A shiplap bathroom backsplash can completely transform the look and feel of your bathroom by adding visual interest, texture, and a rejuvenating rustic touch. Shiplap brings a timeless farmhouse style that works beautifully in bathrooms, infusing warmth, character and vintage appeal into the space.

With its horizontal, overlapping wooden boards, shiplap provides a flexible and budget-friendly way to refresh your bathroom backsplash area with natural woodsy texture and dimension. It allows you to add a handcrafted, bespoke look that makes your bathroom design stand out.

In this article, we’ll explore how using shiplap as a backsplash can refresh your bathroom walls with woodsy warmth. We’ll look at:

Benefits of Using Shiplap for a Bathroom Backsplash

There are many advantages to using shiplap wood for a bathroom backsplash refresh:

Adds Rustic, Farmhouse Style

Shiplap brings a rustic farmhouse feel that is timeless and versatile. The overlapping wooden boards have an authentic handmade look, bringing natural texture to sleek modern bathrooms.

Provides Visual Interest & Dimension

The overlapping shiplap boards add beautiful visual dimension, depth and textural interest to bathroom walls. The contrast between the wooden boards and grout lines create striking visual impact.

Warms up Bathroom ambience

The natural wood grain and texture of shiplap boards add cosy warmth to bathrooms, which can often feel sterile and cold. The woodsy look infuses the space with rustic comfort.

Budget-Friendly Refresh

Installing shiplap as a backsplash provides an affordable and easy DIY way to refresh your bathroom’s look, without the need for a full remodel. The boards can be cut to fit any wall shape or size.

Complements Various Design Styles

From modern to traditional, shiplap can complement diverse bath design aesthetics. The natural wood pairs well with marble, granite, concrete, tiles, metals and other materials.

Easy Maintenance & Cleanup

Shiplap boards are easy to keep clean. Just use a damp cloth to wipe away moisture, grime and dirt. Also they do not require re-sealing or special maintenance like some tiles.

With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why a shiplap backsplash can give bathroom walls an instant style upgrade. Next let’s look at how to design and install a shiplap backsplash.

Designing a Shiplap Bathroom Backsplash

When planning a shiplap backsplash, there are a few considerations regarding design:

Choosing Your Wood

Pine or cedar shiplap boards are common options. Pine has a knotty, distressed look. Cedar has a smoother, tighter wood grain. Choose the look you prefer.

Stain or Paint

You can stain the boards in natural wood hues, or paint them in any color like classic white, light grey, or charcoal. This allows customization to your color scheme.

Board Width

Varying board widths (3”-6”) can add dimensional interest. Mixing widths gives a more dynamic look than all one size.

Vertical or Horizontal

Both orientations work, depending on the look you want. Horizontal boards give a traditional, nautical vibe. Vertical boards feel more modern and sleek.

Use an Accent Wall

An accent wall with shiplap behind the sink or mirror makes it a dramatic focal point. The rest of the walls can be different finishes like tile or wallpaper.

Pair with Other Textures

Combine shiplap with ceramic tile, natural stone, concrete, marble or metal finishes for eclectic blended texture.

With some planning, you can design a shiplap backsplash that perfectly fits the aesthetic and functional needs of your unique bathroom.

How to Install a Shiplap Bathroom Backsplash

Installing a shiplap backsplash is a relatively easy DIY project for any skill level. Here are the basic steps:

Gather Supplies

You’ll need shiplap boards, construction adhesive, finish nails, a nail gun or hammer, painters tape, and protective gear like goggles and gloves.

Prepare the Wall Surface

Ensure the wall area is smooth, clean and dry. Fill any holes or cracks with spackle and sand smooth. Clean thoroughly and apply painter’s tape around the perimeter edges.

Measure & Cut Shiplap Boards

Measure the wall space and cut shiplap boards to size. Leave a 1/4 inch gap between boards. Pre-stain or paint boards if desired.

Apply Adhesive & Affix Boards

Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the back of each board. Press and nail boards horizontally to the wall with finish nails every 16 inches, leaving a 1/4 inch gap between.

Seal & Finish

Caulk gaps with a paintable silicone caulk and let dry. Give boards 2-3 protective coats of polyurethane, allowing drying between coats. Avoid areas near the tub when applying finishes.

Enjoy Your New Backsplash!

Admire your beautiful new shiplap backsplash installation! It will add warmth, texture, and relaxful style to your bathroom.

With just a few simple steps, you can transform a boring bathroom wall into a stunning focal point with rustic shiplap boards. Next let’s explore the costs involved.

Cost to Install a Shiplap Bathroom Backsplash

The cost of installing a shiplap backsplash in your bathroom will depend on certain factors, including:

Shiplap Board Cost

Pine boards can range $2-$4 per square foot. Cedar is $4-$8 per square foot. Premium wood varieties cost more.

Labor Costs

DIY is the most affordable option. Contractor installation ranges $4-$8 per square foot.

Backsplash Size

The bigger the backsplash area, the more materials are required, impacting overall cost.

Speciality Cuts

Intricate wall shapes may need custom board cuts, increasing labor time and expense.

Staining/Painting

Stain or paint adds material costs, especially if hiring a painter. Skip for a more budget DIY look.

Additional Materials

Adhesives, nails, caulking and protective finishes will add to material costs.

