Shiplap boards run $2 to $7 per square foot in materials. But that's only half the story.
Once you add a contractor's labor ($50–$100/hour, typically 8–16 hours for an average room), primer, finishing nails, a rented nail gun, and edge trim — traditional shiplap costs $15 to $30 per square foot installed. For a 150 sq ft accent wall, that's $2,250 to $4,500.
That full picture changes the comparison — and changes who shiplap actually makes sense for.
This guide covers real costs by material type, a room-by-room breakdown, DIY vs. professional installation, and a third option that eliminates the labor cost entirely.
Shiplap Material Costs by Type
| Shiplap Type | Material Cost (per sq ft) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pine shiplap (standard) | $2 – $4 | Most affordable. Softer wood, more prone to dents. Requires primer + paint. |
| Cedar shiplap | $5 – $7 | More durable, natural rot resistance. Good for humid spaces. Still requires finishing. |
| Reclaimed wood shiplap | $7 – $14 | Aged character, sustainable, varies widely by source. Often harder to source locally. |
| MDF / vinyl shiplap | $1.50 – $4 | Cheapest option. Not real wood. Will swell with moisture. No character over time. |
| Stikwood peel-and-stick (real wood) | $10 – $15 | Real reclaimed wood. No nails, no labor, no contractor. Installs in hours, not days. |
Material cost alone makes traditional shiplap look cheaper. But material cost is only one part of the equation.
The Real Cost of Shiplap: Materials + Labor + Tools
Here's what most cost guides skip: traditional shiplap requires a contractor or a serious weekend project. You need to cut boards to length, nail them level, fill holes, prime, and paint. For most homeowners, that means hiring a professional.
| Cost Factor | Traditional Shiplap (Pine) | Stikwood Peel-and-Stick |
|---|---|---|
| Materials (150 sq ft wall) | $300 – $600 | $1,500 – $2,250 |
| Labor (contractor) | $400 – $1,600 | $0 |
| Tools (nail gun rental, saw) | $50 – $150 | $0 |
| Primer + paint | $50 – $120 | $0 (pre-finished) |
| Edge trim + filler | $30 – $80 | Minimal |
| Total (150 sq ft wall) | $830 – $2,550 | $1,500 – $2,250 |
| All-in per sq ft | $5.50 – $17 | $10 – $15 |
Room-by-Room Cost Calculator
Use this table to estimate your project cost. Figures assume one feature wall, not all four walls.
| Room / Wall Size | Approx Sq Ft | Traditional Shiplap (installed) | Stikwood (materials only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bedroom accent wall (8×9 ft) | 72 sq ft | $400 – $1,225 | $720 – $1,080 |
| Living room feature wall (10×9 ft) | 90 sq ft | $495 – $1,530 | $900 – $1,350 |
| Standard accent wall (12×9 ft) | 108 sq ft | $595 – $1,835 | $1,080 – $1,620 |
| Large wall / open plan (16×9 ft) | 144 sq ft | $790 – $2,445 | $1,440 – $2,160 |
| Full room (all 4 walls, 12×12 ft) | 432 sq ft | $2,375 – $7,345 | $4,320 – $6,480 |
Traditional shiplap figures include materials, labor, primer, and tools. Stikwood figures include materials only — no labor cost.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: What's the Real Difference?
If you're comfortable with a miter saw and a nail gun, DIY traditional shiplap is achievable. Here's what you're signing up for:
- Time: 1–3 days for an average accent wall (measure, cut, nail, fill, prime, paint)
- Skill required: Intermediate. Leveling boards, cutting around outlets, finishing edges all require precision.
- Tools needed: Miter saw, nail gun, air compressor, level, stud finder, tape measure, primer, paintbrush
- Risk: Crooked boards are hard to fix without starting over. Drywall damage is common.
If you hire a professional:
- Labor rate: $50 – $100 per hour (trim carpenter or general contractor)
- Time on site: 8 – 16 hours for an average room
- Labor total: $400 – $1,600 depending on region and complexity
"I was looking at traditional shiplap for my office, but wasn't a fan of the effort — not to mention the potential damage to the wallboard. A friend turned me on to Stikwood and it had the best outcome I could have imagined."— Michael, verified Stikwood customer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What About Shiplap for Ceilings?
Ceiling installation is significantly more labor-intensive than walls. Traditional shiplap on a ceiling requires:
- Scaffolding or a rental lift ($150–$400/day)
- Finding and fastening into joists (not just drywall)
- Higher risk of damage during installation
Most contractors charge a 25–50% premium for ceiling work. For a 150 sq ft ceiling, expect $1,000–$3,000 installed with traditional boards.
Peel-and-stick wood planks apply to ceilings the same way as walls — no scaffolding required for standard ceiling heights, and no joist-finding needed. See our ceiling installation guide for specifics.
Factors That Affect Your Final Shiplap Cost
Wood species and grade
Select-grade pine (fewer knots, smoother surface) costs 20–40% more than common grade. Cedar and reclaimed wood add significant cost per board but require less finishing work.
Wall complexity
Outlets, windows, doorways, and corners all add cutting time and material waste. A straight, uninterrupted wall is cheapest. A room with four windows and two doorways could double your labor hours.
Region and labor market
Labor rates vary significantly: $50/hr in rural markets, $100+/hr in major metro areas. Materials from local lumber yards may be cheaper than big-box stores but require sourcing time.
Finishing choices
Raw pine shiplap requires primer + 2 coats of paint at minimum. If you want a stained or natural look, add sealer and finishing time. Pre-finished options (including peel-and-stick) eliminate this cost entirely.
The Third Option: Peel-and-Stick Real Wood
If your goal is real wood character — not lumber — peel-and-stick panels deliver the same look at a more predictable total cost.
Stikwood uses genuine reclaimed and sustainably sourced wood. The planks come pre-finished, pre-cut, and ready to apply directly to drywall, MDF, or painted surfaces. No primer. No nail holes. No contractor scheduling.
Ready to see how it looks in your space? Order sample planks before you commit to a full order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is shiplap cheaper than drywall?
No. Drywall costs $1–$3 per square foot installed. Shiplap is an aesthetic layer added on top of existing drywall. It's a design upgrade, not a structural replacement.
What is the cheapest type of shiplap?
Pine shiplap is the most affordable traditional option at $2–$4 per sq ft for materials. MDF and vinyl shiplap can go lower ($1.50–$3/sq ft) but are not real wood. For total installed cost including labor, the differences narrow significantly.
How much shiplap do I need for one wall?
Measure your wall's height × width in feet to get square footage. Add 10–15% for waste and cuts. A typical 10 × 9 ft accent wall needs about 90 sq ft of material, or roughly 99–104 sq ft ordered.
Can I install shiplap myself?
Yes, with intermediate DIY skills. Traditional shiplap requires a miter saw, nail gun, level, and significant time. Peel-and-stick shiplap is a true DIY project — no power tools, no prior woodworking experience required.
How long does shiplap installation take?
A professional can install shiplap on an average accent wall in 4–8 hours. A DIYer should budget a full weekend including prep, installation, filling, and painting. Peel-and-stick installation typically takes 4–6 hours for an accent wall.
Does shiplap increase home value?
Feature walls and wood accents generally appeal to buyers but don't carry a reliable dollar-for-dollar return. The value is primarily aesthetic — real wood adds more perceived value than MDF or vinyl alternatives.
Why is shiplap so expensive to install?
Installation labor is the main driver. Each board must be cut to length, leveled, nailed into studs, and finished. A single accent wall requires 8–16 hours of skilled labor. Peel-and-stick formats eliminate installation labor entirely.
