A beautifully designed neutral-toned bathroom featuring an arched walk-in shower with soft gray subway tiles, brass shower fixtures, and a cozy wooden stool with a potted green fern. The walls are adorned with white board and batten wainscoting, a simple black-and-white framed landscape print, and a plush white towel hanging on a brass hook.

How to Install Vertical Shiplap Walls in a Bathroom

Bathroom, DIY

Looking to add charm and character to your space? Vertical shiplap walls are the way to go! I recently tackled this DIY in my bathroom and saved time (and money) by using shiplap wall panels instead of individual boards. Ready to transform your space? Here’s my step-by-step process!

A warm and inviting bathroom showcasing a minimalist arched shower entrance with elegant gray subway tiles and brass shower fixtures. The neutral color palette is enhanced by soft white board and batten walls, a wooden vanity stool with a tan leather cushion, and natural décor like woven baskets and wooden shelving.

Table of Contents

What I Used

Tools

Materials

Cutting the Shiplap Panels

If you’ve been following me for a while, you might remember the shiplap backsplash I did in my kitchen. For that project, I used individual boards, but for my vertical shiplap walls, I opted for 4×8 shiplap panels. They cover more space at once, making installation much faster.

Since the panels were taller than I needed, I had to trim them down. Wrestling a big, floppy sheet of wood through a table saw alone? Not happening. Instead, I used a circular saw with a straight edge as a guide for clean cuts. For outlet and light switch cutouts, my multi-tool was a lifesaver.

A woman working in a garage, cutting a large sheet of shiplap paneling using a circular saw with a guide rail. She is dressed in a beige winter coat, earmuffs, and slippers, focused on her DIY home improvement project. The workspace is organized with tools hanging on the pegboard, a tool chest, and a trailer filled with lumber in the background.
A woman assembling a DIY bathroom renovation, using a power drill to attach a panel to the wall. The unfinished space features a modern arched shower with white subway tiles and brass fixtures. A ladder and construction tools are scattered around, showing the progress of the makeover.

Installing the Vertical Shiplap Walls

Once everything was cut to size, it was time to install! Using a stud finder, I marked my studs—an essential step since you don’t want these panels secured to just drywall. Then, with my brad nailer, I attached the panels securely to the wall.

A woman installing white vertical shiplap walls in a bathroom, securing it to the wall with a nail gun. The space is mid-renovation, with tools and construction materials nearby. A child in the foreground is running past, adding a real-life, home improvement moment to the scene.

I continued the vertical shiplap walls throughout the entire bathroom, including behind the toilet and as a backsplash behind the sink.

A woman installing vertical shiplap wall panels around a toilet in a bathroom remodel. She is pressing the panel into place while wearing casual DIY work clothes and cozy slippers. The wooden herringbone floor and unfinished trim show the progress of the renovation.
A woman securing vertical shiplap walls paneling to a bathroom wall using a power drill. The vanity area features a concrete countertop with an undermount sink and brass faucet fixtures. The space is mid-renovation, with exposed electrical outlets and unfinished upper cabinetry.

Adding the Baseboard & Trim

After installing my first panel of vertical shiplap walls, I decided I wanted my baseboard to sit below the shiplap rather than in front. So, I used my multi-tool to trim the bottom of the panels where needed.

For the rest of the room, I installed the baseboard first, then placed the shiplap panels on top—much easier that way!

A woman kneeling on a brown herringbone tile floor, securing white vertical shiplap paneling to a bathroom wall with a power drill. The space features an arched shower entrance with gray subway tiles and brass shower fixtures. A tool bag and construction materials are nearby, showcasing the ongoing DIY renovation.
A woman installing the bottom trim of a white shiplap accent wall in a bathroom. She is using a red nail gun while sitting on the floor, surrounded by tools. The modern bathroom features a tiled arched shower entrance with brass fixtures, adding a stylish contrast to the classic board and batten wall.

For the top cap, I wanted the trim to cover the shiplap edge rather than sit on top. Using PVC trim, I cut a small channel with my table saw so the trim could fit over the shiplap while sitting flush against the wall. Once cut, I secured it with my brad nailer.

Want to see what it looks like when trim sits directly on top? Check out my coat rack wall or the beadboard in our half-bath for that approach!

