Can You Use Shiplap as a Backsplash in a Bathroom? The Complete Guide

Hey there! If you‘re thinking about using shiplap to add a little rustic charm to your bathroom, you‘ve come to the right place. As your resident home improvement expert, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to answer all your questions about using shiplap in high-humidity areas.

From prep to installation to upkeep, we‘ll explore how shiplap can work beautifully as a bathroom backsplash with the proper care. I‘ll also share things to keep in mind before committing to this trendy look.

Let‘s dive in!

What is Shiplap and What Makes It Popular?

In case you‘re not familiar, shiplap consists of wide, flat boards that interlock loosely like tongue-and-groove flooring. It creates a flush surface commonly used for exterior siding on barns and cottages.

But shiplap has recently found new life inside homes as a charming accent wall. HGTV‘s hit show Fixer Upper really kicked off this trend. The rustic, vintage-style boards add cozy texture to rooms.

Here are a few reasons shiplap gained popularity:

Affordable – Provides a high-end look for less compared to wood paneling or quality tile.
Easy installation – Interlocking boards go up quickly compared to individual tile pieces.
Rustic ambiance – Warm, earthy look brings a casual farmhouse or cottage feel.
Design versatility – Can be painted any color to match your style.

"I recommend shiplap to clients who want to add personality and visual interest to bathrooms," says Anne Jones, owner of Southern Revivals Contracting.

Its textural, vintage-inspired look offers something different than ordinary paint or tile.

Now let‘s look at how it works specifically as a backsplash…

The Appeal of Shiplap Backsplashes

Backsplashes provide an ideal place to add accent textures and colors. Tile is a popular backsplash choice, but it can be expensive to install.

Shiplap offers a budget-friendly way to get a similar charming, rustic look.

Here are some benefits of using shiplap for a backsplash:

Focal point – Instantly creates an eye-catching feature wall.
Moisture protection – Wood boards shield walls from splashes and drips.
Design flexibility – Take it from casual to modern with your choice of finish.
Easy update – Gives bathrooms a fresh new look without remodeling entire space.

"Shiplap backsplashes are on trend and provide a quick aesthetic boost," confirms Jones. "I‘m doing more and more of them for clients."

But before we choose shiplap for our high-moisture bathrooms, let‘s weigh some key considerations.

Pros and Cons for Bathrooms

While shiplap backsplashes look beautiful, how do they actually hold up in humid bathroom environments?

Pros

Rustic ambiance – Shiplap gives bathrooms cozy cottage vibes, similar to a spa.

Affordability – Provides high-end look for less compared to tile.

Easy installation – Interlocking system goes up faster than tile.

Some moisture resistance – Cedar and redwood have natural water-repellent oils.

Cons

Not waterproof – Still absorbs moisture without sealants.

Prone to staining/discoloring – Bath products can cause spotting.

Vulnerable to scratches – Not as durable as tile long-term.

Seams can leak over time – Gaps open up and require re-caulking.

So shiplap has definite perks, but also requires a little more maintenance than tile or laminate backsplashes.

Pro tip: Choose woods like cedar and pine that have some natural resistance to moisture.

Now let‘s get into prepping those boards…

Preparing Shiplap for Installation

To help your shiplap boards withstand bathroom humidity, take these steps to prep them before hanging:

1. Choose the Right Wood

Opt for woods like cedar, pine, cypress, or poplar, which have natural moisture resistance. Here are some top options:

Cedar – Contains natural oils that repel water. Resists rot and mildew.
Pine – Affordable, absorbs stains for an aged look over time.
Redwood – Naturally durable and stable. Handles bathroom humidity well.
Cypress – Repels insects and has water-resistant oils. Provides nice grain patterns.

Avoid oak and maple, which absorb more moisture.

2. Sand Down Any Rough Areas

Lightly sanding ensures a flush fit between boards. Look for any splinters, raised areas or uneven spots. Use 120-150 grit sandpaper to gently smooth them out.

