primer and paint formulated to withstand the elements. Sandpaper will also be useful for smoothing any rough edges.
Essential Safety Gear
Working on any home project means putting safety first. It’s simple, but it’s important. Always wear safety glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from sawdust and debris, especially when cutting or nailing. A dust mask is a must-have to keep from breathing in fine particles. Since you’ll be using power tools, a pair of earplugs or earmuffs will protect your hearing from loud noise. Finally, a sturdy pair of work gloves helps prevent splinters and gives you a better grip on your materials and tools as you work.
How to Prepare for Installation
A beautiful, long-lasting shiplap exterior starts long before you nail the first board to the wall. Proper preparation is the single most important factor in getting a professional result that stands up to the elements for years to come. Taking the time to complete these initial steps helps you avoid common pitfalls like warping, moisture damage, and even fines from your local building authority. Think of it as setting the foundation for a successful project. Rushing this stage can lead to frustrating and costly repairs down the road, so let’s walk through exactly what you need to do to get your project started on the right foot. From checking local regulations to letting your materials adjust to the climate, each step plays a vital role in the final outcome.
Check Local Building Codes
Before you get started, your first step is to connect with your local building department. Every city and county has different rules, and you’ll need to know if your project requires a permit or has to follow specific installation guidelines. Many homeowner's associations (HOAs) also have their own rules about exterior materials and finishes. A quick phone call can clarify what you need to do to ensure your project is compliant. This simple check helps you understand local building codes and avoid any potential headaches or penalties later on. It’s a five-minute task that can save you a lot of trouble.
Acclimate Your Shiplap
Wood is a natural material that expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. To prevent your siding from warping or buckling after installation, you need to let it acclimate. This just means letting the boards sit at your project site for at least seven days before you install them. Stack the boards on a flat, dry surface with spacers between the layers to allow for even air circulation. This gives the wood time to adjust to your local climate, ensuring a stable and secure fit once it’s on the wall. Skipping this step is one of the biggest mistakes you can make, as it can compromise the entire installation.
Prep the Wall and Add a Vapor Barrier
Your existing wall needs to be clean, dry, and smooth before you can install siding. Remove any old, loose siding, and make any necessary repairs to the sheathing underneath. Once the wall is prepped, it’s essential to install a weather-resistant barrier, often called a house wrap. This material acts as a vapor barrier, preventing moisture from getting trapped behind your shiplap, which could lead to rot and mold. You can find detailed instructions on how to properly install it, ensuring all seams are overlapped and taped correctly for a watertight seal that protects your home’s structure.
How to Install Furring Strips
Before you can hang your beautiful new shiplap, you need to install furring strips. Think of these thin strips of wood as the unsung heroes of your siding project. They are fastened vertically to your wall studs, creating a small air gap between the wall’s weather-resistive barrier and the back of your siding. This gap is a game-changer for moisture management. It allows any water that gets behind the siding to drain away and promotes air circulation, which helps everything stay dry and prevents mold, mildew, and rot.
This setup, often called a rainscreen system, is a best practice for installing exterior shiplap cladding and is sometimes required by local building codes. It also gives you a perfectly flat and stable surface to attach your shiplap to, which is especially helpful if your existing wall sheathing isn't perfectly even. Taking the time to install furring strips correctly is one of the most important steps to ensure your siding looks great and lasts for decades.
Find and Mark the Wall Studs
First things first, you need to know where your wall studs are. This is where your furring strips—and later, your siding—will be securely attached. The most reliable way to do this is with an electronic stud finder. Run it horizontally across the wall sheathing and mark the location of each stud near the top and bottom of the wall.
Wall studs are typically spaced 16 inches apart on center, but it's always best to confirm their exact location. Once you’ve found them, use a chalk line to snap a vertical line down the center of each stud. This gives you a clear visual guide for attaching your furring strips, ensuring every fastener hits its mark and provides a solid connection.
Plan Your Strip Placement
With your studs clearly marked, it’s time to plan the layout for your furring strips. You’ll be using thin wood strips, often 1x3 or 1x4 boards, for this step. The plan is simple: attach one vertical furring strip directly over each chalk line you marked for the wall studs. This consistent 16-inch spacing creates the vertical framework needed to support your horizontal shiplap boards.
