The Short Answer
You can buy shiplap through online retailers, local home improvement stores, specialty woodworking shops, and reclaimed wood suppliers. Before choosing, compare material type, cost, installation requirements, finish options, and maintenance needs so the product fits both the look you want and the work you’re willing to do.
Shiplap is one of the easiest ways to bring texture, warmth, and a finished architectural feel into a room. The bigger question is usually not whether shiplap will work—it is where to buy shiplap that fits your budget, style, timeline, and installation comfort level.
Below is a cleaner guide to the main buying options, what to consider before you choose, and where Stikwood fits when you want the look of real wood without a complicated renovation.
What is shiplap?
Traditional shiplap is a wood board profile with overlapping edges that help boards fit tightly together. Historically, that overlap was functional. Today, shiplap is used as a design detail on walls, ceilings, kitchen islands, fireplaces, backsplashes, and other interior surfaces.
The look can lean rustic, coastal, modern farmhouse, or clean and contemporary depending on the finish, width, orientation, and color you choose. If you want more background before choosing a product, start with our Peel-and-Stick Shiplap 101 guide.
Where to buy shiplap
There are a few good places to buy shiplap. The best choice depends on how much work you want to take on, how custom the finish needs to be, and whether you want traditional boards or a lighter, easier-to-install wall plank system.
1. Online retailers
Online retailers are convenient when you want to compare finishes, pricing, and product specs before committing. This is usually the best path if you already know your room dimensions and want the product shipped directly to your door.
For Stikwood, browse the full shiplap wall planks collection or explore the broader Stikwood peel-and-stick wood planks collection.
2. Local home improvement stores
Big-box home improvement stores can be useful if you need basic boards quickly or want to see material in person. The trade-off is that finishes can be limited, and installation often requires cutting, nailing, filling, sanding, and painting.
3. Specialty woodworking shops
Specialty shops are worth considering when you need a custom profile, species, or finish. This route can deliver a beautiful result, but it typically costs more and may require professional installation.
4. Reclaimed wood suppliers
Reclaimed wood suppliers are a strong option if you want authentic character, age, and variation. Just inspect boards carefully for warping, damage, and consistency before you buy. If you like that look but want a simpler installation, consider Stikwood finishes like Reclaimed Weathered Wood.
Cost considerations before buying shiplap
The price of shiplap depends on the material, finish, board size, waste factor, and labor. Basic pine boards can be budget-friendly, while cedar, oak, reclaimed wood, and custom profiles usually cost more.
- Material cost: Compare price per square foot, not just price per board.
- Installation cost: Traditional shiplap may require tools, fasteners, filler, paint, and labor.
- Waste factor: Add extra material for cuts, corners, mistakes, and layout matching.
- Finish work: Pre-finished products save time; unfinished boards may need sanding, staining, sealing, or painting.
For a deeper cost breakdown, see How Much Does Shiplap Cost?.
How to install shiplap
Traditional shiplap installation usually requires measuring, cutting, leveling, fastening, filling holes, sanding, caulking, and finishing. It can be a satisfying DIY project, but the prep work matters—especially if you want straight lines and tight seams.
Stikwood simplifies that process. The planks are lightweight, made with real wood, and designed for peel-and-stick installation. For step-by-step guidance, use the Stikwood installation guide and the how to cut Stikwood tutorial.
Design ideas for using shiplap
Shiplap works well in more places than a standard accent wall. A few high-impact applications:
- Living room accent walls: Add texture behind a sofa, media wall, or fireplace.
- Ceilings: Bring warmth overhead without overwhelming the room.
- Kitchen islands: Wrap the island or bar face for a fast focal point.
- Bedrooms: Create a headboard wall or full-room feature.
- Commercial spaces: Add warmth to offices, hospitality spaces, and retail displays.
Maintenance and care tips
Keep shiplap looking its best by dusting regularly and cleaning with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage wood finishes. In areas with moisture, make sure the material you choose is appropriate for the space and that edges are properly finished or sealed.
If you are using real wood, always follow the product-specific care instructions. For Stikwood, review the product details and installation recommendations before installing near heat, humidity, or heavy splash zones.
Where Stikwood comes in
Stikwood gives you the warmth of real wood with a faster, cleaner installation path than traditional shiplap. It is a strong choice when you want a finished wood look without hiring a contractor or turning the room into a construction zone.
Use Stikwood when you want:
- Real wood texture and natural variation
- A lightweight material for walls, ceilings, islands, and furniture details
- Peel-and-stick installation with fewer tools
- Multiple finishes, from rustic reclaimed looks to clean modern styles
If you are comparing finishes, order samples first so you can see color, grain, and texture in your actual light.
Shiplap FAQs
What is the cheapest way to buy shiplap?
The lowest-cost route is often basic pine from a lumberyard or home improvement store, especially if you are comfortable cutting, installing, and finishing it yourself. Just factor in tools, paint or stain, waste, and labor before deciding it is truly cheaper.
What is the average cost of shiplap?
Costs vary widely by material and installation method. Basic boards can be inexpensive, while premium wood, reclaimed materials, and professional installation raise the total project cost. Always compare the full installed cost, not just the board price.
Why should I choose shiplap?
Shiplap adds texture, depth, and architectural interest without a full remodel. It can make a plain wall feel intentional, warm up a modern room, or give a space a more finished custom look.
What is the cheapest wood to use for shiplap?
Pine is usually one of the most affordable natural wood options. It is lightweight, easy to work with, and can be painted or stained. For a more finished look with less prep, compare it against pre-finished options before choosing.
Conclusion
There are plenty of places to buy shiplap, from local stores and lumberyards to online retailers and specialty reclaimed wood suppliers. The right choice depends on your design goals, budget, timeline, and installation plan.
If you want the warmth of real wood with a simpler install, start with Stikwood shiplap wall planks, explore Hamptons for a clean shiplap look, or order samples before you commit.
