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Add Farmhouse Charm With Shiplap Under Your Kitchen Bar

Looking to add a touch of vintage allure to your kitchen bar area? Installing shiplap underneath can infuse your breakfast nook or drink rail with rustic farmhouse charm. With its distressed wooden boards and cozy texture, shiplap makes a gorgeous focal point while providing an easy weekend DIY project.

Shiplap brings warmth and personality to any space. Follow this guide to learn all about shiplap, from choosing the perfect boards to designing an inviting farmhouse-style bar that you’ll want to gather around morning, noon, and night.

What is Shiplap and Why Use It Under a Bar?

Shiplap consists of wooden boards with grooved edges that slot together to create a flush, even surface for walls and ceilings. It was originally used for exterior siding on barns and sheds, but is now a popular interior decorating trend thanks to its vintage vibe.

shiplap under kitchen bar

Installing shiplap underneath your kitchen bar or drink rail adds beautiful visual interest to what’s often a blank wall area. The lightly distressed boards create a cozy, textured focal point. Their rustic, reclaimed look instantly brings farmhouse flair. It’s an easy way to make your bar area feel inviting and give it personality.

Overview of Shiplap

The name “shiplap” comes from the grooved edges that allow the boards to overlap tightly. The ridge and channel design enables the wood planks to be installed flush against each other with no visible gaps.

Though once only used for exterior siding, shiplap gained popularity as a stylish interior wall covering after being featured commonly in “Fixer Upper” and other home renovation shows. It fits right in with rustic, vintage, industrial, and farmhouse design aesthetics.

Benefits of Using Shiplap Under a Bar

There are several reasons shiplap makes an excellent choice for the wall area under your kitchen bar or drink rail:

Installing shiplap under your bar is an easy DIY project that allows you to customize with wood finishes and stains you love. It immediately gives your bar area vintage farmhouse charm and a welcoming vibe for gathering with friends and family.

Choosing the Best Shiplap Boards

One of the great things about shiplap is the variety of wood species and finishes available to match your kitchen’s style. Consider the following when selecting boards:

Wood Types

Pine is the most affordable and versatile option. With its visible wood grain, it can be stained, painted, or used as-is. Oak is another great choice that takes stain beautifully. Or consider reclaimed boards from old barns or buildings for added aged character.

Whether using new or salvaged wood, be sure to choose boards free from knots, warping, and other imperfections that can complicate installation.

Board Width and Thickness

Varying board widths (4 to 8 inches) creates visual interest. Thicker boards (3/4 inch) have deeper grooves between planks. Take ceiling height into account, and mock up boards to ensure you like the overall look.

Finishes and Stains

A clear matte polyurethane finish protects the natural wood while allowing its beauty to shine through. For a bolder look, opt for stained or painted shiplap that complements your cabinets and backsplash.

Installing Shiplap Under a Bar

While it takes careful measuring and cutting, installing shiplap under your bar can easily be tackled as a DIY project. Here are the basic steps:

Preparing the Wall

Remove any existing wall coverings down to the bare studs, and ensure the surface is smooth and flat. Mark stud locations for attaching the shiplap boards.

Cutting the Boards

Measure the space carefully and mark where boards will need to be cut to fit. Use a table saw to cut clean edges. Pre-drill boards to prevent splitting when nailed/screwed in.

Installing the Boards

Apply adhesive to the back of boards, then nail or screw them into the wall studs, keeping boards tightly together. Work in sections until the entire area is covered in flawless shiplap.

Finishing Touches

Fill any gaps with wood filler, then sand and paint/stain for your desired look. Caulk along edges and wipe away excess for a seamless finish. Then apply a protective polyurethane coat.

Design Ideas and Inspiration

Ready to envision the shiplap possibilities? Here are some gorgeous ways to incorporate it under bars and drink rails:

Farmhouse Kitchen Bars

Rustic Country Kitchens

Whether you prefer a more polished modern look or genuine reclaimed ambiance, shiplap offers a gorgeous way to give your kitchen bar or drink rail vintage farmhouse charm. Create a space your guests won’t want to leave!