It’s also smart to plan for extra support around openings. You’ll want to install furring strips around the perimeter of all windows and doors. This provides a solid surface for fastening the ends of the shiplap boards that you’ll need to cut to fit these areas.
Secure the Strips to the Wall
Now it’s time to attach the furring strips. Align each strip with the chalk lines you marked on the wall. Using corrosion-resistant screws or nails, fasten the strips securely into the studs. Your fasteners need to be long enough to go through the furring strip, the wall sheathing, and at least 1.5 inches into the stud itself.
As you attach each strip, use a level to make sure it’s perfectly plumb (vertically straight). If your wall has bows or dips, you may need to use shims behind the furring strips to create a single, flat plane. This step is critical for a professional finish, as it ensures your shiplap siding will lay flat without any waves or bumps.
How to Install Shiplap Siding Step-by-Step
With all your prep work complete, you’re ready for the most satisfying part of the project: installing the shiplap. This is where your vision starts to become a reality, board by board. The process is methodical, so take your time and focus on getting each step right. The key to a professional-looking finish is ensuring the first row is perfectly level, as it acts as the foundation for the entire wall. From there, you’ll work your way up, creating the clean lines and weather-resistant barrier that make shiplap so popular.
Before you begin, lay out a few of your Exterior Shiplap Cladding Wall Panels to check for any variations in color or grain. This allows you to arrange them in a way that looks balanced and intentional. Remember to keep your tools organized and within reach. A smooth workflow will help you maintain momentum and avoid simple mistakes. Patience is your best friend during this stage; rushing can lead to uneven gaps or misaligned boards that are difficult to fix later.
Start with the Bottom Row
Your installation journey begins at the bottom of the wall. Starting here ensures that each subsequent board will overlap the one below it, creating a natural shed for water and preventing moisture from getting behind the siding. Before you place the first board, use a level and a chalk line to snap a perfectly straight guideline where the top of that board will sit. This is the most critical step for the entire wall. A slightly crooked first row will become more and more noticeable as you move up. Also, make sure to leave a small gap between the ground and the bottom of the first board to allow for proper drainage and prevent rot.
Install the First Board Correctly
Place your first shiplap board along the chalk line, making sure it’s perfectly level. To secure it without splitting the wood, you’ll want to pre-drill pilot holes. As a best practice, you should drill a small 1/8-inch hole above each furring strip on the bottom half of the board. Then, drive a 3-inch stainless steel screw through the pilot hole to firmly attach the bottom edge to the wall. Using stainless steel fasteners is essential for exterior work, as they won’t rust and stain your beautiful new siding. For the top edge of the board, you can drive a nail or screw through the top flange, where it will be hidden by the next board.
Work Your Way Up the Wall
Once the first board is secure, the process becomes a satisfying rhythm. Fit the groove of the second board over the top lip of the first one, ensuring a snug fit. Fasten the second board by driving a nail or screw through its top flange into each furring strip. This technique, known as blind nailing, hides the fasteners for a clean, seamless look. You should continue these steps for all the siding boards as you work your way up the wall. Every few rows, use your level to double-check that your lines are still straight. If you need to use multiple boards to span the length of a wall, be sure to stagger the seams so they don’t all line up vertically.
Cut Around Windows, Doors, and Corners
When you reach obstacles like windows or doors, precision is key. Carefully measure the opening and transfer those measurements to your shiplap board. It’s always a good idea to measure twice and cut once. A jigsaw is a great tool for making these custom cuts. The goal is to maintain the shiplap’s overlapping design to create a strong seal that protects against wind and rain. After cutting a board, always seal the raw, cut end with a high-quality sealant before you install it. This prevents moisture from wicking into the wood, which is crucial for longevity, especially around custom steel windows and door frames.
How to Fasten Shiplap Correctly
This is where the real magic happens. Fastening your shiplap correctly is the difference between a wall that looks amazing for decades and one that starts showing problems after the first season. The goal is to secure each board firmly while still giving the wood room to breathe. Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature, and your fastening technique needs to account for this movement. If you don't, you risk boards warping, splitting, or buckling over time.