3. Stain or Paint First if Desired

It‘s easiest to apply stains and paints before the shiplap goes up. This allows you to fully coat all sides and edges.

Let stains penetrate 48-72 hours before installing. Allow paint to cure fully for 7-14 days.

4. Seal All Sides

This crucial step waterproofs the shiplap for bathroom conditions. Use an alkyd-based sealer made specifically for bathrooms.

Apply 2-3 coats on all sides and edges, allowing drying time between coats. I recommend using Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Base Primer.

5. Add a Vapor Barrier (Optional)

For extra protection, install tar paper, plastic sheeting or a moisture barrier product like Schluter Kerdi behind the shiplap. This blocks any moisture penetration.

Okay, now we‘re ready to install this rustic beauty…

Installing Your Shiplap Backsplash

When you‘re ready for installation, follow these steps I‘ve seen pros use for proper placement:

1. Mark Your Studs

Locate all wall studs in the backsplash area using a stud finder. Outline them with pencil so you know exactly where to nail the shiplap boards.

2. Leave a Bottom Gap

Don‘t install shiplap all the way down to the countertop. Leave a 1-2 inch gap along the bottom edge. This allows ventilation and makes leaks obvious.

3. Run Boards Vertically

Always install shiplap vertically rather than horizontally in bathrooms. Horizontal seams are more vulnerable to moisture issues over time.

4. Nail Into Studs

For strength, nail each board through the tongue into the marked studs using 2-inch finish nails. Place nails 3-4 inches apart and at least 1/2 inch from board edges.

5. Stagger Seams

As you install boards, offset each vertical seam so they don‘t align. This looks most pleasing and minimizes moisture penetration.

6. Use Cement Board Around Wet Areas

In shower surround and tub backsplash areas, install the shiplap over cement backer board rather than just drywall. This provides an extra water barrier.

7. Caulk the Seams

Once all shiplap boards are installed, caulk thoroughly along every seam with siliconized acrylic latex caulk. Smooth with a wet finger for a clean look. Let dry completely.

Caulk seals the boards to prevent water intrusion from splashes or leaks. Re-apply fresh caulk annually or whenever any cracks appear.

Ask your contractor about adding backer board and caulking the seams for extra protection.

Now let‘s go over maintaining this rustic beauty…

Caring for Your Shiplap Backsplash

To keep your shiplap backsplash looking its best for years to come, be sure to:

Quickly wipe spills – Dry splashes and drips immediately to prevent stains. Keep a dedicated microfiber towel handy.
Re-seal every 2 years – Add 2-3 fresh coats of satin polyurethane to re-waterproof. Lightly sand between coats.
Spot clean stains – Use a damp rag and mild detergent to spot treat any soap scum or splatters that occur. Rinse thoroughly.
Check for leaks – Periodically inspect for any warping, cracking or swelling, and address sources immediately.
Re-caulk yearly – Fill any gaps or cracks in caulk lines to maintain the moisture seal.

Make sure to use gentle cleaners and avoid abrasive scrubbing to prevent damaging the wood over time. But otherwise, just a bit of regular care keeps shiplap looking handsome.

And now for the fun part – stylistic details!

Design Ideas for Shiplap Backsplashes

One of the great things about shiplap is how versatile it is for different design aesthetics. Let‘s look at some ideas for complementing and styling your backsplash:

Contrasting Paint Color

Painting your shiplap a lighter, brighter color than your wall creates an eye-catching contrast. Crisp white shiplap against a dramatic navy blue wall is a bold combo.

Matching Wood Stain

For a coordinated look, choose a shiplap stain that matches other wood details like your vanity or cabinets. A shared espresso or gray wash ties everything together.

Distressed Finish

Play up the vintage farmhouse vibe with a hand-scraped or naturally distressed shiplap finish. Whitewash it for a timeworn look.

