How to Remove Shiplap without Damaging: DIY Project

Shiplap is a wooden board used to build and decorate homes. The boards have a groove on one edge and a lip on the other, allowing them to be fitted together to create a seamless wall surface.

If you’re unsure whether your wall has shiplap, you can often tell by looking for these grooves and lips.

You might want to remove the shiplap from a wall for many reasons.

Personal preference: If you don’t like the look of the shiplap and want to update your space with a new design style, it might be time to remove it.

Home Renovation: If you’re planning a home renovation and shiplap no longer fits your vision for the space, it might be time to remove it.

Damage or deterioration: If the shiplap has become damaged or shows signs of deterioration, it might be time to remove and repair or replace it.

Selling your home: If you’re planning to sell your home and think shiplap might be a turn-off to potential buyers, then it might be time to remove it and update the space with a more neutral look.

To remove the shiplap from the wall, follow the step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Gather the necessary tools

Gather your tools before starting the project.

Pry bar: A pry bar is a long, thin tool with a flat, pointed end used for prying and lifting objects. It is beneficial for removing shiplap as it can fit into the small gaps between the boards and provide leverage for prying them off the wall.

Hammer: You may also need a hammer to remove any nails or staples holding the shiplap in place.

Nail gun: If you plan to reinstall or replace the shiplap, having the best nail gun for the shiplap will come in handy. Make sure to have a good nailer.

Dust mask: Removing shiplap can create a lot of dust, so it’s a good idea to wear a dust mask to protect your respiratory system.

Step 2: Removing Shiplap from interior walls

Let’s start with the main part.

Locate and remove nails or staples:

• Start by examining the top edge of the shiplap boards, as this is where the nails or staples are most likely to be.
• Carefully pull out any nails or staples you find using the other side of the hammer. Using nippers and levers will work fine. Then, remove them before moving on to the next board.

Prying the shiplap off the wall:

• Once all the nails or staples have been removed, you can start prying the boards off the wall.
• Remember that if the boards are glued, you must put enough effort into removing them.
• Use the pry bar to gently lift the board’s edge and work your way down the length of the board.
• Be sure to work slowly and steadily to avoid damaging the wall or the shiplap.
• If the boards are particularly stubborn, you may need to apply more leverage or use a second pry bar.

Step 3: Dispose of the removed shiplap:

• Once all the shiplap has been removed, you must dispose of it.
• This can be done by breaking the boards into smaller pieces, placing them in a garbage bag, or carrying them to a wood pile or other designated area.
• Be sure to wear protective gloves and responsibly dispose of the shiplap.

Let’s check the video for better clarification.

Safety Tips while removing the shiplap from the wall

No matter what you do, safety always comes first. Follow the safety instructions below.

• Wear protective gloves to avoid splinters and injuries
• Wear a dust mask to protect your respiratory system from dust and debris
• Work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the wall or the shiplap itself

Clean the wall after removing the shiplap

After removing the shiplap, you will find some chalk, nail holes, and glue residue. Follow the steps below to clean the wall.

• Use a spatula to remove the residue of chalk or glue.
• Use Spackling to fill the nail holes. People use chalk to fill the holes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s check out some commonly asked questions.