Have you ever stared at a wall and thought, “You have potential”? Well, you are not alone. There is this trend that is conquering hearts and rooms: Adding overlaps over drywallIt's like embracing your home with wood. And this embrace – it stays – transforms.
Here we're looking at the how and why of this transformation. Because let's face it, those smooth walls could use a little texture, a touch of character. That's what shiplap is all about, isn't it? Combining modernity with a touch of country charm, it instantly adds personality to any room.
If you scroll down to the end, you will have learned everything about how to turn boring walls into statements. We talk about the essentials – from Wall cladding Basics of this important DIY project Done. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work with the designer in you? This article is your playbook, packed with tips, tricks, and honest advice on how to make those walls the stuff of legend. Get ready to ride the shiplap wave, folks. It's beautiful.
How to Install an Overlap Over Drywall
Image source: Nicole Peters Interiors
If you have fallen in love with tongue and groove boards and want to install them in your home, you have two options. The first is to hire a professional to install them for you, but this may not be necessary as it is not difficult to do it yourself. The second option is to do the installation yourself, which only requires you to follow a few steps.
By following these simple instructions, you can build a new wall suitable for your home renovation programs.
Let the overlap adapt to the weather
Wood is a sensitive material when it comes to the weather. Sudden changes in humidity can compromise its integrity and make it very brittle for construction. To prevent this from happening to you, you need to give the wood time to adapt to the environment in which it will be installed.
Leave the tongue and groove boards in the room you want to remodel for several days so that they adapt to the environmental conditions.
Before installing shiplap over drywall, you can also paint the wall a dark color to hide any cracks in the wood.
The bolts serve as support
The biggest problem with applying a new coating over an existing one is that you have to find the support structure to reuse it. In this case, the drywall is attached to studs, and these form the base to which you nail the overlap.
The horizontal overlap structures do not have so many disadvantages in this regard, since the boards are installed perpendicular to the posts and therefore there is always one below them.
However, vertical installations are more complex because the studs run parallel to the lap and may never meet. In these cases, you will need to create additional supports using ¼-inch studs that you will need to bolt to the existing support.
If this process is very complex or the wall thickness increases significantly due to the addition of an additional board, you can glue the overlap over the drywall using adhesive.
Regardless of your case, you should always determine where your wall studs are before proceeding with the installation. You can do this by using a stud finder.
Installation of tongue and groove walls
Now that you have identified all the studs, you can proceed with the installation of the overlap. To connect the boards, you will need special glue. Most construction glues will work perfectly.
Remember that the glue can take several hours to dry and that the boards will come loose if not clamped down. To avoid spending hours holding a single board in place, you will need to use small support nails.
Place the nailing strips in a line so that you can use them as a guide when installing the lap joint. It is sufficient to place one nail every three feet.
You will begin the installation at the baseboard. Here you will glue a long strip of wood, no more than 8 feet long. Make sure one side is attached to the corner of the wall so you can use it as a reference. Complete the entire baseboard with more wooden slats as needed.
Now nail the 8-foot board in place and place another similar board on top of it, but on the opposite side of the wall and at least a penny away from it. The penny measurement is enough to create the necessary tabs for installing the shiplap.
Repeat this process with each new row, alternating the position of the tables to allow for overlap.
Since the wood will hardly be perfectly straight, it is best to use a spirit level to check that there are no serious deviations. If you notice any blemishes, you can repair them with a piece of leftover wood.
To avoid noticeable deviations, lay each new row from the same corner and always use the penny to create the distance between the tables.
If there are electrical elements on the wall such as switches or sockets, measure them before installing the overlap. Mark them on the table with a pencil and cut the piece with a saw. Remember that you have to do the operation on both tables.
Add some color
Some woods have a beautiful natural pattern, but most don't, so you'll need to paint the overlap. Not only is this aesthetically pleasing, but the paint also adds an extra layer of protection.
First, apply a primer that you can paint over. Then, use a roller to paint the larger areas.
Using a small, stiff-tipped brush, you can trace the joints between the boards. You must remove any excess paint from the joints before it dries, otherwise you will end up with unsightly bumps. Insert a sheet of paper or cardboard into these notches to help absorb the paint.
Since this is wood, you will most likely need two coats of paint to achieve the desired color.
