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28 Shiplap Backsplash Ideas to Warm Up Your Kitchen

By
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel
Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/11/24
shiplap backsplash

Liz Marie Blog

If you are looking to add character and warmth to your kitchen, consider choosing a shiplap backsplash. A traditional material that has come to define modern farmhouse kitchens, shiplap is a versatile wall covering that can work in a range of interiors, from rustic to minimalist. Replace tile above the sink or stovetop with traditional horizontal or modern vertical shiplap.

Check out these shiplap backsplash ideas to inspire your kitchen renovation.

  • 01 of 28

    Shiplap and Shaker Cabinets

    coastal kitchen shiplap backsplash

    Design by Chango & Co. / Photo by Sarah Elliott

    Pair white vertical shiplap walls with Shaker cabinet doors painted in the same color for a crisp modern look. Chango & Co. accented this clean modern space with a mix navy and black fixtures and finishes.

  • 02 of 28

    Natural Vertical Shiplap

    butler's pantry shiplap backsplash

    Marie Flanigan Interiors

    Choose an unpainted natural wood shiplap backsplash to add warmth and definition to an otherwise all-white kitchen or butler's pantry, like this space from Marie Flanigan Interiors.

  • 03 of 28

    Small Shiplap Backsplash

    basement kitchen with shiplap backsplash

    Louis Duncan-He Designs

    Shiplap can add understated texture to a small backsplash, like in this basement kitchen from Louis Duncan-He Designs. The mini beaded shiplap accent wall creates definition beneath the window and above the sink while blending seamlessly with other finishes like white quartz countertops and Shaker base cabinets.

  • 04 of 28

    Shiplap and Soapstone

    farmhouse kitchen backsplash

    Whittney Parkinson Design

    Layer vertical shiplap with dark soapstone to create a backsplash that matches the countertops, like this updated traditional kitchen from Whittney Parkinson Design.

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  • 05 of 28

    Black-and-White Shiplap

    black and white shiplap backsplash

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Alexandra Ribar

    Use paint to define the backsplash of a shiplap accent wall, like this black-and-white kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors that is black on the bottom to match base cabinets, and white on top to retain an airy feel.

  • 06 of 28

    Shiplap + Marble Backsplash

    marble and shiplap backsplash

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Vanessa Lentine

    Layer marble or quartz over shiplap to create a mix of textures in a modern kitchen with a traditional feel, like this space from Mindy Gayer Design Co. White shiplap and gray-and-white marble is paired with taupe base cabinets and black accents to give the space a timeless neutral look.

  • 07 of 28

    Dark Stained Shiplap

    dark shiplap kitchen backsplash

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    A dark brown stain brings out the grain in this vertical shiplap backsplash for a rich feel. The shiplap paneling is complemented by dark countertops, chocolate brown base cabinets, and gold-toned accents in this moody kitchen from Ashley Montgomery Design.

  • 08 of 28

    Shiplap With Colored Tile

    natural shiplap backsplash

    Tyler Karu

    Mix natural shiplap with colored tile for a modern coastal farmhouse look. A rich blue tile backsplash from countertop to ceiling behind the stovetop adds contrast to the honey-toned vertical shiplap throughout this beach house kitchen from Tyler Karu.

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  • 09 of 28

    Two-Tone Shiplap

    shiplap backsplash and range hood

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    Two-tone cabinets are complemented with shiplap painted in both off-white and sage green in this modern traditional kitchen from Ashley Montgomery Design.

  • 10 of 28

    Shiplap With Textured Tile

    shiplap backsplash country kitchen

    deVOL Kitchens

    Layer square backsplash tiles onto shiplap walls to create a textured feel, like this English country space from deVOL Kitchens. The creamy tiles and shiplap are contrasted with pink stone countertops and reclaimed wood window trim, while a lace curtain panel and gold-toned, vintage-style plumbing fixtures add throwback charm.

  • 11 of 28

    Countertop to Ceiling

    white shiplap kitchen backsplash

    Chango & Co.

    Run shiplap from the countertop to the ceiling to make a statement. In this U-shaped kitchen from Chango & Co., a countertop-to-ceiling horizontal shiplap backsplash adds subtle definition to the wall.

  • 12 of 28

    All-Over Shiplap

    shiplap backsplash ideas modern kitchen

    Michelle Berwick Design

    For a modern feel, run shiplap on the walls and ceilings, like this space from Michelle Berwick Design. The shiplap adds warmth to a room with large modern windows and complements terracotta and natural wood finishes.

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  • 13 of 28

    Vertical Pantry Shiplap

    shiplap backsplash kitchen pantry

    Marie Flanigan Interiors

    Pair white Shaker cabinetry with a painted white vertical shiplap backsplash for a low-contrast look that works well in modern farmhouse interior. Marie Flanigan Interiors complemented the white cabinetry and walls with brown countertops and brick tile floors to create a traditional feel in this airy kitchen pantry.

  • 14 of 28

    Coastal Shiplap Backsplash

    shiplap backsplash with embossed tile

    Tyler Karu

    Contrast off-white vertical shiplap with gray-blue base cabinetry for a minimalist, coastal feel. Tyler Karu used vertical shiplap on the backsplash walls and range hood in this Maine kitchen, adding horizontal tile in a textured pattern above the range.

