Shiplap Wall Calculator
Adding a shiplap accent wall? Enter the wall dimensions, board width, and board length, and this calculator works out how many boards to buy, total linear feet, how many nails you will drive, and a 10% waste allowance for cuts.
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How to use this calculator
Measure the wall's length and height in feet. Enter your shiplap board's actual width in inches (a nominal 1×6 is 5.5 inches) and the board length you are buying — 8-foot boards are the most common.
The calculator lays boards horizontally with the traditional 1/8-inch nickel gap, counts studs at 16 inches on center, and adds 10% extra boards for cut waste. Buy the rounded-up count.
How it works
Rows = wall height ÷ (board width + 1/8-inch gap), rounded up. Boards per row = wall length ÷ board length, rounded up. Total boards = rows × boards per row × 1.10 waste, rounded up. Linear feet = rows × wall length. Studs = wall length ÷ 16 inches + 1, with 2 nails per stud per row.
Running boards vertically? The math is the same — just swap your length and height entries.
Frequently asked questions
Should shiplap run horizontal or vertical?
Horizontal is the classic look and makes walls feel wider; vertical draws the eye up and suits low ceilings. Either way the board count is about the same — only the cut layout changes.
What is the nickel gap in shiplap?
A 1/8-inch shadow gap between boards (about the thickness of a nickel), which is the traditional shiplap reveal. This calculator includes it in coverage by default.
MDF or real wood shiplap — which is better?
MDF is cheaper, perfectly straight, and paints beautifully, but it swells if it gets wet. Real pine or cedar costs more and handles moisture better — the pick for bathrooms and exteriors.
Should I paint shiplap before or after installing it?
Prime and paint the boards before installation, then touch up nail holes after. Painting first keeps paint out of the shadow gaps.
How do I attach shiplap to the wall?
Nail through the board into studs (16 inches on center) with 2 nails per stud per board, plus construction adhesive on the back for a rattle-free install.