For a medium-sized shiplap backsplash installed yourself, expect to spend $300-$700 on average. Hiring a contractor could run $750-$1500 or more.

While not the cheapest option, a shiplap backsplash is an affordable way to make a big visual impact that transforms the whole look of your bathroom.

Maintenance and Care for a Shiplap Backsplash

Caring for your shiplap backsplash is simple and requires minimal maintenance:

Clean Regularly

Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away any moisture, dirt, debris, grime or stains as needed.

Use Mild Cleaner if Needed

For tougher stains, use a mild natural cleaner like dish soap, vinegar or eco-friendly cleaner. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners.

Reseal Every 1-2 Years

Reapply a protective polyurethane sealant every 1-2 years to shield the wood from moisture damage.

Avoid Direct Water Contact

Prevent direct water splashes on the shiplap from the faucet or shower. Repair any leakages immediately to limit water damage.

Monitor for Warping

Inspect for any warping, cracks or swelling. Address any issues quickly before major damage occurs.

Consider Humidity Levels

Control bathroom humidity levels through proper ventilation. Excess moisture can warp shiplap over time.

With routine care and minimal maintenance, a shiplap backsplash can stay beautiful for many years, providing rustic warmth to any bathroom design.

Inspiring Shiplap Bathroom Backsplash Ideas

There are endless possibilities for designing a stylish shiplap bathroom backsplash. Here are some inspiring ideas:

Rustic Farmhouse

A classic rough-sawn pine shiplap backsplash with white grout creates the perfect rustic farmhouse look.

Crisp White Cottage

For a fresh cottage feel, use whitewashed cedar shiplap boards with bright white grout lines.

Coastal Chic

Weathered driftwood gray shiplap paired with ocean blue walls exudes breezy coastal chic style.

Modern Industrial

Charcoal-stained shiplap and matte black fixtures bring modern edge to an industrial bathroom aesthetic.

Natural Wood Spa

Lightly stained birch shiplap and natural stone accents create a relaxing, spa-like ambience.

Bold Black & White

For contemporary pop, try matte black painted shiplap against crisp white walls.

Neutral Canvas

Soft natural pine shiplap with beige grout allows you to add any color accents.

Statement Shiplap Ceiling

For drama, bring the shiplap up onto the ceiling as well for a fully encompassing woodsy feel.

The possibilities are truly endless when designing your dream shiplap bathroom backsplash. Choose a look that brings warmth, texture and rustic style into your space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is shiplap good in bathrooms?

Yes, shiplap can work beautifully in bathrooms! The key is properly sealing and protecting the wood from excess moisture. Apply water-resistant polyurethane and avoid direct water contact. Also allow proper ventilation.

Should you use real or faux shiplap in bathrooms?

Real shiplap wood adds authenticity and richness, but faux waterproof shiplap can also work well. Both options can transform your bathroom when properly installed and sealed.

What type of wood is best for bathroom shiplap?

Pine and cedar are most common, but teak, birch, poplar, ash or maple also work if properly sealed. Avoid very soft porous woods that may warp. Hardwoods are best.

What color grout looks best with shiplap?

White or very light grey grout helps the shiplap stand out. But darker shades like brown can also create a dramatic contrast and accentuate the wood grain.

Should you seal shiplap in a bathroom?

Definitely seal bathroom shiplap using a water-resistant finish like polyurethane. This protects the wood from moisture damage. Reapply sealer every 1-2 years.

Can you put shiplap in a shower?

Direct shower water contact is not recommended. But shiplap can work above and around a shower enclosure as an accent, with proper sealing and ventilation.

Does shiplap get moldy in bathrooms?

Shiplap should not get moldy if the bathroom has adequate ventilation to prevent excess humidity buildup and the boards are properly sealed and maintained.

Is shiplap cheaper than tile?

Shiplap is generally cheaper than tile. But pricing depends on wood type, tile choices, installation factors and backsplash size. Both can suit different budgets.

Refreshing your bathroom backsplash with rustic, warm shiplap wood can instantly upgrade your space into a spa-like oasis. With proper planning, sealing and care, shiplap brings timeless farmhouse style to any bathroom design. Give your walls a woodsy warmth makeover with this alluring and budget-friendly backsplash option.

Shiplap Bathroom Backsplash Refresh Bathroom Walls with Wood

This detailed article explores how shiplap wood can refresh bathroom walls and backsplash areas with beautiful, rustic farmhouse style.

We examined the many benefits of using shiplap for a backsplash, including adding warmth, texture, character and vintage charm. Shiplap brings visual interest, complements various aesthetics, and provides a budget-friendly upgrade.

Key aspects covered include:

• Design considerations like choosing wood type, stain colors, board orientation and layout.
• Step-by-step instructions for easy DIY installation of shiplap backsplash.
• Cost breakdown for materials and labor. A shiplap backsplash can often be done affordably.
• Maintenance tips – shiplap requires minimal upkeep with regular cleaning, resealing every few years, and avoiding direct moisture.
• Inspiring shiplap backsplash ideas in various styles – rustic farmhouse, coastal, modern and more.
• Answers to frequently asked questions about using shiplap in humid bathroom spaces.

With the right prep and protection, shiplap can create a beautiful, natural woodsy focal point to enjoy for years. This versatile, on-trend look can make any bathroom feel like a relaxing, spa-like oasis.