Proper fastening creates a strong, weather-resistant barrier that protects your home. It involves more than just driving in a nail or screw; it’s about using the right hardware, placing it correctly, and understanding how the boards work together. We’ll cover drilling pilot holes to prevent splitting, how to space your boards to account for natural shrinkage, and why the shiplap design itself is brilliant for managing expansion. Getting these details right ensures your exterior shiplap cladding not only looks professional but also performs beautifully for years to come.
Drill Pilot Holes and Place Screws
Skipping pilot holes is a common mistake that can cause your beautiful shiplap boards to split. To avoid this, always drill a small 1/8-inch pilot hole for each screw. You should place these holes on the bottom half of the board, directly over each furring strip. This placement ensures the top of the board below is securely covered. For fasteners, use 3-inch stainless steel screws, as they won’t rust and stain your siding. If you prefer a clean, hardware-free look, you can drill a larger 3/8-inch hole first, drive the screw, and then cover it with a matching wood plug for a seamless finish.
Maintain Consistent Spacing
When you install each shiplap board, your instinct should be to fit it as tightly as possible against the one below it. This might seem counterintuitive, but wood siding will shrink slightly as it settles and dries. A snug fit during installation ensures that you won’t end up with noticeable gaps later on. As a general rule, you can expect about 1/8-inch of shrinkage for 4-inch wide boards and up to 1/4-inch for 6-inch wide boards. By installing them tightly, you’re planning for this natural process, which will leave you with perfect, consistent spacing once the wood has fully acclimated.
Manage Expansion Gaps
One of the best features of shiplap is how it handles the natural movement of wood. The overlapping joint, or rabbet, is designed to let the boards expand and shrink with temperature and humidity changes without compromising the wall's integrity. This clever design prevents the boards from cracking or warping under pressure. The overlap creates a strong seal that effectively blocks wind and rain while giving each board the flexibility it needs. This built-in tolerance for movement is what makes shiplap such a durable and reliable choice for exterior siding, protecting your home through changing seasons.
How to Finish Your Exterior Shiplap
Once your shiplap boards are up, the final finishing touches are what will protect your work and make it look truly professional. This stage is all about sealing, trimming, and coating your new siding to ensure it stands up to the elements for years to come. Rushing this part can compromise the entire project, so take your time to do it right. A proper finish not only defends against moisture and sun damage but also provides that crisp, clean aesthetic you’re looking for. Think of it as the final layer of armor for your home’s exterior. This is where you transition from a construction project to a finished home feature, so every detail matters. Getting the sealing and coating right ensures your investment in beautiful siding pays off for the long haul, preventing costly repairs down the road.
Seal All Cut Ends and Gaps
Anywhere you cut a board, you create a vulnerable point where moisture can seep in. Wood acts like a sponge, and the end grain is especially absorbent. To prevent swelling, cracking, and rot, you need to seal these cuts promptly. A good rule of thumb is to apply an end-grain sealant within 24 hours of making a cut. You should also run a bead of high-quality, paintable exterior caulk along any gaps, especially around windows, doors, and corner joints. This creates a flexible, watertight barrier that keeps moisture out and gives your installation a seamless, integrated look.
Add Trim and Corner Pieces
Trim is the secret to a polished, high-end finish. It covers the raw edges of your shiplap boards at corners and around openings, creating clean lines and a cohesive design. For outside corners, you can use dedicated corner trim pieces that cap the siding. For inside corners, a simple square trim piece works perfectly. Adding trim around windows and doors not only looks great but also helps seal the transition between the siding and the frame. This step hides any minor imperfections in your cuts and gives the entire project a deliberate, well-executed appearance that truly completes the look.
Apply a Protective Coating
The final step is applying a protective finish. This is your siding’s main defense against UV rays, rain, and temperature shifts. Whether you choose paint, stain, or a clear sealant depends on the look you want and the type of exterior shiplap cladding you’ve installed. Always seal unfinished boards with a clear coat to protect them from moisture before applying your final finish. Keep in mind that exterior finishes require maintenance. Depending on your climate and sun exposure, you may need to reapply a fresh coat every few years to keep the wood protected and looking its best. This regular upkeep is key to preserving the beauty and integrity of your siding.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Installing exterior shiplap is a rewarding project, but a few common missteps can turn a beautiful facade into a future headache. Getting the details right from the start is the key to a durable, professional-looking finish that lasts for decades. It’s not just about putting boards on a wall; it’s about creating a protective and attractive layer for your home. By taking your time and avoiding these frequent errors, you can ensure your hard work pays off and your siding performs exactly as it should, protecting your home from the elements while looking fantastic.
