Recommended Nail Guns for Installing Shiplap
Having the right tools for the job of installing shiplap is vital for efficiency and speed. Whether installing shiplap or fixing existing shiplap, you’re going to need a nail gun that can handle the job. Using a great nail gun can help speed up the project and save you valuable time.
For these kinds of projects, a good nail gun can help speed along the progress without having to use so much energy to get the job done. The market for nail guns is rich with options and can be intimidating if you don’t know what to look for.
We did the research for you to find the best options for nail guns. We think these options will help get the job done.
How Do You Hang Shiplap?
When hanging shiplap on a sub-surface make sure that your surface is clear and everything is removed. Make sure there aren’t any nails sticking out or clumps of putty left on the surface. You’ll want to use a 18 gauge nailer with 1 3/4″ to 2 1/4″ brad nails. If you’re using traditional shiplap planks, make sure to top edge which has the grove or cut out section is under the corresponding grove on the next plank. Shiplap traditionally has a 1/8″ space. To accomplish this you can use a 1/8″ tile spacer to get the correct spacing. Slide just one end of the space between the planks. Use a stud finder to find all of the studs and then mark them with a chalk line. It will make the install easier in the long run.
You’ll need to cut the planks to stagger the cut ends. Do this in rows and repeat from bottom to top until you complete the wall.
What is Shiplap?
Shiplap has been made popular recently due to it’s exposure on reality TV. Simple put shiplap is a kind of wooden board that is used for constructing barns, sheds or in rustic houses. Shiplap has groves in it that allow it to fit together and give it a distinct look. One of the things that makes shiplap unique is how each board or plank is prepared for installation. The cut pieces are installed horizontally and have grooves that allow each plank to have an overlapping effect and fit together nicely. This is called a tongue and groove fit. The interlocking system was created to seal the wall for protection from the elements and make it less prone to buckling. The modern use of shiplap has less to do with protection from the elements and more to do with the unique visual effect that the small spacesbetween the planks have. It gives the wall character and depth that it wouldn’t have with paint alone.
1. BOSTITCH Nail Gun, Brad Nailer, Smart Point, 18GA (Highest Rated)
The Bostitch Nail Gun, Brad Nailer is one of the best on the market. This nailer is great for finish work including shiplap, kitchen cabinetry, paneling and baseboards. It’s Smart Point technology makes nail placement easy because it has a smaller nose. It also has a tool free jam release that helps getting jammed nails out easily. It drives 18 GA brad nails from 5/8″ to 2-1/8″ length. It is also oil-free and this helps to reduce the risk of oil stains on your finish project. The ergonomic shape makes it easy on your hand and wrist for jobs that take a substantial amount of time.
Review:
This nail gun is very nice. It replaced an old 18 gauge gun I had bought used from a neighbor who was moving. I had no idea what I was missing. Quality construction, no jams, and the nailing point makes it easy to shoot nails in at an angle where my other one had to be depressed fully before it would nail, making angles very difficult or impossible. I’ve used it on installing a new exterior door where a window used to be and on the exterior stairs going up to the door (as a temporary hold). I look forward to using this on many many projects—seems like it will last a very long time but I’ll keep my review updated!
5 Fun Shiplap Facts
