Get The Cozy Farmhouse Kitchen Of Your Dreams With Shiplap Islands
Want to add rustic farmhouse charm to your kitchen without a full remodel? Consider using shiplap to give your existing island a cozy makeover. With a little DIY work, you can create a lighter, brighter, and more welcoming space.
Shiplap offers tons of texture and visual interest at a budget-friendly price point. By installing shiplap right onto your current island, you can transform it from builder-grade to totally custom. The white-washed wood pairs perfectly with many kitchen styles from modern farmhouse to traditional. Read on to learn how easy it is to get the shiplap island of your dreams.
Gather Your Shiplap Supplies
The first step is getting all the materials you need for your shiplap install. Here are the must-have supplies:
- Shiplap boards - Pine and cedar are popular choices that can be found pre-cut at home improvement stores.
- Wood glue for added bonding strength
- Finish nails to affix the shiplap to the island
- Hammer or nail gun for nailing in the boards
- Miter saw to cut the boards to size
- Table saw if you need to trim board widths
- Drill with countersink bit for installing nails
- Wood filler to cover nail holes
- Primer, paint or stain, and brushes for finishing
- 1x2 trim boards to frame the bottom edge
Prep Your Island for Shiplap
Before you can apply the shiplap, you need to get your existing island ready. Start by removing the countertop and taking off any trim, decorative edging, or anything else that protrudes past the base cabinet face frames.
Give the entire surface a light sanding to remove gloss and rough up the surface for better adhesive bonding. Address any damaged areas and fill as needed with wood filler. The goal is to end up with a smooth, flat surface for installing the boards.
Measure, Mark, and Cut the Shiplap
Now comes the fun part – installing the actual shiplap! First, measure the lengths you need for each side of the island. Cut your boards to allow small gaps between for expansion. Use your miter saw to make any angled end cuts.
If your boards need to be trimmed to consistent widths, use a table saw. Make sure you factor the thickness of the boards into your calculations when determining how much shiplap you need. It’s easiest to install all boards vertically, but you can alternate direction too.
Adhere and Nail Up Your Shiplap
Start installing with the first board in place along the bottom. Apply adhesive to the back before setting it onto the island base. Position it with the groove side facing up to receive the next board.
Use small spacers to leave even gaps between boards. Carefully nail into place using your finish nails. Be sure to predrill holes and countersink the nails to prevent any splitting.
Work your way up, adding the next board into the groove of the last. Continue nailing and adhering until all sides are complete. Fill any nail holes with wood filler for a smooth finish.
Complete Your Farmhouse Island
Once all the shiplap is securely installed, take a minute to sand any rough spots. Make sure to get into the grooves between boards. Then seal and prime the shiplap before painting or staining it your desired color.
Add 1x2 trim pieces stained to match along the bottom to finish it off. The last step is to replace your countertop and seal the shiplap with a protective polyurethane coat. Your dreamy, rustic shiplap island is complete!
Follow these tips for the best results:
- Allow a 1/8” gap between boards for expansion and contraction.
- Alternating grain direction adds visual interest.
- Use painter’s tape for super sharp edges along countertops.
- Install new outlet covers to match your fresh island look.
With a little time and elbow grease, you can affordably remake your lackluster island into a showstopping shiplap focal point. Not only will it add warmth and texture, but it also completely transforms the look of your kitchen.