Shiplap Calculator
Shiplap is one of the most popular wall treatments for adding character to any room. This calculator helps you determine exactly how many boards you need based on your wall dimensions, board width, and overlap amount, so you can order the right quantity and avoid multiple trips to the lumber yard.
Shiplap boards overlap each other, meaning the effective coverage width is less than the nominal board width. A 6-inch board with a 3/4-inch overlap covers only 5.25 inches per row. The calculator divides the wall height by this effective width to determine the number of rows needed.
Standard shiplap boards come in 6-inch and 8-inch widths, with lengths of 8, 12, or 16 feet. Wider boards cover walls faster but produce more waste on cuts. For walls wider than your board length, you will need to stagger joints between rows for a professional appearance.
Always purchase 10% extra to account for end cuts, waste from working around outlets and corners, and the occasional warped board. For accent walls with many angles or irregular shapes, consider 15% waste. Pine shiplap typically costs $1.50-$4 per linear foot, while cedar runs $3-$8 per linear foot.