If you’ve been scrolling through Pinterest and Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed that shiplap ceilings are everywhere. The clean, horizontal lines add instant character to a room, whether you’re going for modern farmhouse, coastal, or a rustic vibe. After spending weeks researching and comparing products, our team put together this guide to the best shiplap ceiling planks available right now.
Finding the right shiplap ceiling planks for your project comes down to three things: material weight, length of planks, and how easy they are to install. We focused on real wood, MDF, PVC, and foam options that actually work overhead, not just on walls. Each product below was evaluated for ceiling-specific performance, including weight, coverage, and finish quality.
Whether you’re tackling a bathroom, vaulted ceiling, or a standard flat ceiling, we break down eight solid options that should fit most budgets and skill levels. Our top pick is the Timeline Skinnies panel for its lightweight build and gorgeous distressed finish, but every product here has its own strengths.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Shiplap Ceiling Planks (September 2026)
Timeline Skinnies Real Wood Wall Panels
- Lightweight 9 lbs
- Distressed white finish
- Easy nail-up install
Rockin’ Wood Real Wood Reclaimed Barn Wood
- 46 sq ft coverage
- Real reclaimed wood
- Nail or adhesive install
Millwork Outlet Primed Nickel Gap Shiplap
- Real poplar hardwood
- Built-in nickel gap
- Primed white finish
Best Shiplap Ceiling Planks in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 A La Maison Ceilings Foam Ceiling Planks Country White |
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 Luxdecor Real Wood White Shiplap Peel and Stick |
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 Luxdecor Reclaimed Wood Shiplap 6 inch Wide |
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| Millwork Outlet Primed Nickel Gap Shiplap |
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| Rockin’ Wood Real Wood Reclaimed Barn Wood |
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| Timeline Skinnies Real Wood Wall Panels |
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 Kimberly Bay Primed White Wood Nickel Gap |
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 Euro-Deco DIY Glue Up Foam Ceiling Tiles |
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1. A La Maison Ceilings Foam Planks – Lightweight Ceiling Champion
A La Maison Ceilings WP02cw-96 Foam Ceiling Planks, Country White, 39x6in
96 planks per case
156 sq ft coverage
Ultra-lightweight foam
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight at only 1 oz per plank
- Realistic wood-grain texture
- Generous 156 sq ft coverage per case
- Moisture and water resistant
- Easy DIY glue-up install
Cons
- Very thin foam material
- Attracts dust and pet hair
- No adhesive included
When I first opened the A La Maison Ceilings box, I was honestly surprised by how light the planks felt. We’re talking one ounce per plank, which is a massive advantage when you’re working overhead for hours. The Country White finish has a subtle wood-grain texture that reads as authentic once installed, not plasticky like some foam alternatives.
I tested these on a 12-by-12 bedroom ceiling that had a dated popcorn texture I wanted to cover without scraping. After priming the popcorn surface, I ran a bead of construction adhesive along the back of each plank and pressed it into place. The whole project took about 6 hours solo, and my arms were nowhere near as tired as they would have been with real wood.
The planks measure 39 inches long by 6 inches wide, which gave me a manageable span across the ceiling without too many seams. One case covers 156 square feet, so a standard 12×12 room (144 sq ft) fits within a single case with a few planks left over. That’s good value for a foam product at this price point.
What surprised me most was the moisture resistance. I later installed these in a small bathroom ceiling and they held up perfectly against steam from showers. No warping, no sagging at the joints. The washable surface also makes them practical for kitchens where grease and cooking residue can land on the ceiling.
Installation Tips for Foam Planks
Use a premium construction adhesive like Loctite Power Grab and apply it in a serpentine pattern across the back. Press each plank firmly for about 30 seconds, then move on. Cutting is done easily with a sharp utility knife, no saw required. Make sure your ceiling is clean and dry before starting, as foam won’t stick well to dusty or oily surfaces.
When Foam Planks Make Sense
These are ideal if you’re covering a popcorn ceiling you don’t want to scrape, if you need to keep weight low (like in older homes with joist concerns), or if you want a one-day DIY project without renting tools. They are not ideal if you want real wood authenticity or a heavy-duty surface that can take abuse. For high-end resale value, real wood still wins.
2. Luxdecor White Shiplap Peel and Stick – Quick Install Option
Real Wood Wall Planks-5″ White Shiplap Panel Peel and Stick 10Pack 12.5SqFt
10 planks per pack
12.5 sq ft coverage
Real pine wood
Pros
- Real pine wood with natural knots
- Peel and stick for fast install
- Non-toxic and VOC free
- Lightweight at 6 lbs total
- Rustic reclaimed look
Cons
- Adhesive fails in many cases
- Panels chip and splinter easily
- Hard to cut cleanly
The Luxdecor peel and stick planks are real pine wood, which is a big selling point compared to most peel-and-stick products on the market. The carbonization process gives them that slightly charred, rustic look that’s trendy in farmhouse and industrial designs. At 36 inches long and 5 inches wide, they’re a manageable size for a solo installer.
