Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing shiplap vs tongue and groove for your project may seem inconsequential, but these two popular wood paneling options will present very different results. While shiplap and tongue and groove can be used interchangeably in many applications, they have differences in appearance, cost, installation, and more that better suit them for specific uses.

So, whether you’re after a tried-and-true modern farmhouse aesthetic, or you’re looking for something sleek and modern, we’ve explained the difference between shiplap and tongue and groove so you can decide which one is best for your project.

What Is Shiplap?

Shiplap is a type of wood paneling with an opposed lapped joint on each horizontal edge of the board. This L-shaped joinery is called a rabbet. When shiplap boards are joined together at their sides, the L-shaped edge overlaps the adjacent board’s L-shaped edge. Shiplap can be used for many things, but it’s often found on interior and exterior walls.

Tip

Shiplap makes for an easy-to-install accent wall option that can add visual interest to a room with a hint of farmhouse inspiration. Color-match it to your walls to increase its subtlety or choose a contrasting shade to make a bigger statement.

Want more home reno project tips and inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest how-tos, reno guides, and more!

What Is Tongue and Groove?

Tongue and groove is another type of wood joinery with a tongue on one horizontal side of the board and a groove on the other. When boards are placed side by side, one board’s tongue fits seamlessly inside of the adjacent board’s groove. This type of joint is called a dado. Tongue and groove boards can be used for many things, such as walls, ceilings, flooring, and more.

What’s the Difference Between Shiplap and Tongue and Groove?

We’ve already established that the defining difference between shiplap and tongue and groove is how the boards join together. Beyond this, there are differences in cost, durability, appearance, and more.

Costs

Tongue and groove is more expensive than shiplap. While the type of wood used will ultimately determine the price, several factors in play make shiplap more affordable than tongue and groove.

Shiplap is quicker and easier to manufacture than tongue and groove, meaning the same species of wood will be cheaper as shiplap than as tongue and groove. Additionally, shiplap is quicker to install than tongue and groove, so it will be cheaper should you pay a professional for installation.

Durability

Tongue and groove boards are significantly more durable than shiplap once installed. This is due to the nature of the joint, which creates a stronger hold than that of shiplap. When glued together, tongue and groove boards feature three bonding surfaces, while shiplap just has one.

Materials

There’s no major difference in materials between tongue and groove and shiplap, as both types of paneling can be made from various types of wood or other materials like metal, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), or fiber cement boards.

Appearance

Shiplap is generally considered to have a more rustic appearance than tongue and groove, due to its larger gaps, which highlight the individual boards. On the contrary, tongue and groove fit tightly together (picture a hardwood floor), creating a nearly seamless surface once joined.

Installation

Shiplap is considerably easier to install than tongue and groove. Imagine you’re installing shiplap paneling on a wall—once you’ve installed a level starting board, you then simply overlap the top of the board with the next board.

With tongue and groove, you must slide each board’s tongue into the adjacent board’s groove. This often takes a bit of force, which can add significant time and effort to an installation.

Maintenance

Tongue and groove is easier to maintain than shiplap because it creates a seamless surface once installed. Because shiplap features gaps between each board, they tend to attract dust and debris, which can be difficult to clean. This is even more labor-intensive if the boards are rough-sawn.

Tip

While shiplap can technically be used for flooring, tongue and groove is undoubtedly more fit for the job due to its seamless joinery, which makes cleanup a breeze.

So, is tongue and groove or shiplap a better choice? Both options present many pros and cons, so your decision should be guided by your specific project.

If you want something inexpensive and easy to install, shiplap is right for you. If you want a seamless surface that’s durable and easy to maintain, opt instead for tongue and groove. If you’re looking to complement a farmhouse or rustic home, shiplap will fit right in. If you’re after a modern, sleek aesthetic, tongue and groove is just the thing.

FAQ

Determining if shiplap or tongue and groove is better depends on the needs of your project. If you’re looking for a durable, strong, and seamless surface, tongue and groove is a better choice than shiplap. If you need an easy-to-install, inexpensive option with rustic charm, shiplap is a better option than tongue and groove.

On average, shiplap is cheaper than tongue and groove.While you may find some specific tongue and groove boards that are cheaper than a given shiplap option, shiplap is nearly always more affordable, as it’s cheaper and easier to manufacture.

Additionally, shiplap is easier to install, which results in lower labor costs when you hire professional installation.

There’s no doubt that shiplap has been having a design moment for several years now. While installing shiplap may not directly increase the value of your home, it can increase its marketability.

Just like paint and wallpaper, shiplap can make a room look larger and nicer, which gives the perception that your home is larger and nicer.

Source link