Shiplap Vs Tongue And Groove: Which Is Better For Your Home Improvement Project?

Thanks to home decorating shows and the endless appeal of simpler times, wood paneling is having a moment. If you’re of a certain age, the thought might send a little chill down your spine – maybe you remember the dark and ugly wood paneling of the ’60s and ’70s.

However, today's wood paneling is so much brighter (and more attractive!) than what was popular back then. Modern wood wall paneling is made of real wood or realistic-looking wood veneer. It’s often painted white or whitewashed to give it a clean, bright look. Laid horizontally, it’s a staple of modern farmhouse, cabin, rustic and casual cottage design.

If you’re thinking of starting a DIY project or undertaking a more extensive interior or exterior cladding project, you’ll have a lot of choices to make.

What Is The Difference Between Shiplap And Tongue And Groove?

The main difference between shiplap and tongue and groove paneling lies in the way the boards fit together and the ability of the materials to withstand the elements if used for exterior surfaces.

Wood paneling is sometimes referred to as “cladding,” which simply means a layer added to an interior or exterior surface of a house. Both shiplap and tongue and groove paneling are types of wood paneling, but they have a few key differences.

Shiplap

Shiplap is distinguished by the L-shaped groove, or rabbet, on the edges of the board that allows the pieces to be stacked, like siding. The boards rest on top of one another and overlap. Shiplap is nailed in from the front of the board, giving it that rustic look that’s popular in home decorating.

Nickel Gap Shiplap

With traditional shiplap, the pieces butt against each other, but the look of modern shiplap favors a gap between boards that is about the size of a flat nickel, which is how “nickel gap shiplap” got its name.

This type of paneling is similar to shiplap except that there’s a stop cut into each board that prevents the new board from laying directly on top of the previous board. You can achieve the same effect by slipping nickels between shiplap boards, but using nickel gap shiplap makes the process easier and quicker to complete.

Tongue And Groove

Unlike shiplap, tongue and groove planks are cut so that the tongue of one plank fits into the groove of another and interlocks. When a piece is added, the nail is driven in on a diagonal and then covered by the next piece.

Different types of tongue and groove planks alter the look of the finished surface by either increasing or eliminating gaps between the board, depending on the aesthetic you’re going for.

Can Shiplap And Tongue And Groove Be Used Interchangeably?

For interior walls, whether you choose shiplap or tongue and groove will depend solely on the look you’re trying to achieve.

Remember, the terms “shiplap” and “tongue and groove” refer to the way the boards fit together, not the materials being used. You can choose any variety of wood you’d like. Consider going with a simple pine if you’re planning on painting the wood or a tropical hardwood if you’re choosing a wood for its grain.

Once you’ve picked your wood, you can get it cut into the shiplap or tongue and groove of your choice. Both shiplap and tongue and groove fittings are available in vinyl, fiber cement and a wide range of other synthetic materials suitable for exterior use.

What Are The Differences In Cost Between Shiplap And Tongue And Groove?

It’s hard to say unless you’re comparing apples to apples, but it all depends on the look you’re trying to achieve.

In general, tongue and groove costs more because the processing of the boards is more labor-intensive. Expect to pay more if you’re picking the wood and then having it processed. A shiplap board only needs to be run through a planer, but creating tightly fitting tongues and grooves requires more time and skill.

However, direct, general comparisons among preprocessed products are difficult because so much depends on the use, look and quality you want.

How Will Cladding Affect Home Value?

According to the National Association of REALTORS^®, the average cost of exterior fiber cement siding is $18,600. Homeowners can expect to recover 86% of the cost when they sell their home.

Interior projects are considered cosmetic and don’t tend to have the same rate of recovery as changes to curb appeal and energy efficiency. However, a stylish home with modern decor will sell faster and sometimes for more when compared with a frumpier counterpart.

What's Better: Shiplap Or Tongue And Groove?

Neither shiplap nor tongue and groove is necessarily superior to the other. Each has distinct strengths and advantages. Here’s an overview of some of the pros and cons.

Pros And Cons Of Shiplap

If you plan on cladding an exterior wall, traditional shiplap may be the best choice. It creates a weather-tight bond that keeps out moisture, making it suitable for rainy climates.

Shiplap also works well for hot and dry climates. Dry air can cause wood to shrink, creating gaps in tongue and groove fittings. Because shiplap overlaps instead of interlocks, it’s likely that those gaps won’t show.

Another advantage of shiplap is that it tends to be a bit easier to install yourself than tongue and groove. You don't need to fit planks together; instead, you simply match notches and then pound a nail straight through.

Shiplap is versatile and a popular design choice for all kinds of settings, including ceilings.

The biggest disadvantage of shiplap lies in its strength. Shiplap isn’t always as strong as tongue and groove. However, it can still offer excellent moisture retention properties. It is, after all, designed after the interlocking boards on wooden ships and is therefore meant to be waterproof.

Pros And Cons Of Tongue And Groove

When used indoors, tongue and groove is a popular choice because it offers superior insulation in cold climates. The pieces interlock, fitting together seamlessly to keep out cold air. This may help improve your home’s energy-efficiency.

Tongue and groove also tends to be stronger. As opposed to boards laid on top of one another, interlocking boards create more friction and surface area, which prevents movement and strengthens the paneling.

However, it's not as watertight as shiplap. It might not be ideal outdoors or in a bathroom, where moisture will be a concern. Water can get trapped inside the interlocking pieces. Again, tongue and groove also tends to be more expensive than shiplap and more difficult to install if you're interested in a DIY project.

The Bottom Line: Find Your Style With Shiplap Or Tongue And Groove

There’s no single best choice between tongue and groove and shiplap. It’ll ultimately come down to your style and preferences.

Ask yourself where the wood paneling will be installed and what the climate will be like. Take your budget and level of experience into account. These factors will help you make the right choice – the choice that’s absolutely perfect for your home.