The Short Answer
Both nickel gap and shiplap create that horizontal plank wall look—but they’re built differently, installed differently, and look distinctly different once they’re up. The short version: shiplap uses overlapping boards with a rabbet joint, giving you flexibility in gap width and a rustic, farmhouse feel. Nickel gap uses tongue-and-groove boards with built-in spacers (~nickel-width apart), creating a cleaner, more uniform look that’s easier to install consistently.
Both nickel gap and shiplap create that horizontal plank wall look—but they’re built differently, installed differently, and look distinctly different once they’re up.
The short version: shiplap uses overlapping boards with a rabbet joint, giving you flexibility in gap width and a rustic, farmhouse feel. Nickel gap uses tongue-and-groove boards with built-in spacers (~nickel-width apart), creating a cleaner, more uniform look that’s easier to install consistently.
If you’re choosing between the two—or considering a third option that skips nailing entirely—here’s everything you need to know.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Shiplap | Nickel Gap | Stikwood Peel-and-Stick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint type | Rabbet (overlapping) | Tongue-and-groove | Peel-and-stick adhesive |
| Gap spacing | Variable—you choose | Consistent—built-in spacer | Custom—no gap or minimal |
| Nail holes | Visible (needs filling) | Hidden | None |
| Aesthetic | Rustic, farmhouse | Modern, clean | Rustic to contemporary |
| DIY difficulty | Intermediate | Beginner–Intermediate | Beginner |
| Tools needed | Nail gun, miter saw, level | Nail gun, miter saw, level | None |
| Material cost | $2–$7/sq ft | $3–$8/sq ft | $10–$15/sq ft |
| Installed cost (incl. labor) | $8–$20/sq ft | $8–$20/sq ft | $10–$15/sq ft (no labor) |
| Real wood | Yes (or MDF) | Yes (or MDF) | Yes—reclaimed |
What Is Shiplap?
Shiplap boards have a rabbet joint—a stepped cut along each edge that allows boards to overlap when installed. When you nail one board above the next, the rabbet joint interlocks, creating the characteristic horizontal shadow gap that defines the shiplap look.
- Variable gap: The spacing between boards is adjustable. Use a coin as a spacer for a narrow gap, or leave more space for a wider, more rustic look.
- Visible nail holes: Nails go through the face of the board and need to be filled with putty before painting.
- Farmhouse/rustic aesthetic: Popularized by Chip and Joanna Gaines—shiplap has become shorthand for the modern farmhouse look.
- Wide material availability: Pine, cedar, MDF, and reclaimed wood versions are widely available at lumber yards and home improvement stores.
What Is Nickel Gap?
Nickel gap is a tongue-and-groove board with built-in spacers along the edges. When boards are installed side by side, the spacers automatically create a gap roughly the width of a nickel—about 1/16 to 1/8 inch—with no measuring or spacing tools required.
- Consistent spacing: The built-in spacer ensures every gap is identical—no eyeballing, no coins as spacers.
- Hidden nails: Nails go through the tongue (not the face), hidden by the next board. No nail holes to fill.
- Cleaner, more modern look: The consistent spacing gives nickel gap a crisper, more contemporary appearance.
- Name origin: The gap between installed boards is approximately the thickness of a nickel coin—hence the name.
Nickel Gap vs. Shiplap: The Real Differences
Look and aesthetic
This is the biggest practical difference. Shiplap’s variable gap creates a more handcrafted, organic appearance—contributing to the rustic charm. Nickel gap’s uniform spacing looks engineered and precise, lending itself to contemporary, coastal, or transitional styles.
- Farmhouse, rustic, or Joanna Gaines-inspired: Shiplap
- Modern, coastal, transitional, or clean-lined: Nickel gap
Installation difficulty
Both require similar tools: a miter saw, nail gun, level, and stud finder. The difference is in consistency. Shiplap requires manual spacing with a tool or coin—one slip and a board can shift. Nickel gap’s built-in spacers eliminate this variable, making it more forgiving for first-time installers.
Nail holes and finishing
Shiplap requires face-nailing: nails go through the front of the board, leaving visible holes that need to be filled and sanded before painting. Nickel gap hides nails in the tongue—no hole-filling required, saving an hour or two of finishing work.
Cost
Nickel gap typically costs 10–20% more than comparable shiplap boards due to more complex milling. Installed cost is roughly equivalent for both:
| Option | Material (per sq ft) | Labor + Finishing | Total Installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pine shiplap | $2–$4 | $6–$16 | $8–$20 |
| Nickel gap (pine) | $3–$5 | $5–$15 | $8–$20 |
| Nickel gap (cedar/hardwood) | $5–$8 | $5–$15 | $10–$23 |
Best use cases
| Space | Better Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Farmhouse living room | Shiplap | Variable gap enhances rustic character |
| Modern bedroom accent wall | Nickel gap | Clean lines suit contemporary spaces |
| Bathroom or laundry room | Nickel gap (moisture-resistant MDF) | Hidden nails + consistent look |
| Ceiling installation | Nickel gap | Easier to keep consistent gaps when working overhead |
| Kids‘ room or nursery | Either | Both work well; paint-ready finish is key |
| Home office feature wall | Nickel gap or peel-and-stick | Professional look; peel-and-stick if renting |
The Third Option: Peel-and-Stick Real Wood
Both shiplap and nickel gap require the same basic installation process: find studs, cut boards to length, nail, fill, prime, paint. That’s a weekend project at minimum—and usually a contractor if you want it done perfectly.
Stikwood’s peel-and-stick wood planks give you the horizontal plank wall look in real reclaimed wood—without nails, nail holes, a nail gun, or a contractor. The planks arrive pre-finished and adhere directly to drywall, painted surfaces, or MDF.
“We used this as an accent wall in our bedroom. It added so much character and is absolutely beautiful! It was so easy to install—we are looking to do another wall!”—Verified Stikwood customer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ready to see how it looks in your space? Order sample planks before committing to a full order.
Installation: What Each Option Actually Requires
| Step | Shiplap | Nickel Gap | Stikwood Peel-and-Stick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find studs | Required | Required | Not required |
| Cut boards | Miter saw | Miter saw | Utility knife or shears |
| Fastening | Nail gun (face nail) | Nail gun (blind nail) | Peel adhesive backing |
| Spacing | Manual (coin/spacer) | Automatic (built-in) | N/A |
| Fill nail holes | Yes | No | No |
| Prime + paint | Required | Required (if painting) | Not required (pre-finished) |
| Time for accent wall | 1–3 days | 1–2 days | 4–6 hours |
| Reversible | No | No | Yes (with care) |
