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DIY Shiplap Feature Wall — Budget-Friendly and Custom Fit

Updated: Jul 21

Are you looking to transform a dull space in your home? A DIY shiplap feature wall might just be the perfect solution. With its inviting charm and stylish appeal, shiplap adds character to any room. Plus, using Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) makes this project not only budget-friendly but also straightforward. In this guide, you will find step-by-step instructions to create your own stunning shiplap wall while keeping the costs low.



Understanding Shiplap (so that YOU can create a DIY Shiplap Feature Wall)

Shiplap consists of wooden boards that fit together using a rabbet joint, resulting in a distinctive overlapping effect. Originating in rustic country homes, shiplap evokes warmth and coziness. Nowadays, it is common in contemporary home design, often showcased in living rooms, hallways, and bedrooms. My DIY shiplap feature wall tutorial is the perfect way to add character to any home! Also, a DIY shiplap feature wall can make a statement in any room, on any budget, and is a project friendly for any skill level.


Using MDF for your DIY shiplap feature wall and other shiplap projects offers several advantages. It provides a smooth, paintable surface and is easy to work with, making it an excellent choice for a cost-effective transformation.

 

Let’s talk DIY shiplap—because the store-bought stuff can get expensive, and it rarely gives you the freedom to size it just the way you want it.

We tackled a floor-to-ceiling shiplap wall in our entryway using MDF sheets, and the result? Total transformation, on a serious budget.

Pile of precut shiplap boards

Why Make Shiplap for your DIY Shiplap Feature Wall?


  • Cheaper: Store-bought shiplap is $$$. We saved big using 3/8" MDF sheets.

  • Custom: Want wider boards? Done. Smaller gaps? Easy.

  • Creative freedom: We’ve made all sorts of widths over the years, and for this wall, 9” just looked right.


 Our Cut Plan:


  • Material: 4x8 sheets of 3/8" MDF

  • Cut Width: 9” thick

  • Boards Per Sheet: 5

  • Total Sheets: 5 (for 25 total boards)

  • Special Trim: Slight cut on length to fit under our 8-foot-wide bench


🔧 Tools & Supplies:


Materials:

  • 3/8” MDF sheets (we used 5)

  • Primer

  • Paint (we pre-painted before install + touch-ups after)

  • Wood filler

  • Wood adhesive

  • Shim (for spacing)

  • Sandpaper or sanding block

  • Pin Nails (make sure the pin nails are for the type of pin nailer you have)


(Get all these supplies at your local hardware store or Home Depot, Rona, Home Hardware, Canadian Tire, etc)


Tools:

  • Table saw or circular saw with a guide

  • Mitre saw for cutting the desired length

  • Pin nailer + nails

  • Level

  • Measuring tape

  • Paintbrush (angled)

  • Paint roller or sprayer

  • Extension ladder (for tall walls)

  • Old debit/room card (for filling nail holes)

  • Drop cloth (optional)

  • Safety goggles + mask (for sanding)



💪 The Process:


Measuring Your Wall Space

The first step in creating your shiplap feature wall is measuring the area for your MDF boards. Here’s how to do it:

A tape measurer measuring wall length

  1. Determine the height and width of the wall by using a measuring tape.

  2. Sketch a rough layout to visualize how the boards will fit.

  3. Don’t overlook outlets or windows that could affect your design.


For example, if you are working with a standard wall that measures 10 feet in width and 8 feet in height, calculate the total square footage (80 square feet) to decide how many boards you will need. MDF boards typically measure 4 feet by 8 feet, so you'd need around three boards to cover that area, depending on your chosen design.


1. Cut & Customize: Cut each MDF sheet into five 9” wide boards. Adjust your lengths based on your wall size. We made ours just under 8' to fit perfectly.


2. Prime & Paint (First): Lay all boards out in your garage or workspace.→ Primer is important! MDF absorbs paint like a sponge. One coat of primer saves you from endless paint coats.→ Follow with your topcoat and let it dry before install.


3. Choose Your Spacer: We used a shim just slightly thicker than a credit card to create consistent, subtle gaps. You can test out a few widths and choose what feels right for your style (wider for farmhouse, tighter for modern).


4. Install Smart:

  • Start at the top or bottom—but always use a level, not the ceiling or floor as your guide (walls are rarely straight!).