Are there any advantages to installing tongue and groove boards over drywall?
Image source: Janet Shea Interiors
The advantage of installing tongue and groove boards over drywall is that you already have a base to work from, giving you a guide to build a straight wall and also allowing you to perfectly place nails to attach the wood.
In addition, the two-layer cladding allows you to better control the temperature in your home and has a more resistant wall against rain and snow.
However, it is always recommended to install the shiplap from the beginning. Drywall complicates the process because you have to determine where the studs are and the result can be a thick wall that takes away space from your rooms.
Frequently asked questions about installing tongue and groove boards over drywall
Can I install tongue and groove boards directly over drywall?
Of course, you can slap the shiplap directly over your drywall. Just make sure you find the studs for a solid hold. The drywall alone will not give your shiplap the support it needs, so just think of the drywall as a handy template where you can hammer the decorative nails.
What tools do I need to install shiplap over drywall?
Grab your trusty tape measure, a level and a good saw. A nail gun is a huge time saver, but if you like things old-fashioned, a hammer will do too. Don't forget the tongue and groove boards, a stud finder and safety gear. And last but not least, patience with your DIY project and a great playlist to set the mood.
Do I need to prepare the drywall before installing the shiplap?
A little preparation definitely goes a long way. Smooth out the drywall once and get rid of any dents you might have from the Hulk smash or pesky nail holes. Clean walls stick better, so wipe away all that invisible dirt. Dry and even wins the race.
What is the best way to cut the shiplap to fit my walls?
Measure twice, cut once – this golden rule of DIY isn't just hot air. Use a saw that means business – a miter saw is great for sharp cuts. Got curves or sockets? The jigsaw is your new best friend. It's a wall makeover, not a puzzle, so aim for tight, not taut.
How do I make sure my overlap lines are straight and level?
This is where that level pays off. Every few boards, the bubble needs to be centered. Keep a close eye on those lines like they're the horizon. If that level is your buddy, you're not going to get a shiplap wave – unless that's your thing, in a fun-floor kind of way.
Is it necessary to paint or treat the overlap after installation?
Your shiplap, your rules. Raw wood has that rustic aesthetic that some people die for. But if you're not into the log cabin life, slap on some paint. Protecting your shiplap will keep it with you like a good friend. So yes, treat it right, and it will treat you right.
How do I nail shiplap over drywall without touching plumbing and wiring?
It's a bit like surgery, but without the buzz. Your stud finder is Sherlock and you are Watson. Find out the secrets of your walls – wiring, pipes, all that stuff. Drive nails where you know it's safe. When in doubt, find out.
Can installing tongue and groove boards on drywall increase the resale value of my home?
Design trends come and go, but shiplap is the absolute winner in the modern farmhouse look. It practically screams “Instagram me!”—or at least “Consider raising the price!” When paired with a thoughtful interior design plan, shiplap can make potential buyers swoon and open their wallets a little wider.
What is the difference between real and artificial shiplap panels?
Real shiplap is like the Cadillac of wood paneling, with all the grooves in the right places. Faux shiplap is very laborious, and sometimes you don't even notice it's just paneling. Bottom line: The real wood is usually wood, while the faux can be made of fiberboard or even clever mural tricks.
Should I hire a professional to install the tongue and groove boards or can I do it myself?
Depends on how good you are with your tools and how challenging your walls are. A simple wall is ideal for a weekend DIYer, but if your wall has more nooks and crannies than an English muffin, you may want to call in the pros. They have the know-how to tackle the tricky spots.
Conclusion
At the end of this journey from Adding tongue and groove boards over drywallthink of it as a love letter to your space. We zigzagged through the twists and turns of selection, avoided the pitfalls of preparation, and crossed the finish line in style.
- Your walls become a canvas, with each plank adding a touch of rustic charm or a modern touch.
- They no longer serve as a backdrop, but attract attention by whispering stories about the transformation from a standard product to a tailor-made product.
- Now you are a knowledgeable guru in the art of wall decoration.
Imagine how your pride will overcome you when you step back and see not just a wall, but a masterpiece of DIY ingenuity. This isn't just another item on the weekend warrior's to-do list; it's a statement. The echo of hammers and dust of saws settles, leaving behind the timeless dance of tongue-and-groove boards – a harmony of home and heart.
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