How to Build an Entryway Shiplap Wall

I used these pre-primed, tongue and groove appearance boards to create my horizontal shiplap accent wall. We have all seen full walls of shiplap (which are gorgeous I might add), but what about using shiplap as a form of molding and finishing it off with a functional shelf? What a fun way to integrate this amazing trend into a lasting design. Remember when I said I love “easy to install shiplap”… well this is a dream to install and the finished product is so clean.

No I’m not talking about you, I’m talking about the framing in your walls. Mark the studs by drawing a vertical line up the wall using a level. These lines will be used as a reference when nailing the shiplap to the wall.

Now I know you may be thinking I should have removed my baseboard, but I am all about “easy that looks good!” Because of the tongue and groove feature, I simply placed the tongue where it overlapped my baseboard about ¼ in. This created a seamless transition. Just make sure that the first shiplap board is level!
Do not expect the baseboard to be level. Mine was slightly off – I just adjusted the first shiplap board accordingly.

This was the hardest part of the whole install! I marked my shiplap board where the electrical outlet would be. Using a jigsaw, I cut out the specified measurements. You could also use an oscillator or a hand saw. Just be precise.

If you neglect to do this, your outlet will be too shallow once your boards are installed. I found these handy adjustable ones and they were super easy to install. Just follow the instructions on the back. (Oh and turn off your power of course!)

Once the electrical outlet was accounted for, this part went up fast. Using my stud lines as a guide I nailed the shiplap boards to the entry way wall mostly on the grooves that would be overlapped by
the following shiplap board.

I would say about 80% of my nails holed were hidden this way. You will have to secure the boards on the bottom of the boards throughout, but this little trick will save you a lot of patching! You’re welcome! Use your level through out this process to keep the boards in line.

I removed the groove to create a flat board to hang my shelf.

I nailed my 1 x 6 board to the wall at a 45° angle from the top. I nailed only into the studs. To add extra support, I used scrap wood to create support blocks. I secured two blocks into the studs. Be sure when cutting the support blocks that they won’t obstruct the crown molding that will conceal them. Now this shelf isn’t going anywhere!

Since one end of my entry way wall ends at an angle, I had to cut an outside corner to finish the crown molding. Crown molding can be tricky and I am no pro. Words of advice … measure three times before you cut and remember caulk is your best friend! If your shiplap molding ends at two corner walls, then you don’t have to worry about the outside corner. Lucky!

Now you’re thanking me for that little trick earlier. Not too many holes to patch and sand!

This thin molding is a lifesaver. Some of the shiplap paneling ended a hair longer or shorter then others. This finishes and transitions perfectly into the crown molding shelf.

In the home stretch now! Caulk all he seams the transition into walls or other molding. This makes a world of difference in the final look. Using an angled brush, I painted two coats of whisper white enamel paint onto my shiplap entry way wall. This color matches all the molding throughout my home.

And that’s a wrap! What do you think of my new DIY shiplap paneling entry way?
I’m loving the shelf… I can’t wait to rotate other seasonal decor and family photos here. Add a console table, a statement light, and some seating and you’ve got your self a functional entry way with style and personality to remember.