How to Build a Shiplap Accent Wall

Shiplap is the hallmark of a room that feels intentionally finished. By adding horizontal lines and subtle shadows to a feature wall, you break up the monotony of flat drywall without overwhelming the space. It is a straightforward project that transforms a bedroom from a plain shell into a designed environment in just a weekend. Achieving a professional result is all about the prep work. If you rush the layout or fail to locate your wall studs properly, the entire wall will look crooked. When done well, the boards are perfectly level, the gaps are consistent, and the finish is smooth enough to touch. Focus on your measurement accuracy at the start, and the installation will move quickly.

Find Your Anchor Points. Use a high-quality stud finder to locate every wall stud along the accent wall. Mark these locations clearly from floor to ceiling with a pencil line, as these are your only anchor points for the boards.
Map Your Board Layout. Measure the height of your wall and divide by the width of your shiplap board to see if you need to rip the top or bottom board to fit. Aim for the cut board to be at the top near the ceiling where it is less visible.
Set Your First Board True. Place your first board at the bottom of the wall using a level. Leave a small gap of about 1/8 inch from the floor to allow for movement, then nail it directly into every stud using a finish nailer.
Build Your Wall Upward. Insert the next board into the tongue-and-groove joint of the previous board. Secure it with finish nails at every stud location, working your way up the wall.
Work Around Power Safely. When you reach an electrical outlet, measure its exact location on the wall. Mark the board and use a jigsaw to cut out the opening before nailing the board in place.
Seal and Trim Out Clean. Fill all nail holes with wood filler and sand them smooth once dry. Finish by installing corner trim or crown molding to hide the raw edges of the shiplap against the adjacent walls and ceiling.