  • Use your spacer, apply wood adhesive to back of the board, press the board in, and pin nail into place.

  • Check for level every 2–3 boards as you go.

  • We worked top to bottom so our last board could hide behind the bench if sizing got tricky.


    Eye-level view of a freshly installed shiplap wall using MDF boards

5. Fill Holes: Once all boards are up, use an old debit card to apply wood filler to all your nail holes. This gives a smooth finish and barely any sanding.


6. Lightly Sand, Then Final Coat: Lightly sand over the wood-filled holes. Then apply your final coat of paint directly on the wall—no need for another full coat since you pre-painted.

→ Pro tip: You can tape off, but I like to skip the tape and use an angled brush to cut in along the walls and ceiling. It saves so much time!

→ Pro tip 2: If you prefer a wooden appearance, replace the MDF with a natural wood material (such as pine, cedar, or spruce) and apply wood stain to enhance the natural look of the board. However, this will increase the cost of the project.


Green shiplap wall

Styling Your Shiplap Wall

A shiplap wall can truly shine when styled thoughtfully. Here are some ideas to enhance its visual appeal:


  • Floating shelves: Showcase decor items, books, or small plants to add interest.

  • Artwork: Framed photos or mirrors can elevate the overall aesthetic.

  • Lighting: Consider adding wall sconces to create a cozy feel. For those seeking to install a light fixture without hardwiring, there are numerous choices of battery-powered wall-mounted lights available. I will link below!

Extra creativity can turn your shiplap wall into a stunning focal point.


🌟 Final Thoughts:


Making your own shiplap is cost-effective, fully customizable, and incredibly satisfying. This entryway feature wall added major character, and because we cut, primed, and painted everything ourselves, it came together fast and on budget.

Follow along as we continue sharing DIY home projects that turn builder-basic into beautiful—without the big price tag.


We've been shiplap-happy DIYers, slapping it everywhere like we're Oprah giving out cars—saving us a boatload of cash on our home makeovers. Our TV stand? Shiplap. Kitchen islands? Double shiplap. Feature wall? You guessed it, shiplap! And if you're feeling fancy, this magical material can transform into board and batten too! Stay tuned for the blog post—it's gonna be a shiplap-tastic!

Tools, Decor & DIY Supplies :


These are the must-haves for cutting, measuring, and securing your shiplap:

  • Tape measure

  • Pencil + level (or laser level)

  • Stud finder

  • Miter saw (or circular saw for straight cuts)

  • Jigsaw (for outlets, corners, or weird cutouts)

  • Nail gun + compressor (or brad nailer)

  • Drill + drill bits

  • Putty knife

  • Caulking gun

  • Sanding block or electric sander

  • Painter’s tape

  • Ladder or step stool


🧰 DIY SUPPLIES

Everything you’ll need to install and finish your wall like a pro:

  • Pre-primed MDF or wood shiplap boards(Tip: for budget, you can use ripped-down plywood or tongue-and-groove boards too)

  • 1½" – 2" finishing nails

  • Wood filler or spackle (for nail holes)

  • Caulking (paintable, for seams/edges)

  • Paint or stain (plus primer if boards aren’t pre-primed)

  • Paintbrush + roller (or sprayer if you’re fancy)

  • Wood glue (optional for extra grip)

🖼️ DECOR TO STYLE IT AFTER

  • Floating shelves or open wood ledges

  • Statement art or a gallery wall

  • Wreath or seasonal signage

  • Wall sconces or battery-operated picture lights

  • Tall greenery (faux olive trees, fig trees, etc.)

  • Baskets or storage crates (for under shelves or nearby)

  • Accent chair or bench (if space allows)

  • Textural touches: woven items, chunky blankets, farmhouse accents


🌟 BONUS TIPS FROM AIMEE

  • For a super budget version, rip ¼" plywood into 6–8" strips at the hardware store — faux shiplap magic.

  • Don’t skip the caulking step on the edges and corners. It’s the “filter” of your wall.

  • Paint the wall behind black or dark if you want the gaps to pop without shadow lines.


LINKS FOR TOOLS AND MATERIAL!



Click on the link below to shop all the tools we used for this DIY shiplap wall—and peek inside the Deley Tool Box for more of our renovation must-haves!



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