Traditionally used for boats and home exteriors, shiplap is a whitewashed panel siding that interlocks to prevent water and moisture from entering a structure. You can use shiplap anywhere in the home but deciding how to decorate this wall style can be perplexing. We have searched multiple sources to bring you a selection of some of the best ways to hang pictures on shiplap walls.
The clean lines of shiplap make it perfect for modern home design, but it also works well in a more rustic-looking space. Although shiplap creates a decorative accent on its own, pictures and other decorative wall accents can be hung on the shiplap walls for added visual appeal.
We will discuss the following options for hanging pictures on shiplap walls in further detail:
- Picture hangers
- Adhesive hooks
- Double-sided tape
- Wall anchors
- Nails
- Magnetic dots
- Corkboards
- Hook and loop velcro tape
- Bar and cable hanging kit
- Wall track hanging kit
- Old cabinet pulls
Finding the perfect way to hang pictures on your shiplap walls is likely only one of many decisions you will face during your decorative project. You may find yourself wondering how to mount to shiplap and whether Command strips will work on shiplap. You may question whether or not you can use nails with this type of wall.
We will discuss these points and other closely related topics; just keep reading.
1. Picture hangers
A picture hanger is one of the most popular ways to hang pictures on any surface, including shiplap. As the name infers, picture hangers are specifically made to hang pictures using a combination of a hook with a nail going through the top of it.
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Picture hangers, such as those pictured below, can safely hold up to 30 pounds of weight. These hangers are secured using nails that will leave only a small hole in your wall or, in this case, shiplap.
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2. Adhesive hooks
Adhesive hooks are a great way to hang pictures on shiplap without the use of nails or screws that will leave holes in the wall's surface. Decide where the adhesive hook should be located on your shiplap before applying the adhesive to the surface.
Before applying the adhesive hook, clean the area thoroughly with alcohol and allow the area to dry. After applying the adhesive hook to the wall, allow the adhesive to dry for about an hour before hanging anything on the hook.
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3. Double-sided tape
Much like the adhesive hooks discussed above, double-sided tape can be used to hang pictures on your shiplap wall without leaving holes. Double-sided tape is durable enough to hang a picture but may pull off paint when being removed.
There are several types of double-sided tape to fit different jobs. Tape should be placed on all four sides of the frame before sticking it to the clean shiplap underneath if your picture is heavy.
4. Wall anchors
Wall anchors are made to be used with paneling, shiplap, or any other solid or hollow wall material without the need for a stud. There are many types of wall anchors, but all of them have some sort of an apparatus that spreads out once screwed in behind the wall to stabilize the screw, allowing for more weight.
Anchor screws are convenient, but they can leave bigger holes in your wall than other standard screws. The toggle anchor screws pictured below can hold up to 100 pounds.
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5. Nails
Nails are a timeless way to hang pictures or another wall decor. Because shiplap planks are so sturdy, you can hang decorations straight to the planks.
Nails about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in length and 1.588 millimeters in diameter or less should be used not to split the shiplap planks. Nail assortment kits, such as the one pictured below, are good to have on hand, so you will always have various choices.
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6. Magnetic dots
Magnetic dots are a great way to hang your pictures on your shiplap without leaving holes. These magnets come in different shapes, but all have an adhesive backing stuck on the shiplap surface.
Use a metal magnetic picture frame to stick to the magnetic dots attached to the shiplap surface. Magnetic dots allow you to move the frame around to make it easier to straighten it while hanging.
7. Corkboards
Corkboards provide a great buffer for your pictures and your shiplap. Tacks stick directly into the corkboard, saving your shiplap from holes.
Much like the corkboard squares on the shiplap command center pictured below, sections of a corkboard can be stuck to your shiplap so pictures can then be tacked into the corkboard. The corkboard gives the shiplap some added texture and character.
8. Hook and loop velcro tape
Hook and loop velcro tape has a firm hold, perfect for hanging pictures on shiplap. This velcro tape works much like double-sided tape.
The adhesive backing is strong and easy to apply. Velcro tape comes in rolls containing over 10 feet of material, allowing you to hang several pictures.
9. Bar and cable hanging kit
To keep from making multiple holes in your shiplap surface, consider a hanging kit that allows you to hang several pictures at once. While different kits use different materials, the mechanism is the same.
Multiple pictures are showcased by securing a central stationary piece to the shiplap with appendages that somehow attach to your pictures. The bar and cable kit pictured below also helps to add some charm to your space.
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10. Wall track hanging kit
Like the bar and cable hanging kit discussed above, a wall track hanging kit allows you to hang pictures without damaging your shiplap surface. Nylon cords are attached to the metal bar and can be used to hang a single picture, or for bigger pictures, one hook can be used on each corner of the picture.
The particular hanger kit pictured below contains a bar that holds up to 154 pounds, and the nylon cord will hold up to 11 pounds. The cords attached to the track can be moved back and forth to give your wall a custom look.
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11. Old cabinet pulls
Consider using old cabinet pulls as picture hangers on your shiplap surface for a more rustic look. Antique cabinet pulls, such as those in the picture below, can be secured to the shiplap for a timeless look.
As shown below, twine is a great way to tie pictures to cabinet pulls. The combination of the rustic cabinet pulls, twine rope, and antiqued picture frames add the perfect touch to this shiplap wall.
Can you mount to shiplap?
Shiplap is screwed into studs, making the wall covering extra-sturdy. You can mount significant weight directly to the shiplap without finding the studs.
When hanging heavy objects such as a TV on the panels, you may want to reinforce the planks bearing the weight. This can be accomplished by screwing the shiplap panel to a stud on the top and bottom of the plank.
Do Command strips work on shiplap?
Command strips have a strong adhesive that holds well and comes off without leaving holes or removing paint. These strips work well on shiplap if the area is properly prepared before the strip is applied.
These adhesive strips work well on many different surfaces and easily remove any sticky residue behind. A common-sized Command strip can hold 12 - 16 pounds.
Can you nail into shiplap?
Shiplap can be nailed directly into your drywall. You can cover nail holes with caulk and paint over them if you don't like the appearance.
You can also nail directly into the shiplap to hang lighter objects. This hanging option will leave holes in your shiplap if you remove the objects.
Final thoughts
Shiplap can be a great look in almost any room in your home. Decorating your shiplap walls can give these walls a personalized and custom look. As we have discussed, there are several ways to hang pictures on your shiplap wall. We hope that the above selection of ways to hang pictures on your shiplap walls has helped to inspire your wall project.
Before you go, here are some other articles that may be of help to you:
15 Captivating Wall Decor Ideas For Above And Around TV
15 Gorgeous Gray Accent Wall Ideas
7 Wall Paneling Materials You Should Consider [Inc. Pros And Cons]