  • 15 of 28

    Cottage Kitchen Shiplap

    shiplap backsplash cottage kitchen

    Becca Interiors

    A shiplap backsplash wall adds contrast with dark wood flooring, ceilings, and floating shelves in this cottage kitchen from Becca Interiors.

  • 16 of 28

    Black Shiplap

    black shiplap backsplash

    deVOL Kitchens

    Pair black base cabinets with a tall black shiplap backsplash for a dramatic feel. In this space from deVOL Kitchens, the saturated black backsplash adds contrast with white walls, countertops, and a vintage-style range.

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  • 17 of 28

    DIY Shiplap

    modern shiplap backsplash

    A Beautiful Mess

    A Beautiful Mess covered up a roughly textured kitchen wall with an inexpensive DIY shiplap backsplash that was less of a project than sanding down and refinishing the walls, and gives the modern kitchen a fresh, homey feel.

    Tip

    To seal shiplap for a backsplash, use a quality primer and durable, moisture-resistant paint. Finish with a heat-resistant and waterproof clear coat to protect the backsplash from water damage or stains.

  • 18 of 28

    Taupe Shiplap

    beige shiplap backsplash

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    A taupe shiplap backsplash with open shelving maximizes vertical space in this kitchen from Ashley Montgomery Design. A brass railing keeps items from tumbling off shelves, while a mix of brass and copper accents and a dark stone countertop adds contrast.

  • 19 of 28

    Pale Wood Shiplap

    natural shiplap backsplash

    deVOL Kitchens

    Traditional horizontal shiplap walls in a pale wood finish create a seamless backsplash above the sink in this country kitchen from deVOL Kitchens.

  • 20 of 28

    Shiplap With Veined Marble

    shiplap backsplash with heavily veined marble

    Tyler Karu

    Combine simple white shiplap with heavily veined marble and natural wood accents for a light, neutral modern feel, like this bright kitchen from Tyler Karu.

    Continue to 21 of 28 below
  • 21 of 28

    Shiplap With Open Shelves

    shiplap backsplash cabin

    Design by Leanne Ford Interiors / Photo by Tessa Neustadt

    Layer a wide shiplap backsplash with bracketed open wood shelving for a rustic feel, like this 1906 cabin kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors that features whitewashed boards on the walls and ceiling with natural hardwood floors. A vintage sink adds charm to the cozy space.

  • 22 of 28

    Matching Window Trim

    shiplap backsplash around kitchen window

    Chango & Co.

    Paint a shiplap backsplash in the same white as the kitchen sink window trim for a cohesive feel, like this kitchen from Chango & Co.

  • 23 of 28

    Shiplap With Peg Rail

    shiplap backsplash with pegrail

    Liz Marie Blog

    Layer a white shiplap backsplash with a painted white Shaker peg rail and storage shelf for a layered farmhouse look, like this cozy kitchen from Liz Marie Blog.

  • 24 of 28

    Shiplap Accent Wall

    shiplap backsplash transitional kitchen

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Vanessa Lentine

    In this airy downstairs kitchen from Mindy Gayer Design Co., a vertical white shiplap accent backsplash wall adds a barely perceptible touch of texture. The backsplash treatment blends well with the other finishes, from the natural shiplap panels on the kitchen island to the dark-stained, exposed wood ceiling.

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  • 25 of 28

    Red Kitchen Backsplash

    red tongue and groove backsplash

    deVOL Kitchens

    Paint your backsplash in a bold color to add personality. This space from deVOL Kitchens mixes dark red cabinetry with a matching backsplash and black granite countertops for a timeless look.

  • 26 of 28

    Modern Farmhouse Shiplap

    shiplap and tile backsplash

    Marie Flanigan Interiors

    Combine a vertical shiplap wall with tile to create a functional backsplash. Marie Flanigan Interiors paired pale gray tile and light wood planks in this modern farmhouse kitchen that add contrast with the exposed warm wood slat ceiling and beams.

  • 27 of 28

    Modern White Shiplap

    modern white shiplap backsplash

    Sissy + Marley Interior Design / Photo by Marco Ricca Studio

    Add texture to a modern black-and-white kitchen with shiplap. Sissy + Marley Interior Design ran a full wall backsplash of vertical white shiplap on the wall behind the sink and finished it with a pair of open shelves.

  • 28 of 28

    Outdoor Kitchen Backsplash

    outdoor kitchen shiplap and stainless steel backsplash

    Marie Flanigan Interiors

    Pair stainless steel and pale wood to create an industrial farmhouse feel. Marie Flanigan Interiors mixed the materials with blue painted base cabinets in this semi-enclosed outdoor kitchen.

Is shiplap backsplash more affordable than tile? 

Shiplap ranges in price depending on the type of wood used, while tile ranges even more widely in price depending on the type and quality of the materials. According to Angi, it costs between $2.50 and $7 per square foot to install shiplap, while ceramic tile costs an average of $25 per square foot to install. 

Is it hard to clean a shiplap backsplash?

Shiplap is a dust magnet, making a shiplap backsplash require regular maintenance to look its best. According to Angi, vertical shiplap will collect less dust than traditional horizontal shiplap. To keep shiplap dust-free, clean the grooves between boards with the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner. Clean shiplap boards with a simple cleaning solution made from water and mild soap, then wipe dry.