Shiplap is one of the hottest trends for homeowners everywhere. This is a charming look that can be easily installed in a wide range of homes, and it can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, you name it. Although shiplap has its origins as an exterior material, it can still be easily used indoors and can be installed over your existing walls.
For those wondering, it is possible to install shiplap over tile. To do so, you must first measure the space of the wall that will need to be shiplapped over. After you've gathered your measurements, you can buy the appropriate appoint of shiplap materials to cover the tiled area, preferably using PVC shiplap materials. In addition, use liquid nails to securely place the shiplap on the tile, and then seal any exposed areas with caulking for a water-tight seal.
What is Shiplap?
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Shiplap is a type of wall paneling that was traditionally used in farmhouses or English cottages. It is made of wood (traditionally) and is known as shiplap because each piece of wood panel falls perfectly on top of the other one, creating a water-tight seal and a look that is classic and beautiful.
The good thing about shiplap is that it is now a very modern trend for the "modern farmhouse" aesthetic. It is also relatively easy to install, thanks to the invention of shiplap peel and stick backing, as well as can be placed both vertically and horizontally.
This makes shiplap a good material to use in any room of the home, including areas where there might already be existing tile. Such areas include:
- Kitchens as a kitchen backsplash
- Bathrooms, for a more vintage and cottage look
- Sauna or spa rooms, as well as smaller restrooms
It's important to understand that shiplap is not the same as breadboard, which are larger panels that are, on average, more expensive to install. These types of panels costs around $5 minimum per square foot to install, while shiplap only costs around $2.50 minimum per square foot to install.
Can I Place Shiplap Over Tile?
Because it is so cheap to buy and install, many people are now gravitating toward using shiplap for their home renovations. However, if you're installing shiplap over tile, there are a couple things to consider beforehand.
Moisture
Tile is most likely present in your bathroom or kitchen. These are two areas that are prone to high levels of moisture. If you're placing shiplap over existing tile, it's important to start off with a clean tile area, free of debris and any moisture build-up.
To do so, you can use a microfiber towel before you install the shiplap. In addition, you can use shiplap materials that are designed to fight against moisture. One of the best materials is PVC. PVC is affordable, durable, and best of all, it is known for its water-resistant properties.
If you can't find shiplap made of PVC, you can also make sure your shiplap is water resistant before you place it on the tile. To do so, you can cover your shiplap in an oil-based primer, such as this one found on Amazon. This type of primer is an excellent way to ensure your shiplap stays free of moisture, adheres easily to your tile, and is able to withstand against mold and mildew, which can result from excess moisture.
Ability to Stick to tile
Many shiplap pieces can be placed on another surface, such as a regular wall, using a peel and stick feature. These shiplap pieces, such as these found on Amazon, make it incredibly easy to stick on to smoother, flat surfaces such as those in your living room or bedroom.
Unfortunately, it might be a bit more difficult to place these on rounded and slick surfaces like tile. If you have the money and the time, the best option would be to remove the tiles completely before you place the shiplap. However, this might not be an option for many homeowners, and can be time-consuming. However, one other option will be to use liquid nails.
Liquid nails are extremely strong adhesives that can work well on many types of surfaces, including shiplap on tile. These adhesives bond the two materials together, creating a water-tight seal that lasts. This helps save you from the hassle of having to nail on traditional shiplap boards onto your walls.
Liquid nails are widely available online, such as these products found on Amazon! Make sure to follow the instructions on the packaging, as well as ensure you are not breathing in any harsh fumes from the adhesive.
Durability
Fortunately, shiplap made of PVC is also a durable material. In addition, it is low maintenance, as the only type of dusting or cleaning you will need to do will be to run a clean cloth over the top of the shiplap. It isn't necessary to clean in between the grooves, since in faux shiplap these groves do not serve any purpose besides aesthetical appeal.
However, if you still have worries about moisture threatening the longevity of your shiplap over tile, you can always use a caulking or sealing agent and seal up any gaps in your shiplap. This helps create a water-tight barrier perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
How Long Will Installation Take?
If you want an easy weekend project, placing shiplap over tile is a good option. Shiplap can be placed over tile in as little as a day, so long as you take the time to buy the appropriate tools like shiplap made of PVC, liquid nails, and caulking to seal any gaps.
Not using these materials and simply placing a stick and peel shiplap over your tile will be disastrous, since there will be no protection against moisture. Take the time to buy the best materials for your project.
Final Thoughts
Shiplap is a great material to use for modern homes, and they can easily be used in any part of the home. Use these tips to place them over tile and upgrade the look of your home in no time.