Software
Houzz Logo Print
dmcgaw

what size shiplap for ceiling

7 years ago
We have a 23 x 27 great room that is two stories high. We want to do the ceiling in shiplap. I would appreciate any input as to what size/with shiplap we should use. Thanks in advance!

Comments (30)

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Shiplap is a profile intended for walls and not normally used on a ceiling.

    Will you have exposed beams or other to break up the ceiling?

  • 7 years ago

    None.

  • 7 years ago

    The beams look beautiful. Are they part of trusses?

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    You can get a ship lap look by using a tongue and groove on the ceiling.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Tongue and groove, 6" exposure, would work well.


    Have you though through your idea? Ship lap would have different directions on each side of the sloping ceiling, making it impossible to install on the flat portion of the ceiling.


    Stick with T&G and you'll be happy.

  • 7 years ago

    I would get as wide as you can, maybe 8 inches. What are your options?

    Porch · More Info

    This room has shed dormers like your. Notice they did not do shiplap in the sides.

    Great Rooms · More Info


  • 7 years ago

    I like that white example. I agree ask how thick you can get locally.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    All of the photo examples above have simple gable pitched roofs.


    Your problem is the flat portion of the ceiling. And that's why shiplap siding will not work.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Shiplap isn’t suited to your architecture. Or anyone’s architecture

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Actual shiplap was meant for barns and outside buildings waht you are going for is just tongue and groove boards and IMO not working in your space,

  • 7 years ago

    Why is the door not centered on the wall with the window above in your second pic?

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Drywall it first, as you need to do for air sealing and fire resistance, and decide on a ceiling treatment later. You may decide that you have enough going on to not need a focal point on your ceiling.

  • 7 years ago
    Was copying these...
  • 7 years ago

    I don't get why people have an issue with this idea. As your pictures show, it can be done with or without trim.

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    That is not shiplap. That is the underside of roof decking in a home without proper insulation or air sealing.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    I think those ceilings are beautiful Diane! Your ceilings will look great!

  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    The visuals of the underside of roof decking with structural beams will be quite different from a surface applied wood coating. You will have issues where the ends of the individual boards meet. You will have issues where the different ceiling planes meet. The easy solution will be to add moldings to cover those areas, which will detract from a clean lined simple look. And that means dividing the ceilings up into no more than 8’ sections. Now you’re developing a bit of an off kilter coffer look.

    Start with the drywall. Anything else can be added at a later time. After more design time is devoted to overcoming the issues that it creates.

  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Here's how different sizes might appear








    If you decide to add a fan




  • 7 years ago

    Shiplap generally has exposed nail heads whereas t&g does not. BTW, is the tall wall an exposed end wall on the house? If so, it is going to blow in in a high wind. Is there an architect? Someone should review it.

  • 7 years ago

    Are cobwebs a problem in your area? Dusting the tiny cobwebs out of tongue and groove on a cathedral ceiling is a real pain. Drywall doesn't host as many spiders.

  • 6 years ago

    We are at exactly the same point now and also want to do shiplap. What did you do? Can you post a photo? Your home looks lovely!

  • 6 years ago

    Thank you so much. it is beautiful!

  • 6 years ago

    Diane, it's amazing. Did you drywall first and do T&G?

  • 6 years ago

    Yes- That’s exactly what we did. Thanks!

  • PRO
    5 years ago

    Where did you buy the light fixture from?

    Also if I have 8" shiplap on the walls would you recommend doing 8" on ceiling as well or going smaller 4"???

  • 5 years ago

    Currey & Co

  • 5 years ago

    Mine are 8 inches wide, and are stained, not painted. I live in a log home, however, which may not be the ambiance you want.


  • 5 years ago

    Just for clarity, you ended up installing T&G not traditional shiplap? Looks great, by the way!

  • 4 years ago

    Diane: I had this dilemma today. Thank you for this 8" it is.