I'm currently renovating a small 1940's cottage on a tight budget, which I plan to eventually demolish and rebuild in about 5-10 years. The cottage is water front and sits on a shaky cinder block pier foundation that can shift in winter months, making drywall a bad option since it would crack at the joints. I have to cover about 928 sq feet with something that looks good yet is resistant to movement.
I'm considering using 1/2" sanded plywood for the walls, which I would paint once done. Should I cut the 4x8 sheets into 8-inch strips and route the edges for a shiplap look, or just run my saw down the long side to create a faux nickel gap while leaving the board intact? The former means more work with cutting and routing nearly 180 planks, while the latter is easier but makes installation trickier. Looking for any thoughts or suggestions on how to approach this DIY project!
2 Answers
I like the idea of ripping the plywood down without stressing too much about the shiplap profiles. As long as it’s painted well, the finish can cover up a lot. I’ve done it in other rooms with similar materials and it honestly looks like the real thing after finishing it off.
Buying pre-cut shiplap panels might save you time and hassle. The effort you’d put into cutting and routing plywood could end up costing you more than just purchasing the panels. Plus, it’ll save you the headache of dealing with the installation process later.