Metallic Accessories

Introduce glamour with gold and brass accents like sleek sconces, taps, showerheads and mirrors. Luxe metals beautifully balance shiplap‘s earthiness.

Woven and Natural Accents

Incorporate other organic materials like jute, rattan, live plants and driftwood. Macrame wall hangings or linen curtains enhance the relaxed feel.

There are so many options to make your shiplap backsplash distinctly yours. Get creative and have fun with it!

Next let‘s explore the investment for this project…

Cost Breakdown: Shiplap vs. Other Backsplash Options

What does a shiplap backsplash cost compared to other bathroom materials? Here‘s a realistic breakdown:

Shiplap:

Material – $3-$12 per sq. ft. depending on wood type
Supplies – $100-$200 for nails, adhesive, sealer, sandpaper
Professional install – Avg. $4-$8 per sq. ft.

Total for 10 sq. ft. shiplap backsplash = $500-$1,000+ installed

Other Backsplash Options:

Ceramic tile – $10-$50 per sq. ft. installed
Glass tile – $15-$60 per sq. ft. installed
Natural stone – $40-$150 per sq. ft. installed
Stainless steel – $50-$200 per sq. ft. installed
Wallpaper – $100-$300 per double roll installed

So you can see shiplap is very competitive cost-wise with other backsplash materials. The final expense depends on factors like wood type, size of the project, and whether you DIY or hire a pro.

I recommend getting contractor quotes on your specific backsplash size and layout to dial in pricing.

As a general rule of thumb, expect to invest $500-$1,000+ for materials and professional installation on a 10 square foot shiplap backsplash.

Maintaining Your Shiplap Over Time

Since wood shiplap is vulnerable to water damage from moisture and leaks, maintaining that protective seal is key for longevity.

Here are the maintenance tasks you‘ll want to account for over the years:

Re-seal shiplap every 2-3 years
Caulk cracks as they appear, about once per year
Immediately wipe spills and splashes
Inspect periodically for any leaks or swelling
Spot clean stains when they occur

It‘s not a high maintenance material, but does require some simple periodic care to look its best in a bathroom long-term.

Many homeowners find this easy upkeep worthwhile to enjoy the warm, natural beauty of wood in their space!

Alternatives If Shiplap Doesn‘t Work

If the maintenance needs of real wood don‘t work for your lifestyle, plenty of backsplash options give you a comparable look with more waterproof durability.

Here are some easy-care alternatives:

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

The gold standard, virtually waterproof and maintenance-free. Choose from endless colors and patterns.

Glass Tile

Shiny, sleek glass mosaic or subway tiles withstand spills and splashes with no problem.

Stainless Steel Metal

Sleek and modern, moisture-proof stainless steel makes a dramatic statement. Often installed in eye-catching patterns.

Fiberglass or Acrylic Panels

Light yet durable and completely waterproof. Can mimic shiplap, tile, or other textures. Install with silicone adhesive.

PVC or Rigid Laminate

Affordable, waterproof panels come in wood grain patterns, abstract shapes, and solid colors for quick DIY installation.

Scrubbable Wallpaper

Choose washable murals and prints that withstand moisture and cleaning. Easily change designs down the road.

Hope this gives you some durable alternatives to consider if real wood doesn‘t suit your bathroom‘s wear and tear.

Let‘s Chat About Your Bathroom Vision!

Well, I hope this info helps you decide if dreamy, rustic shiplap is right for your home‘s backsplash. While not completely waterproof, it can work well in bathrooms with proper prep and care.

If the warm, organic look speaks to you, it may be worth the small trade-off of sealing maintenance to enjoy wood‘s beauty. But tile, metal, or wallpaper backsplashes offer worry-free durability too.

To chat about which material best fits your vision and lifestyle, let‘s set up a call! I‘d love to hear your goals and help make them a reality.

Just shoot me a text or email anytime. Wishing you the absolute best with your upcoming bathroom revamp!