Nickel Gap vs. Shiplap: What’s the Difference?

The modern farmhouse aesthetic continues to be a favorite among homeowners and designers alike—and at Homestead Timbers, we’ve seen just how central wall paneling is to that timeless look. One of the most common questions we get is: What’s the difference between shiplap and nickel gap?

Let’s break it down.

Shiplap: Traditional Meets Rustic

Traditional shiplap was never originally designed with aesthetics in mind. It was a practical, rough-cut board used for siding barns and sheds, made from lower-grade pine. These boards overlapped rather than interlocked, creating a seal against the elements.

When used for interior walls today, shiplap still overlaps rather than fits together with a tongue and groove joint. That overlap requires face nailing—which not only adds time to the installation process but also leaves visible nail holes that often need to be filled for a clean look. Additionally, as wood expands and contracts with humidity, the boards may shift over time, which can disrupt the flush finish.

Modern shiplap has come a long way from its rustic roots and is now available in higher-quality materials. It delivers a cleaner appearance, but installation can still be more labor-intensive than other paneling options.

One bonus to traditional shiplap is its flexibility—you can customize the gap between boards for a wider or more narrow visual, depending on your desired style.

When most people picture “shiplap” today, they’re actually imagining something a bit different...

Nickel Gap: The Look You Love, Made Easy

Enter: Nickel Gap Paneling—our favorite way to achieve the clean, crisp lines of farmhouse-style walls and ceilings with a fraction of the effort.

Despite the name, nickel gap isn’t technically shiplap. It’s milled more like tongue and groove paneling, but instead of a beveled “V” joint, the boards create a perfectly consistent square gap—about the width of a nickel—between each plank. The result? That classic “shiplap” look seen on HGTV, but with major upgrades.

Here’s why builders and DIYers alike prefer nickel gap:

  • No face nailing – Nails are hidden in the tongue, giving you a smooth, flawless finish.

  • Perfect spacing, every time – No need to worry about uneven gaps between boards.

  • End-matched boards – Boards lock together at the ends, allowing you to install without having to land every board on a stud. This reduces waste and speeds up installation.

  • Minimal waste – Plan for just 5% waste on most projects.

Nickel gap paneling is available in 1x6 and 1x8 sizes, and we offer a variety of five pre-finished color options, as well as unfinished boards if you want to add your own custom touch.

Want to create contrast or a soft gradient effect? Try pairing Driftwood and Whitewash finishes—they complement each other beautifully.

Explore our Nickel Gap Collection here. 

If you're deciding between traditional shiplap and nickel gap for your next project, consider how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in the installation. While both options deliver a classic farmhouse look, nickel gap offers a modern, efficient twist with faster installation and a cleaner finish.

Ready to start your project? 

 

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