Can shiplap be used in a bathroom without risk of damage or issues?
Asked by Noham Martinez 
6 months ago
Last Updated: May 8, 2024
Do you think it’s a good idea to install shiplap in the bathroom?
Before installing, remember to seal all six sides of each board and ensure your exhaust fan is the right size for the room. Personally, I don’t think it’s a good idea.
Nah
We used it for an accent wall without any problems. Just make sure to use an exhaust fan. Perfectly suitable for a bathroom.
Your bathroom is absolutely lovely! Thank you so much 😍😍😍😍
Feel free to make any changes you want to your house.
How about this?
Hey, John! Did you know that it can absorb moisture if the boards are not sealed on all six sides, leading to warping? Sounds like a humidity problem.
Sure thing! I’ll make sure to seal them. And I heard that using satin paint for sealing will be better, is that correct?
There’s no need to seal them, paint works great. As long as you have an exhaust fan and install them correctly, they shouldn’t warp. Why make more work for yourself when it’s not needed?
Make sure to prime all six sides of the wood if it’s going in a wet area like a bathroom. Zinsser Original is the best choice for primer. Finish off with a coat of satin or semi-gloss latex paint.
I’ve used ship lap, beadboard, tongue and groove, and more as wainscoting in bathrooms. It’s a classic style that’s popular here in New England! 🙂
: I’m just going off my 30 years of experience, what are you using to form your opinion?
‘s paint acts as a type of sealant.
Hey , using a good mold and mildew paint is sufficient. Priming the wall under the shiplap is recommended, but painting each piece separately is not required. The only time it might be necessary is if there’s no bathroom fan, in which case, I would suggest avoiding shiplap installation. My question is why you’re suggesting extra work, not how many years of experience you have.
Hey , got it.
Hey , do you happen to have an exhaust fan? If so, you can skip painting each piece individually. It’s not really needed. Save yourself some time and money by using a good mold/mildew paint and priming the wall under the shiplap. After installing the shiplap, make sure to prime and paint.
In areas with high humidity, the wood can be impacted by moisture if it’s not properly sealed. As someone well-versed in this field, I wanted to share my approach with the individual asking the question, but perhaps I misunderstood.
Paint serves as a top coat, but primers and sealers are distinct products. ‘Paint and primer in one’ is just a marketing tactic and doesn’t perform well in either aspect.
Why claim they don’t need to be sealed?
Make sure to paint both sides and ensure you have a high-quality bath fan running for a few hours daily at least.
I heard that satin paint is recommended. Do you think it’s true?
If it’s plastic, you can go for it. Wood is definitely a no-go as it will warp with the steam.
I’m currently considering the pvc type of shiplap.
Oh, , using PVC should do the trick without any issues.
Here’s my 1964 house. The ceiling throughout is made of 2×6 douglas fir tongue and groove. The bathroom used to have a small window and no fan for over five decades. The ceiling is holding up well in 2024. For the first 50 years, the interior had only stain, but then we painted it with flat ceiling paint. The backside and t&g are still bare wood. Shiplap works well for a bathroom wall.👍🏽😎
Of course! Just make sure to refer to it as the head. 😁
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I’ve got two bathrooms that have shiplap. Just avoid using MDF shiplap and make sure to paint all surfaces!
Feel free to do whatever you want in your own home!
I understand it’s my house and I have the freedom to do as I please, but that’s why we have this group, right? It’s for asking those important questions that I may not have the expertise for. There are plenty of knowledgeable people here who can provide answers based on their experience, so please refrain from just saying ‘it’s your house, do what you want.’
Have you seen the latest slat wall trend? It seems to have surpassed wainscot and ship lap.
With a hint of board and batten sprinkled in here and there…
My apologies, I forgot to mention b+b 🙂 it has been in existence for the longest time.
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It’s your home
The quality depends on them. Personally, I think MDF material is low quality and prone to swelling, peeling, and deteriorating due to humidity.
When it comes to this, LVP is the way to go. It’s waterproof and won’t warp like natural wood does.
I actually got mine from Lowe’s and it came pre-primed. I didn’t need to do anything else to it. It’s been 3 years and it’s still holding up great.
Hey there, I’m May B. Moreno and wanted to mention that this is actually nickel gap made of MDF. Personally, I prefer shiplap.
I have previous experience with that.
If you’re looking to race boats in the tub, that would be the way to go.
I completed mine three years back and it’s still as stunning as ever!
Is this bathroom designed to look like one on a ship?
If you’re loving the style, go for it! After all, it’s your bathroom. I’ve come across some pictures of bathrooms with shiplap and they are absolutely stunning.
But don’t do it in the shower.
Definitely, it is funny.
I personally cut sheets of luan into 6-foot strips for shiplap because buying it pre-made is just too expensive.
Feel free to proceed.
Definitely!
You get to choose your own home!
Make sure to use a high-quality fan with good cfm for controlling moisture. Opt for primed and painted pine shiplap, it will have a similar finish to other surfaces you install.