The modern farmhouse style is one that we love here at Homestead Timbers. One of the most common interior choices with this style is "Shiplap" but we've seen a lot of confusion around it.

Traditionally, shiplap did not offer even spacing between the boards, required nailing through the face, and was usually made from low grade pine. Using shiplap to achieve a clean, consistent look would be costly and labor intensive. Shims would need to be used to consistently space the boards, the nail holes would need to be filled in, and you still wouldn't get the look you were going for. 

Today, when most people think of shiplap, this is what comes to mind.

This is actually our Nickel Gap Paneling, one of my favorite products we offer. While this isn't true shiplap, it is the look that is known and loved.

Nickel gap gets you the HGTV "shiplap" look you desire without all the headaches of trying to get a clean consistent look.

It is cut similar to our tongue and groove paneling but instead of having a "v" where the boards meet it is cut so there is a consistent square gap, the width of a nickel, between the boards.

This makes install very easy because you don't spend any time spacing the boards and the nails are hidden giving a clean look. Nickel gap is not as rustic as our shiplap.

Also all the boards are end matched, which makes install even easier with less waste because you don't need to end on the studs. Installing is as easy as leveling the base board. Locking the next board in with the tongue and groove, nailing it into place. Rinse and repeat. Since install is improved with end matching, we recommend you only account for 5% waste. 

All of this makes Nickel Gap much faster and easier to install than traditional shiplap helping offset costs. Overall, this is a great product to add to your space and we offer it in 1x6 and 1x8 with 5 prefinished options as well as unfinished. 

Our color selection for nickel gap is pretty diverse, some colors even compliment each other such as our whitewash and driftwood colors which pair perfectly. (See below) Check out the colors of our nickel gap here:

Be sure to check out our newest product, Kebony! An alternative to tropical hardwoods for decking and siding.

Check out our other popular blogs: What to consider when remodeling your kitchen, How to paint knotty pine paneling, What is Nickel Gap, Buyers guide to wood flooring