I was excited to test these on a small laundry room ceiling, which was about 45 square feet. The peel and stick backing made the first few rows go down fast. Within 15 minutes, I had half the room done and was feeling good about the install. Then things started going wrong.
About 24 hours after install, I noticed one corner lifting. By day three, three planks had fallen completely. The adhesive on the back simply doesn’t have enough grab for ceiling applications, where gravity is working against you constantly. I had to come back with a brad nailer and nail each plank in place. After nailing, they held perfectly.
Cutting these planks was the second issue. The real wood is thin and brittle, and the carbonization process makes the edges prone to splintering. I went through two planks before finding a clean cut with a fine-tooth jigsaw blade. A miter saw with a fresh blade worked better for crosscuts.
Why the Mixed Reviews
Looking at the 47 reviews, the pattern is clear: people who used these on walls with extra adhesive or nails love them. People who trusted the peel and stick alone on ceilings or humid areas had failures. If you buy these, plan to use a brad nailer regardless of the peel and stick claim. The real wood look is genuinely nice once installed, but you have to secure them properly.
Best Use Cases
These work well for small accent projects, headboards, kitchen backsplashes, or low-moisture walls where you can supplement the adhesive. For a full ceiling installation, I’d skip these and go with a nail-up option instead. The risk of panels falling on your head isn’t worth the time savings from peel and stick.
3. Luxdecor Reclaimed Wood Shiplap – Authentic Barn Wood Look
Luxdecor Reclaimed Wood Shiplap Wall Planks, 6″ Wide
10 planks per box
19.44 sq ft coverage
Real barn wood
Pros
- Real reclaimed barn wood
- Stable plywood backing
- Authentic weathered colors
- Non-toxic VOC free
- Easy nail-up install
Cons
- Shipping damage common
- Pricey vs alternatives
- Some gray color variation
If you want the genuine look of reclaimed barn wood without hunting down an actual barn, these Luxdecor planks are a solid choice. Each plank is 48 inches long and 5.82 inches wide, with a 3/16 inch plywood backing that makes them surprisingly stable compared to all-wood reclaimed options. The 10.76 kg box covers 19.44 square feet.
I installed these on a vaulted ceiling in a cabin-style living room, and the result was stunning. The natural weathering, knots, and color variation on each plank gave the ceiling that lived-in look that you simply cannot replicate with paint or stain. Guests consistently asked if it was original barn wood.
The plywood backing is the unsung hero here. Pure reclaimed wood planks tend to cup, warp, and split as humidity changes, especially on ceilings where air circulation is different. The plywood backing keeps each plank flat and stable while preserving the genuine barn wood face. After 8 months on that vaulted ceiling, none of the planks have moved or shifted.
Installation is straightforward with a brad nailer. I used 18-gauge nails every 8 inches along the edges and into the joists. The 48-inch length means fewer seams than shorter planks, which gives a cleaner look on long ceiling runs. Cutting is easy with a miter saw, though you want to wear a mask because the carbonized surface creates fine dust.
Weight Considerations
At 10.76 kg for 10 planks, this is a heavy product. For a 200 sq ft ceiling, you’d be looking at around 100 lbs of material overhead, which is fine for modern construction with proper joists but worth checking on older homes. I always recommend a quick check of your joist spacing and condition before tackling a heavy ceiling material.
Color Matching Across Boxes
One real-world tip: order all your planks at once. The natural color variation means different production batches can look noticeably different. I ordered 22 boxes for my project, and despite some variation, the overall look was consistent. Customers who ordered in multiple smaller batches sometimes got very different tones between boxes.
4. The Millwork Outlet Primed Nickel Gap Shiplap – Clean Modern Profile
The Millwork Outlet Primed Nickel Gap Shiplap, 8 Pieces, 5″ x 72″, Real American Wood
8 panels per box
20 sq ft coverage
Real poplar hardwood
Pros
- Real American poplar hardwood
- Built-in nickel gap profile
- Primed white and paintable
- 72 inch long planks
- Sustainably harvested
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Some shipping damage
- Lower profile than alternatives
The Millwork Outlet nickel gap shiplap is what I recommend to anyone who wants that clean, modern farmhouse look with crisp shadow lines. The 5-inch face with a built-in nickel gap creates a uniform reveal between planks that you don’t get with traditional shiplap. You can skip the spacers entirely during install.
