Shiplap Calculator
Free online shiplap calculator — estimate shiplap boards needed, material cost, and installation cost for any wall project with instant results and charts.
About This Calculator
The Shiplap Calculator helps homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts estimate the exact number of shiplap boards needed for any wall project. Whether you are installing wood shiplap for an accent wall, PVC panels for a bathroom, or cedar boards for exterior siding, this calculator provides accurate material and cost estimates in seconds.
The calculator works by computing the total project area (wall area minus window areas) and dividing by the coverage of a single shiplap board. Board coverage is calculated in square inches, converted to boards per square foot, and multiplied by the project area. A waste factor (default 5%) is added to account for cuts and fitting, and the result is rounded up to the nearest whole board. Material cost is calculated by multiplying the total boards by the cost per board, and installation cost by multiplying the project area by the installation rate per square foot.
Regional Notes
India: Shiplap is increasingly popular for interior accent walls in modern homes. Common materials include engineered wood and MDF. Installation costs in India typically range from ₹50 to ₹200 per square foot depending on the city and contractor. Pine boards are widely available at ₹300-800 per board.
US: Shiplap is a staple of farmhouse-style interior design. Standard board widths are 5.25" and 7.25". Materials range from pine ($5-12 per board) to premium hardwood ($15-30 per board). Installation costs average $1.50-4 per square foot. Home Depot and Lowe's carry common shiplap sizes.
UK: Shiplap (also called featheredge or overlap boarding) is used for both interior feature walls and exterior garden buildings. Common materials include Scandinavian redwood and cedar. Prices range from £3-15 per board depending on wood type, with installation costing £15-50 per square metre.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much shiplap I need?
To calculate how much shiplap you need, first measure your wall height and length to get the total wall area. Subtract the area of any windows or doors. Then determine the area of a single shiplap board in square inches (board width × board length in inches). Divide 144 by the board's area to get boards per square foot. Multiply that by your project area, then add 5-10% for waste and round up to the nearest whole board.
What is the standard size of shiplap boards?
Standard shiplap board widths are 5.25 inches and 7.25 inches, though boards are available in various lengths typically ranging from 4 to 12 feet. Common lengths include 8-foot and 10-foot boards. Thickness usually ranges from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch. Shiplap can be made from wood (pine, cedar, hardwood), MDF, or PVC.
Can shiplap be installed vertically?
Yes, shiplap can be installed vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Vertical installation makes a room feel taller, horizontal installation makes it feel wider, and diagonal or herringbone patterns add visual interest. Each orientation requires different measurements — vertical installation uses the wall height as the board run length.
How much does shiplap installation cost?
Shiplap installation costs typically range from $1 to $4 per square foot in the US, £1.50 to £5 per square foot in the UK, and ₹50 to ₹200 per square foot in India. Total project cost depends on the type of shiplap material chosen (pine $2-7/sq ft, cedar $2-8/sq ft, PVC $1-5/sq ft), the size of the area, and local contractor rates.
How many shiplap boards do I need for an 8x10 foot wall?
For an 8x10 foot wall (80 sq ft) using standard 7.25-inch wide by 8-foot long shiplap boards, you would need approximately 14 boards without waste. Each board covers about 5.83 sq ft (7.25 in × 96 in = 696 sq in, which is 4.83 boards per sq ft). With 5% waste factored in, you would need about 15 boards total.
What is the difference between shiplap and board and batten?
Shiplap features overlapping rabbeted joints that create a tight seal between boards, used historically for exterior siding and now popular for interior accent walls. Board and batten consists of wide boards with narrow strips (battens) covering the seams between them. Shiplap creates a more uniform look with subtle shadow lines, while board and batten has a more pronounced vertical rhythm.
Do I need to account for waste when buying shiplap?
Yes, it is recommended to add 5-10% extra shiplap material to account for waste from cutting, fitting around corners, outlets, and potential mistakes. For complex walls with many obstacles, doors, or angled corners, consider a 10% waste factor. For simple rectangular walls with few interruptions, 5% is usually sufficient.
What tools do I need to install shiplap?
Installing shiplap typically requires the following tools: tape measure, level, circular saw or miter saw for cutting boards, nail gun or hammer and finishing nails, adhesive construction glue, stud finder, pencil, and a jigsaw for cutting around outlets and obstacles. For PVC shiplap, a utility knife may suffice instead of a saw.