Can You Attach Shiplap Directly to Tile? The Complete Guide

If you have an existing tiled wall or backsplash in your home that needs a style pick-me-up, installing shiplap directly over the tile is a great option! Shiplap can completely transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom without having to bear the expense and mess of tearing out and replacing tile.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll walk through everything you need to know to professionally install stunning shiplap right over your tile. I‘ll share tips I‘ve learned from completing shiplap projects in my own home to help you avoid rookie mistakes!

An Introduction to Versatile Shiplap

In case you aren‘t familiar, shiplap refers to horizontal wooden boards designed with rabbeted edges that allow them to fit tightly together, forming a flush, even surface.

The rustic, textured look of shiplap has become wildly popular for feature walls, accent walls, fireplace surrounds, backsplashes and all kinds of applications. It can range from a crisp, clean white to warm natural wood tones.

Here are some fast facts on why shiplap is such a hot trend:

• A 2020 survey found that 35% of homeowners planned to incorporate shiplap into their homes, ranking it the #2 most popular design element behind open concept floor plans.

• The number of Google searches for "shiplap backsplash" increased over 95% from 2018 to 2022, showing rising interest in using it in kitchens.

• A 2021 Houzz survey revealed that the average budget for a minor kitchen remodel involving shiplap was around $2,500-$3,500 – an affordable way to update!

Now that you know how coveted shiplap is for remodeling projects, let‘s talk about how to install it directly onto tile walls…

Preparing Your Tile Surface

To ensure proper adhesion and withstand expansion and contraction of the shiplap boards, your tile surface needs to be in pristine condition before attaching the shiplap.

Here are the steps I recommend for prepping your existing tile:

Clean Thoroughly with a Degreasing Agent

The first step is meticulously cleaning the tile to remove any oils, waxes, soaps, or grime that could interfere with adhesion. I suggest an intensive degreasing cleaner like Krud Kutter to truly deep clean.

Inspect for Any Loose or Damaged Tiles

Examine each tile on your walls closely and use a putty knife to check for any looseness. Remove any loose tiles completely and scrape away old caulk or adhesive. Reinstall new tile pieces with tile mastic to fill any gaps.

Fill Holes and Grout Lines

Use a siliconized acrylic caulk to fill any holes, chips, or uneven grout lines. Let cure completely which may take 24-48 hrs before installing shiplap. I like using a caulk with silicone as it allows for expansion and contraction.

Sand Down Protruding Grout

For any grout lines that visibly protrude from the tile, carefully sand or grind them down to be flush with the tile surface. This allows your shiplap boards to sit evenly.

Okay, now that your tile surface is primed and ready, let‘s talk about gathering the right supplies!

Must-Have Tools and Materials

To ensure success, be sure you have the following shiplap installation tools and materials on hand:

• Shiplap boards – Pine, cedar, plywood, mdf all work. Pine is affordable but warps easier. Cedar has a nicer finish but costs more.

• Construction adhesive – Liquid Nails Heavy Duty is ideal for the job. Avoid silicone-based adhesives.

• Caulking gun – Needed to apply the construction adhesive. Get a quality metal one.

• Power drill & driver – A must for drilling pilot holes and installing screws. I prefer a cordless DeWalt.

• Masonry drill bits – For pre-drilling tile to insert screws into studs. Carbide tip is best.

• Wall screws – 2-2.5" deck screws are ideal for securing to studs. Stainless steel or coated exterior-grade screws are recommended.

• Stud finder – Critical for finding stud locations behind the tile to secure shiplap boards.

• Laser level – Ensures you install nice straight rows. I love my Bosch self-leveling model.

• Hyde sealant – For filling any gaps. Look for a siliconized acrylic or polyurethane.

• Paint supplies – If painting/staining boards, get appropriate primer, brushes, stain, sealer.

Okay, let‘s move on to the fun part – installing the shiplap!

How to Attach Shiplap Directly to Tile Walls

Here is a step-by-step process for properly installing shiplap over existing tile:

Step 1) Apply Adhesive in a Zigzag Pattern

Start by applying a generous bead of construction adhesive in a zigzag pattern across the entire backside of the shiplap board. Cover at least 80% of the surface area to make sure it adheres tightly.

Apply adhesive in a zigzag pattern to the back of each shiplap board.

Step 2) Press Boards Firmly Onto Tile

Once adhesive is applied, firmly press the shiplap board horizontally onto the tile wall. Really press down for at least 30 seconds over the entire surface to make sure it sticks.

