Shiplap Calculator — Boards, Linear Feet & Cost
Calculate shiplap boards needed for walls, ceilings, and accent installations. Accounts for board width, overlap, orientation (horizontal/vertical), and waste. Supports 1×4, 1×6, 1×8, and nickel-gap profiles.
Why This Construction Metric Matters
Why: Shiplap adds rustic or modern farmhouse character to interiors and exteriors. Overlap reduces the exposed width—1×6 may expose only 5 in. Accurate calculation prevents overbuying and ensures consistent reveal. Orientation (horizontal vs vertical) affects waste.
How: Exposed width = Board width − Overlap. Boards per row = Wall width ÷ Exposed width. Rows = Wall height ÷ Board length (or vice versa for vertical). Total boards = Rows × Boards per row. Add waste (typically 10-15%). Trim for corners and edges.
- ●1×6 shiplap typically exposes ~5 in. with 0.5 in. overlap.
- ●Nickel-gap: precision 5.5" boards with minimal gap.
- ●Horizontal install: more waste at ends; vertical: less waste.
- ●Pine, cedar, MDF—prices and moisture resistance vary.
Sample Projects - Click to Load
📐 Board Size
⚙️ Installation Settings
Horizontal
Boards run left to right (most common)
🪵 Material Type
Pine
Affordable softwood, easy to work with
Leave empty to use material default
Planning estimates only. Verify with a licensed engineer or contractor before construction.
📐 Construction Industry Facts
1×6 shiplap exposes ~5 in. with 0.5 in. overlap.
— Industry
Nickel-gap: 5.5 in. precision boards, minimal gap.
— Product
Horizontal vs vertical orientation affects waste factor.
— Installation
Cedar, pine, MDF—moisture resistance varies by material.
— AWC
📋 Key Takeaways
- • Exposed Width | Board Width − Overlap (e.g. 5.5" − 0.5" = 5")
- • Horizontal | Rows = Height ÷ Exposed Width; Boards = Rows × (Length ÷ Board Length)
- • Waste | 10–15% typical; 20%+ for diagonal
- • Materials | Pine, cedar, MDF, PVC; moisture matters for baths
Did You Know?
1×6 (5.5") ≈ 2.2 boards/sq ft; 1×8 (7.25") ≈ 1.6 boards/sq ft.
Source: Coverage
Diagonal install adds ~20% waste vs horizontal.
Source: Orientation
PVC best for wet areas; pine/cedar for dry interior.
Source: Materials
Nickel gap = 1/8" overlap; standard shiplap 1/2".
Source: Overlap
Add 10–15% waste for cuts, corners, and mistakes.
Source: Waste
Trim = 2 × (Length + Height) for perimeter.
Source: Trim
What is a Shiplap Calculator?
A shiplap calculator determines boards needed for walls, ceilings, and accent installations. Accounts for board dimensions, overlap, orientation (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), waste, and material costs.
🔬 Key Concepts
Exposed Width
Board Width − Overlap
Rows/Columns
Wall dimension ÷ Exposed Width
Boards
Rows × Boards per row × (1 + waste%)
Materials
Pine, cedar, MDF, PVC
How to Calculate Shiplap Boards Needed
- 1
Exposed Width
Board Width − Overlap
- 2
Rows
Height ÷ Exposed Width (horizontal)
- 3
Boards per Row
Length ÷ Board Length
- 4
Total
Rows × Boards/Row × (1 + waste%)
When to Use Shiplap
🛏️ Accent Walls
Bedroom, living room feature walls
🚿 Wainscoting
Bathroom, dining room lower walls
⬆️ Ceilings
Vaulted ceilings, porch ceilings
🔥 Fireplace
Fireplace surrounds, mantels
Shiplap Formulas
Material Type Reference
| Material | Price/sq ft | Durability | Moisture | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine | $1.55 | Moderate | Low | Interior walls, Accent walls, DIY projects |
| Cedar | $2.27 | High | High | Exterior, Bathrooms, Saunas |
| MDF Shiplap | $1.18 | Moderate | Low | Interior walls, Painted finishes, Budget projects |
| PVC Shiplap | $2.73 | Very High | Excellent | Bathrooms, Kitchens, Exterior, High-moisture areas |
| Oak | $3.27 | Very High | Moderate | Premium interiors, Feature walls, High-end projects |
| Fir | $1.82 | High | Moderate | Interior walls, Ceilings, Structural applications |
Important Considerations
⚠️ Avoid
- • Wood in wet areas without treatment
- • Underestimating diagonal waste
- • Skipping trim in cost estimate
✓ Best Practices
- • Use PVC or treated wood in bathrooms
- • Add 10–15% waste; 20%+ for diagonal
- • Acclimate boards before install
⚠️ Disclaimer: Estimates for planning. Actual boards needed vary by pattern, cuts, and installer. Order slightly extra.
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