Ethan Clarke
Installing plastic shiplap cladding can be a quick and easy process if you take the right steps to prepare. Before you begin, it's important to calculate the square footage of the wall or ceiling you'll be working on and ensure you have enough shiplap boards to complete the project. It's recommended to buy 10% more than you need to allow for a consistent colour and to account for any errors. You should also measure and cut the shiplap boards to fit the wall, ensuring they are straight, flat, and free of knot-hole cavities. When installing, start from the bottom of the wall and work your way up, using both adhesive paste and nails or screws to secure the shiplap.
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Firstly, calculate the square footage of the wall or ceiling where you plan to install the cladding. Measure the height and width of the surface and multiply those numbers to get the total square footage. Knowing the square footage will help you determine how many boards you need.
Next, purchase your shiplap material. Shiplap boards are typically about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick with a groove at the bottom and a ridge on top for easy stacking. Ensure the boards are straight, flat, and free of defects. It is recommended to buy 10% more than you need to allow for consistent colouring and to account for any errors during installation.
Before beginning the installation, prepare the surface of the wall. If there is existing baseboard moulding, remove it carefully to avoid scratches. Clean the surface of the wall with soapy water and remove any nails or outlet covers. If you are installing over plaster or hardboard, ensure the walls are in moderately good condition.
Locate and mark the studs behind your wall. Use an electronic stud finder to find them, then mark their locations with a pencil. This will guide your installation process.
Finally, allow the shiplap to acclimate to the room conditions prior to installation. Leave it in the room for several days to adjust to the temperature and moisture levels, preventing negative effects on the finished appearance. Keep the material dry and well-ventilated during this period, and do not cover it with plastic or a tarp, as this can cause moisture issues.
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Cutting the cladding
When you are ready to cut the cladding, it is recommended to use a finish blade or fine-tooth saw to reduce splintering. You can also use a hand saw if that is what you have available, but a table saw or band saw will also get the job done. If you are working indoors, it is advisable to make all cuts outdoors to avoid creating a mess inside your home or workspace.
As shiplap boards are thin (about 1 inch or 2.5 cm thick), it is important to handle them with care during the cutting process. Ensure that you follow proper safety protocols when operating power tools. If you are staggering your shiplap boards on a wide wall, you will need to measure and cut the shorter boards to correctly fill the gap between the end of the first board and the wall.
For external UPVC cladding, simply cutting the cladding to size is usually the only preparation required before installation, and no further treatment or decoration is necessary. However, if you are installing rustic shiplap cladding, it is recommended to let the shiplap acclimate for several days in the room where it will be installed. This will help prevent any negative effects on the finished appearance due to variances in temperature and moisture between storage and application areas.
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Installing the cladding
Installing plastic shiplap cladding can be a quick and easy process if you take the right steps to prepare. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to install plastic shiplap cladding:
First, calculate the square footage of the wall by measuring its height and width and then multiplying those numbers. This will help you determine how many boards you need. It is recommended to buy 10% more than you need to allow for a consistent colour and in case of errors during installation. Before starting the installation, allow the shiplap to acclimate for several days in the room where it will be installed. Variances in temperature and moisture can affect the finished appearance if the product doesn't adjust to the room conditions.
Next, prepare the surface of the wall by removing any baseboard moulding, nails, and outlet covers. If you are installing shiplap over plaster or hardboard, ensure that the walls are in moderately good condition. It is also recommended to thoroughly clean the surface of the wall with soapy water. Before installing the shiplap, find and mark the studs behind your wall. If you are installing horizontally, locate the studs along the wall and mark them with a level.
Now you are ready to start installing the cladding. Measure and cut the shiplap boards to fit the wall. Make all cuts outdoors to avoid making a mess. Stagger the shiplap boards on a wide wall by butting two boards together if the width of your wall exceeds the length of your shiplap. When installing each board, place them as tightly as possible to leave the smallest gaps in case of shrinkage. Use construction adhesive and small nails to secure the shiplap to the wall. Apply the adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions and use nails to tack up and hold the shiplap in place while the adhesive sets. Start from the bottom of the wall and work your way up for the easiest installation.
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Using adhesive
Plastic shiplap cladding can be installed using adhesive and nails, or nails alone. The type of application depends on the kind of shiplap you install and the desired look.
If you use adhesive, begin by applying a zig-zag of construction adhesive to the back of the board. You can also apply the adhesive in a straight line along the back of the shiplap board. Place the board against the wall in the correct position. Check that the board is level and nail it in place through the flange only. Repeat this process for each board.
If you are affixing shiplap using nails alone, simply place the board in position and drive nails through the flange and the face of the board. You will then need to fill the nail holes with wood filler to create a seamless appearance. Once dry, sand down each hole until they are smooth and ready for paint.
Before installing the shiplap, you should calculate the square footage of your wall to determine how many boards you will need. You should also remove any baseboards, crown moulding, trim, wall plates, and outlet covers. Allow the shiplap to acclimate for several days in the room in which it will be installed.
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Maintenance and cleaning
Plastic shiplap cladding is a low-maintenance option for your home or building. Its overlapping structure makes it waterproof and aesthetically pleasing.
To keep your plastic shiplap cladding in good condition, regular cleaning is required. It is recommended to wipe the cladding with a soft cloth and detergent every six months. This will help to maintain its appearance and prolong its life.
For a deeper clean, a bucket of hot, soapy water, a sponge, two soft cloths, and some PVC cream cleaner can be used. Soak the sponge in the soapy water and give the cladding a light scrubbing. Rinse and dry the surface with the soft cloths.
If the cladding is installed outdoors, it may be exposed to strong UV rays, which can cause the colour to fade or become dull over time. To prevent this, apply a UV-protective oil to the surface of the cladding to maintain its colour.
Additionally, it is important to inspect the cladding for any signs of wear and tear. If a piece of the cladding has begun to break down or rot, replace it as soon as possible to prevent the spread of rot to other boards, which will reduce the lifespan of the cladding.
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Frequently asked questions
If your wall has baseboard moulding, remove it before you start. You should also remove any nails and outlet covers. Clean the surface of the wall with soapy water. If you're installing horizontally, locate the studs along the wall and mark them with a level.
Measure the wall and cut the shiplap to fit. You should allow the shiplap to acclimatise for several days in the room it will be installed in. Variances in temperature and moisture can negatively affect the finished appearance.
You'll need a tape measure, a hand saw, and construction adhesive. You may also need a table saw or band saw, and small nails.
Start from the bottom of the wall and work your way up. Use adhesive paste and nails or screws to secure the shiplap.