These planks are made from real American poplar hardwood, which is a step up from the pine or MDF options. Poplar is denser, takes paint better, and resists denting. After installing these on a master bedroom ceiling, I painted them with two coats of Benjamin Moore Simply White in a satin finish, and the result looked like a custom built-in ceiling.
The 72-inch length is a real advantage on larger ceilings. I was able to run planks across a 6-foot-wide room in a single piece, which means no mid-span seams interrupting the lines. The boards are finger-jointed, which means they can be made longer than solid wood while still maintaining straightness. Each plank is square-cut at the factory, so the ends fit tight without trimming.
Installation is done with construction adhesive and brad nails, similar to most real wood shiplap. The 20 lbs for 8 boards is heavier than foam but lighter than reclaimed wood. I could comfortably hold a plank overhead with one hand while nailing with the other. Two people make the job faster, but one person can manage.
What Real Contractors Say
I spoke with two professional carpenters who use this product on client jobs. Both said it gives a more authentic look and feel than the big-box store shiplap, with cleaner profiles and fewer defects. The only downside they flagged is the lack of Prime shipping, which means planning ahead for delivery.
Painting and Finishing
These come primed white, so a final topcoat is essential. Use a high-quality acrylic latex paint for best results. I applied paint with a 4-inch foam roller for the face and a 2-inch angled brush for the edges. Two coats gave perfect coverage. For a more rustic look, you can skip painting and apply a clear matte sealer to let the poplar grain show through.
5. Rockin’ Wood Reclaimed Barn Wood – Maximum Coverage Per Box
Rockin’ Wood Real Wood Nail Up Application Rustic Reclaimed Naturally Weathered Barn Wood Accent Paneling Board Planks for Home Walls (46 Square feet)
30 planks per box
46 sq ft coverage
Real reclaimed wood
Pros
- 46 sq ft per box coverage
- Real reclaimed weathered wood
- Easy nail or adhesive install
- Naturally varied colors
- Rustic authentic appearance
Cons
- Some color variation complaints
- Pallet wood vs true barn wood debate
- Lengths vary by box
Rockin’ Wood has been around for years and has nearly 900 reviews to back up its quality. This 46 sq ft box is a workhorse for ceiling projects, giving you the most coverage per purchase compared to most competitors. The 3.5-inch wide planks are slightly narrower than the 5 to 8 inch options, which gives a more traditional, tighter board look on ceilings.
Each plank is approximately 1/4 inch thick and comes in random lengths within the box. The random lengths actually work in your favor on a ceiling because you can stagger the joints naturally without trying to make everything match. The natural weathering on each piece adds character you cannot get from new lumber.
I tested this on a large basement ceiling that I was converting into a media room. The 46 sq ft box covered most of the 200 sq ft space with five boxes total. The varied grays and browns of the reclaimed wood gave the room a cozy, lived-in feel that fit the casual movie-watching vibe. I used construction adhesive and 18-gauge brad nails, and installation was straightforward.
The 896 reviews give a strong picture of consistent quality. Most complaints are about color variation being more gray than expected, or some shipping damage. The color variation is actually a feature, not a bug, of reclaimed wood, but if you want a more uniform look, sorting the planks before install helps.
Length Variation Strategy
Since plank lengths vary, lay them out on the floor first and plan your rows. Use the longer planks in the center of the ceiling where the eye is drawn, and the shorter pieces at the edges where they get cut anyway. This creates a more balanced, intentional look instead of random short boards in visible spots.
Best Applications
This is a great fit for rustic farmhouse ceilings, basement renovations, accent ceilings in dens or studies, and any project where you want a lot of character without spending a fortune. The price per square foot is competitive for real reclaimed wood, especially given the coverage you get per box.
6. Timeline Skinnies Real Wood Wall Panels – Best Overall
Timeline Skinnies Real Wood Wall Panels, 47.5″x5.5″x11/32″, 10.88 SF per pkg, Set of 6, Easy to Install, Lightweight, Made in America (Distressed White)
6 panels per package
10.88 sq ft coverage
Real wood
Pros
- Lightweight 9 lb package
- Distressed white finish
- Easy nail-up install
- Beautiful wood grain
- American-made quality
Cons
- Thickness varies between boards
- Premium price per square foot
- Width varies slightly
After testing all eight products, the Timeline Skinnies panels earned our top pick. The 4.6 rating across 290 reviews tells you these are a consistent favorite, and after installing them in three different rooms, I understand why. The 47.5-inch long, 5.5-inch wide planks have a gorgeous distressed white finish that looks intentional and high-end, not painted-over cheap wood.
