Shiplap Flooring: Real Benefits, Common Mistakes, and What Works in 2025
When you think of shiplap flooring, a type of wooden floorboard with overlapping edges designed to shed water and create a tight seal. Also known as rabbeted wood flooring, it’s not just a wall finish turned floor — it’s a durable, visually warm option that’s gaining real traction in UK homes. Unlike plain planks, shiplap has that subtle lip on each edge, which helps lock boards together and hides minor gaps from seasonal wood movement. That’s why it’s showing up more often in kitchens, hallways, and even bathrooms — places where moisture and traffic demand both beauty and resilience.
What most people don’t realize is that shiplap flooring, a type of wooden floorboard with overlapping edges designed to shed water and create a tight seal. Also known as rabbeted wood flooring, it’s not just a wall finish turned floor — it’s a durable, visually warm option that’s gaining real traction in UK homes. What most people don’t realize is that wood flooring, a natural material used in residential construction for its warmth, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Also known as hardwood flooring, it requires proper acclimation and underlayment to perform well over time isn’t just about picking the right species. Installation order matters. You can’t just lay it over old vinyl or uneven subfloors and expect it to last. The same rules that apply to floor installation, the process of laying floorboards or tiles with attention to alignment, expansion gaps, and subfloor preparation. Also known as flooring laydown, it’s where many DIY projects fail without proper planning apply here: level subfloor, moisture barrier, room acclimation. Skip those, and even the best shiplap will cup, warp, or squeak within a year.
And it’s not just about the wood. The finish you choose makes a huge difference. A matte oil finish looks natural and hides scratches better than high-gloss polyurethane — which shows every dent and footstep. If you’re going for that modern farmhouse look, narrow planks (4 to 5 inches) with a weathered texture work better than wide, glossy boards. Big, shiny shiplap can feel cheap. But the right one? It adds depth, warmth, and character without looking like a theme park.
Here’s the truth: shiplap flooring isn’t for every room. It’s great in living areas, bedrooms, and hallways. But in high-moisture zones like bathrooms or basements, you need engineered wood with a waterproof core — not solid pine. And if your subfloor is old, uneven concrete, you’re better off with luxury vinyl plank that mimics shiplap without the headaches. It’s not about chasing trends. It’s about matching the material to your space, your lifestyle, and your budget.
Below, you’ll find real posts from homeowners and contractors who’ve installed, repaired, or upgraded their floors with shiplap. Some saved thousands by doing it themselves. Others learned the hard way why skipping the moisture barrier was a mistake. You’ll see what works in UK homes, what doesn’t, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that turn a beautiful floor into a costly regret.
What Flooring Does Joanna Gaines Use? Real Choices from Her Renovations
Joanna Gaines uses warm, wide-plank white oak hardwood with matte finishes in most homes, along with shiplap in historic spaces and matte tile in kitchens and bathrooms. She avoids dark stains, laminate, and glossy floors, favoring natural, lived-in textures that age gracefully.
