{"id":11765,"date":"2019-05-16T09:30:12","date_gmt":"2019-05-16T13:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/?p=11765"},"modified":"2026-03-24T10:16:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T14:16:38","slug":"lets-talk-shiplap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/lets-talk-shiplap\/","title":{"rendered":"Let’s Talk Shiplap"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to whimsical cottage style and rustic warmth, shiplap is a design element that adds a nice touch. This stylish feature adds depth, looks pretty, and is offered as an upgrade on some of our custom hutches<\/a> and bookcases here at DutchCrafters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Shiplap? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shiplap gets its name from the planks that were used to make boats at one time. Grooves or recesses called rabbets are cut into the wood along the top and bottom of each board. These allow the pieces to fit together just right, forming a watertight seal. The interlocking boards overlap–hence the name ship-lap–for a smooth fit. Shiplap worked so well keeping water out, that builders started to conform the materials so shiplap could be used as exterior sheathing on homes where it would be helpful in blocking cold winds. The shiplap sheath was put between the frame of the home and its exterior siding. Because of its ability to support and create that tight seal, shiplap siding is great for home or building exteriors that need to endure the outdoor elements. Shiplap siding is often used for exteriors of homes, barns and sheds<\/a>. Shiplap is not a type of wood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Shiplap Effect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The way shiplap boards overlap creates a little gap between them, and while they are often arranged horizontally for exterior siding or interior walls, long wood planks can be arranged vertically for wood furniture. Shiplap used in solid wood furniture is mainly decorative. It adds a bit of sophistication and gives the back of a hutch or bookcase<\/a> a pretty look. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The overlapping style of shiplap arranged vertically creates a rustic look and feel. It\u2019s charming, warm and welcoming\u2014a timeless look if you will. Shiplap is loved for the popular farmhouse style that\u2019s relaxed and cozy as well as cottage, bungalow and rustic d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Amish
Amish Pine Hall Bookcase with shiplap back.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When\nshiplap is used for walls it can make the room feel larger. Installed\nvertically, it extends the vertical line and draws attention to the height of\nthe room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wood Furniture with Shiplap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pine <\/a>is pretty for shiplap as pine naturally lends itself to country style<\/a> or rustic style furniture. You can find shiplap or tongue and groove in hutches, bookcases, some armoires and even in our DutchCrafters Exclusive Murphy Bed.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Murphy<\/a>
The shiplap back of the Murphy Wall Bed and Desk Workstation <\/a>featured in the DutchCrafters showroom.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\"Shiplap<\/a>
An even closer look at the shiplap back.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

What is tongue and\ngroove? How Does it Differ from Shiplap?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tongue and groove\nboards used in furniture look very similar to and give the same rustic look as\nshiplap, but tongue and groove is different from shiplap in the way the boards\nfit together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tongue and groove boards include a piece with a tongue shape or extension that fits in a groove or slot and locks them together. One side of the board has a tongue and one side has a groove. Tongue and grove joints are used a lot for panel walls, flooring, doors and table tops. Tongue and groove joints used in wood furniture require extra work for the woodworker. They are a sign of quality craftsmanship. Shiplap boards have those rabbet joints we mentioned earlier that create a recess in the board. This allows them to overlap and lock together smoothly. The main difference is shiplap boards rest on top of each other in an overlapping pattern. Tongue and groove boards join together and interlock. <\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Shiplap
A rabbet joint for shiplap vs the tongue and groove joint. Photo Credit: www.improvenet.com<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Why Should Customers Choose a Shiplap or\nTongue and Groove Option? What are the Benefits?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Shiplap or tongue and groove in DutchCrafters wood furniture is made with the same wood the piece of furniture is made with or same species plywood. Here are the benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n