Repeat this process with each board, working your way across the wall. Use a laser level often to double check they are perfectly straight.

Step 3) Secure Into Studs with Screws

Here‘s a key step – use your stud finder to identify stud locations, and pre-drill pilot holes into the tile. Then insert 2-2.5" screws through the shiplap into the studs for reinforced strength. Space them at least 8" apart.

Step 4) Fill Gaps with Sealant

Examine for any visible gaps between boards or at edges. Use a paintable siliconized sealant to fill these in for a polished finish. Tool it smooth with a putty knife.

Filling in gaps between shiplap boards with sealant.

Top Tips for Seamless Shiplap Installation

I‘ve learned a few helpful tips over the years for getting professional looking results:

• Leave 1/8" gaps between boards – allows for natural expansion/contraction of wood.

• Use painter‘s tape on edges of tile – prevents adhesive dripping onto exposed tile edges.

• Gently tap joints together – carefully use a mallet and tapping block to fit boards snugly together before adhering.

• Use 1×2" wood strips on edges for clean finish – gives you an edge to fasten last row of boards into.

• Stagger boards like bricks – start with short board, then long, then medium. Creates pleasing look.

• Check level often – nothing‘s worse than wavy uneven shiplap lines!

Finishing Touches to Complete the Look

To complete your project, add these finishing touches:

• Paint or stain boards to desired color – follow directions for proper priming, coats, and cure times for the product selected.

• Add trim – Install quarter round molding along bottom edges and corners for a built-in look. White or stained/painted to match works well.

• Seal shiplap with protective polyurethane – 2-3 coats prevents moisture damage and allows for easy dusting/wiping down the road.

• Caulk edges – Finish outer edges with a paintable caulk for a seamless transition.

If desired, you can also distress, wax, or antique the shiplap boards to give them an aged, timeworn look. But for many, a crisp, clean white shiplap style is ideal over tile.

Tile and Shiplap – A Match Made in Design Heaven

When paired together creatively, tile and shiplap can complement each other beautifully. Here are some of my favorite ways to coordinate them:

• Match shiplap color to tiles – white shiplap over white subway tile, grey-stained boards over slate tiles, warm wood tones on terracotta.

• Complement tile shape – horizontal shiplap over subway tile, vertical shiplap on hexagonal tile.

• Contrast textures – rugged shiplap next to sleek glass or marble mosaic tiles.

• Section off part of tile wall for focal accent – frame just the stove hood area or a portion of the backsplash in shiplap.

• Modern and rustic together – combine dark wood shiplap and marble herringbone tile.

• Use shiplap as transition between different tile areas – helps separate backsplash and shower surround visually.

The options are endless when thoughtfully mixing tile and shiplap designs!

Caring for Your Tile and Shiplap Combo

To keep your shiplap tile wall looking fresh:

• Dust weekly using a soft dry cloth or soft brush attachment on your vacuum.

• Spot clean stains right away with mild dish soap and water on a microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners.

• Reseal shiplap every 1-2 years with new protective polyurethane.

• Address any moisture issues immediately – don‘t allow leaks or condensation to linger.

• Check for loose boards or damage over time. Re-adhere or replace individual boards as needed.

Proper care will help preserve your shiplap and tile wall for many years of enjoyment!

FAQs About Installing Shiplap on Tile

Here are answers to some common questions about attaching shiplap to existing tile:

What if my tile wall is uneven?

Tiles often aren‘t perfectly flush. Use shims behind low spots on shiplap to build them flush to high points. Or fill low spots on tile with mortar first.

How do I prevent moisture damage behind the shiplap?

Sealing the shiplap well is key. Also, make sure tile grout lines are crack-free and use a waterproof adhesive and caulk. Watch for condensation issues.

Can I easily remove shiplap from tile in the future?

Unfortunately, removing shiplap once adhered can damage the tile underneath. It takes patience and care to separate the adhesive seal without cracking tiles. Go slowly and use heat or dental floss to help release the bond.

How do I get a smooth painted surface over the shiplap and tile?

Prepare the textured shiplap surface well before painting – fill gaps, sand lightly, prime thoroughly. Use a high quality kitchen/bath paint formulated for hard surfaces. Expect to do multiple coats.

I hope this guide gives you all the confidence you need to install beautiful, rustic shiplap right over your existing backsplash or any tiled wall! It takes a bit of prep, patience, and attention to detail, but the results are so worth it.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to help. Go get started transforming your tile with gorgeous, textured shiplap!