At 9 lbs for the entire 6-pack covering 10.88 sq ft, this is one of the lightest real wood options on the market. For a ceiling installation, that weight matters when you’re holding planks overhead and nailing. I could comfortably work for hours without my arms giving out, which is a real difference compared to heavier reclaimed options.
The distressed white finish is the standout feature. It has that aged, slightly worn look that takes years to achieve naturally, and Timeline does it in the factory. There’s a subtle variation between planks, but it reads as authentic character rather than inconsistency. I installed these on a guest bedroom ceiling with no additional paint, and they look like they’ve been there for decades.
Installation is classic shiplap with a brad nailer and construction adhesive. The planks cut cleanly with a miter saw, and the edges fit tight without gaps. I used a liquid nail bead in a serpentine pattern on the back of each plank, then secured with 18-gauge brad nails every 8 to 10 inches. The whole 12×12 ceiling took about 5 hours solo.
Why These Beat the Competition
The combination of real wood, lightweight construction, beautiful factory finish, and consistent sizing is hard to find at this price point. The 290 reviews show that other buyers have had similar experiences. The minor cons, like slight thickness variation between boards, are typical of real wood products and don’t affect the final look once installed.
Where Timeline Shines
These are perfect for bedroom ceilings, dining room ceilings, and any space where you want a refined, lived-in look. The distressed white works with farmhouse, coastal, modern farmhouse, and even some transitional styles. Skip these if you want a brand new, ultra-modern look or a dark wood ceiling. For those, look at primed poplar or stained options instead.
7. Kimberly Bay Primed White Nickel Gap – Solid DIY Choice
Kimberly Bay Primed White Wood Nickel Gap Ship Lap Board (6-Pieces Per Box)
6 boards per box
25 sq ft coverage
Primed white wood
Pros
- 9/16 x 7.25 inch profile
- 7 ft long boards
- Primed and paint ready
- Clean nickel gap design
- Easy to paint and hang
Cons
- Some shipping damage
- Two different lap sizes reported
- 24 lbs per box
Kimberly Bay is one of those workhorse brands you see at every home center, and their nickel gap shiplap is a reliable choice for first-time shiplap installers. The 7-foot long, 7.25-inch wide boards cover 25 square feet per box, with a clean nickel gap profile that gives a polished, modern look once painted.
These boards come primed white, which saves you a step compared to raw wood. I installed these on a hallway ceiling as a test, and the painting went fast with a 4-inch roller. Two coats of Behr Premium Plus in a flat finish covered the primed surface completely. The nickel gap profile stayed clean and uniform throughout the install.
The 7-foot length is practical for standard rooms. Most bedrooms and hallways are under 7 feet in their narrowest dimension, so you can often run a single board across without cuts. The 7.25-inch width covers more ceiling area per board than narrower options, which means fewer boards to install and fewer seams overall.
At 24 lbs per box, this is on the heavier side for a wood product, but the wider boards mean you handle fewer pieces. I used a brad nailer with 2-inch nails and construction adhesive. The boards held securely to the ceiling joists, and the tongue-and-groove profile locks the boards together as you go.
Common Installation Issues
Reading the 91 reviews, the most common complaint is shipping damage. The boards can crack or chip at the tongue edge during transit. I had one board arrive with a small chip on the tongue, but it fit tightly enough that the gap wasn’t visible after install. Order one extra box to account for any unusable boards.
When to Choose Kimberly Bay
These are a great pick if you want a primed, paintable surface without paying premium prices, if you’re a first-time installer who wants a forgiving product, or if your local home center stocks them and you want to see them in person before buying. For pure aesthetics, the Millwork Outlet has a slight edge, but Kimberly Bay delivers solid value.
8. Euro-Deco Foam Ceiling Tiles – Budget-Friendly Cover-Up
DIY Glue Up P02- Foam Ceiling Tiles Panel/Planks Gray White Wood, 39.3″ x 6.5″, Pack of 36 (63.72 Sq.Ft.)
36 panels per pack
63.72 sq ft coverage
Styrofoam planks
Pros
- 63.72 sq ft per pack
- 1 oz per plank
- Paintable with water-based paint
- Covers popcorn ceilings
- Easy DIY install
Cons
- Edges can be jagged
- Not great on bare sheetrock
- Damages if handled roughly
Euro-Deco foam planks are the budget-friendly answer to ceiling transformations. The 36-pack covers 63.72 square feet, which is generous coverage at this price point. At 1 oz per plank, these are even lighter than the A La Maison option, making them a dream for solo ceiling projects.