A close-up shot of a woman holding a cut piece of white pvc trim with a custom groove cut for capping the top of vertical shiplap walls. The background reveals a woodworking setup with a Ridgid table saw in a well-organized garage workspace.
A woman standing in a bathroom, securing a horizontal trim board at the top of a newly installed vertical shiplap wall using a red nail gun. The DIY renovation highlights a fresh and modern design, featuring brass shower fixtures and white subway tiles in an arched shower alcove.

Filling, Sanding & Prepping for Paint

Once my vertical shiplap walls were installed, I filled every seam and nail hole with Bondo. It’s super durable and makes seams disappear—but fair warning, sanding Bondo is a workout! I used my handheld sander hooked up to the shop vac to control dust, and for tight spots, my multi-tool came in handy again.

A woman sanding white shiplap paneling in a bathroom during a DIY renovation. She is wearing a dust mask and using a vacuum-assisted sander to smooth out joint compound spots. The bathroom features an arched shower with gray subway tiles, and the floor is covered in brown herringbone tile.
A close-up shot of a woman using a red oscillating multi-tool to refine the edges of a white shiplap wall. The unfinished paneling has visible joint compound patches, showing progress in a bathroom renovation project.

After caulking all the edges where the trim meets the shiplap, it was time for paint!

Painting Vertical Shiplap Walls

I know some people swear by a paint sprayer, but when it comes to vertical shiplap walls, I prefer a paintbrush to get into the grooves, followed by a foam roller to smooth everything out. Just be sure to use high-quality paint like Sherwin Williams Urethane Trim Enamel for a durable finish.

A woman in a blue sweatshirt applying spackle to a newly installed white shiplap wall in a bathroom renovation. The scene features a concrete countertop with an unfinished wooden cabinet and an arched shower entrance with brass fixtures in the background.
A woman painting a white shiplap accent wall in a bathroom with a roller brush. The space features a custom-built wooden cabinet, a concrete countertop, and an arched shower entrance, showcasing the transformation in progress.

The Finished Vertical Shiplap Walls

Can we talk about how good these vertical shiplap walls turned out? I’m so glad I went with Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige—one of my go-to neutral paint colors. It’s warm, inviting, and just the right tone.

A modern farmhouse-style bathroom with a serene arched walk-in shower, lined with light gray subway tiles and dual brass shower controls. The space is accented with a natural wood stool, a green plant, and soft textured towels hanging on the wall. White board and batten paneling adds a cozy yet sophisticated touch.

The vertical shiplap walls even made the perfect backsplash behind my mirrors. Where it meets my DIY concrete countertops, I added a small piece of PVC trim and sealed everything with silicone for a clean, finished look.

A beautifully styled bathroom vanity with a modern farmhouse design featuring a concrete countertop, an undermount sink, and elegant brass faucet fixtures. A round mirror reflects the warm lighting from brass and frosted glass sconces. Open wooden shelves built into an arched nook hold neatly arranged toiletries and greenery. A black soap dispenser and lotion bottle sit on a ceramic tray, complemented by a folded hand towel on a sleek black stand. A textured dark gray vase with vibrant green branches adds a fresh, organic touch to the space.

This bathroom remodel was a labor of love. From the heated herringbone floors to the custom sit-down vanity (made from a kitchen cabinet!) and the subway tile walk-in shower, every detail came together beautifully. It took time and effort, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Now, I get to enjoy this space every single day!

Stylish bathroom featuring wood-paneled walls, a white sliding door, and open wooden shelves with woven baskets. The space includes a modern toilet and concrete countertops with brass accents, creating a clean, minimalist aesthetic.

Thinking about adding vertical shiplap walls to your home? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your plans!

Why choose vertical shiplap walls over horizontal shiplap?

Vertical shiplap walls create the illusion of higher ceilings and a more contemporary look. They also help prevent dust buildup on ledges, which can be an issue with horizontal shiplap.

Can I install vertical shiplap walls without removing baseboards?

Yes! You can install vertical shiplap walls by cutting them to fit above your existing baseboards. However, for a more seamless look, you can remove the baseboards first or install them after the shiplap panels.

Should I paint shiplap before or after installing it?

You can do either, but for vertical shiplap walls, painting after installation allows you to fill nail holes and caulk seams for a seamless look. Use a paintbrush for grooves and a foam roller for smooth coverage.

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