Rushing the Prep Work
It’s tempting to jump straight into nailing up boards, but skipping proper preparation is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. A successful shiplap installation depends on a solid foundation. This means ensuring the wall is clean, dry, and flat, and that you’ve properly installed a weather-resistant barrier. You also need to let your Exterior Shiplap Cladding Wall Panels acclimate to your local climate for the recommended time. Rushing this step can lead to boards that warp, buckle, or cup after installation. Take the extra day or two to prep correctly—measure everything twice, snap level chalk lines for your courses, and plan your layout. A little patience now prevents major fixes later.
Ignoring Moisture and Warping Risks
Moisture is the number one enemy of any wood siding. Even if you’re using pre-primed boards, every single cut you make exposes a raw end that can soak up water like a sponge. This leads to rot, swelling, and warping that can ruin your entire project. To prevent this, you must seal all cut ends with a high-quality sealant or primer before you nail the board in place. Don’t wait until the end of the day. It’s also crucial to maintain a proper expansion gap between boards and at trim locations to allow for natural movement. Properly managing moisture ensures your shiplap remains stable and beautiful through every season.
Using Incorrect Fastening Techniques
How you attach the shiplap to the wall is just as important as the boards themselves. A common error is failing to nail into the wall studs. Fastening only to the sheathing isn’t strong enough to hold the siding securely over time, especially as it expands and contracts. Always use a stud finder to locate and mark your studs before you begin. Use corrosion-resistant fasteners, like stainless steel or hot-dip galvanized nails, to prevent rust streaks from staining your siding. Make sure your nails are long enough to penetrate at least 1.5 inches into the studs. Finally, avoid over-driving the nails, as this can crack the wood and create an entry point for moisture.
How to Maintain Your Shiplap Siding
Your new shiplap siding looks fantastic, and with a little routine care, you can keep it that way for years to come. Proper maintenance protects your investment from moisture, sun, and pests, ensuring it performs beautifully for its entire lifespan. Depending on the material and your local climate, shiplap can last for decades, but its longevity really comes down to consistent upkeep. Think of it as a simple checklist you run through once or twice a year to catch small issues before they become big headaches. Following these steps will keep your home’s exterior looking sharp and well-protected.
Clean and Inspect It Regularly
With the right care, your shiplap siding can last 20 to 30 years, or even longer. The first step is a simple, regular cleaning. At least once a year, gently wash the siding with a soft-bristle brush and a mild soap-and-water solution to remove dirt, pollen, and mildew. Avoid using a high-pressure washer, which can force water behind the boards and damage the wood fibers. While you clean, take the opportunity to inspect the siding up close. Look for any peeling paint, cracked caulk around windows and trim, or signs of moisture damage. Catching these small problems early is the key to preventing costly repairs down the line.
Know When to Reapply Finishes
The protective finish on your shiplap is its primary defense against the elements, so keeping it fresh is crucial. How often you’ll need to reapply a stain or paint depends heavily on your climate and the siding’s exposure to sun and rain. A good rule of thumb is to plan on reapplying a finish every two to five years. If you notice the color fading or the wood starting to look dry, it’s time for a new coat. Even if you prefer the look of naturally weathered gray wood, it’s smart to apply one protective coat of a clear water-repellent finish right after installation to help the wood acclimate and remain stable.
Tips for Long-Term Care
A few proactive habits can make a huge difference in your siding’s lifespan. Always seal the cut ends of shiplap boards during installation; these exposed grains are prime spots for moisture to seep in. Even if you’re using pre-finished boards, adding a dab of sealant to any cut edges or seams provides valuable extra protection. Each year, check the caulking around windows, doors, and corner trim to ensure it’s intact and creating a watertight seal. Also, make sure your gutters are clean and that sprinklers aren’t spraying directly onto the walls. Minimizing constant water exposure is one of the best things you can do for any type of exterior wood cladding.