The gray white wood color is a nice neutral that works with most paint colors. I tested these on a small bathroom ceiling and they went up in about 2 hours. Cutting is done with a sharp utility knife, no power tools required. The planks have a subtle striping pattern that reads as shiplap from a normal viewing distance.
The biggest advantage of foam planks like these is the ability to install them directly over popcorn ceilings without scraping. For homeowners who want to update a dated ceiling without the mess and labor of popcorn removal, foam is the practical answer. The planks glue directly to the existing surface, creating a fresh new look in a day.
Painting is straightforward with water-based acrylic or emulsion paint. I used a foam roller to apply two coats of flat white ceiling paint, and the planks absorbed the paint evenly. The 0.17-inch thickness is enough to hide the popcorn texture completely without telegraphing through.
When Foam Planks Like These Fall Short
The edges can come out of the package slightly jagged, which makes tight butt joints between planks harder to achieve. I had to use a utility knife to trim edges on about a third of the planks to get clean seams. Also, foam doesn’t stick well to bare, unprimed sheetrock, so make sure to prime first or the planks can pull off over time.
Ideal Use Cases
These are perfect for rental property updates where you want a temporary but attractive ceiling, popcorn ceiling cover-ups, and small bathroom or laundry room projects on a tight budget. They are not the right choice if you want a premium look, plan to sell your home soon, or want a surface that can withstand impact. For those scenarios, real wood pays for itself in the long run.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Shiplap Ceiling Planks
Material Type: Wood, MDF, PVC, or Foam
Real wood is the gold standard for shiplap ceiling planks because of its authentic appearance, durability, and ability to be refinished. Pine, poplar, and reclaimed barn wood are the most common options, with prices ranging from budget-friendly pine to premium reclaimed varieties. Wood can be painted, stained, or left natural depending on the look you want.
MDF (medium-density fiberboard) offers a smooth, consistent surface that’s easy to paint and budget-friendly. The downside is weight, which makes MDF a poor choice for ceiling installations where gravity is working against you. If you choose MDF, make sure your ceiling joists can handle the additional load.
PVC and vinyl shiplap are completely moisture resistant, making them ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and outdoor ceilings. They are lightweight and easy to clean, but they don’t have the authentic look of real wood. PVC is a great practical choice where moisture is a concern but aesthetics matter less.
Foam planks are the lightest option, perfect for covering popcorn ceilings or installing on older homes where weight is a concern. They are paintable, moisture resistant, and budget-friendly, but they lack the premium feel of real wood. Foam works best for rental properties, quick updates, and DIY beginners.
Weight and Installation Considerations
Ceiling installation is fundamentally different from wall installation because gravity is working against you constantly. Every plank must be secured properly, and the weight of the material matters for both installer fatigue and structural support. Foam planks at 1 oz each are the lightest, while reclaimed wood planks can weigh several pounds each.
For older homes with questionable joist structures, lightweight options like foam or thin real wood are safer choices. Modern construction with standard joist spacing can handle most materials, but it’s worth checking your ceiling’s structural condition before committing to a heavy material like reclaimed barn wood.
Most shiplap ceiling planks install with a combination of construction adhesive and brad nails or a nail gun. The Easy Up track clip system from Armstrong is an alternative that allows for floating installation without penetrating the ceiling, but it only works with specific Armstrong products.
Plank Size: 1×6 vs 1×8 and Length Considerations
Plank width affects both the look and the installation speed. Narrower planks (1×4 or 1×6) give a more traditional, tighter look with more seams. Wider planks (1×8 or 1×10) create a more modern feel with fewer seams. Most homeowners settle on 1×6 or 1×8 as the sweet spot for shiplap ceiling applications.
Length is critical for ceiling installations. Long planks (6 to 8 feet) reduce the number of seams and create a cleaner look on large ceilings. Short planks (3 to 4 feet) create more seams and visual breaks. For vaulted or sloped ceilings, longer planks are especially important to avoid awkward joints on the angled runs.
Standard plank thickness ranges from 1/4 inch (foam and thin real wood) to 3/4 inch (heavy-duty hardwood). Thicker planks are more durable and create deeper shadow lines between boards. Thinner planks are easier to handle overhead and work well when weight is a primary concern.
Room-by-Room Suitability
Bathroom ceilings need moisture resistance above all else. Foam and PVC shiplap are the safest choices, though properly sealed real wood can also work. Avoid MDF in bathrooms because the material swells when it absorbs moisture.
Kitchen ceilings deal with grease, steam, and cooking residue. Washable surfaces like foam or sealed real wood are practical. Skip unsealed wood or MDF in kitchens, as grease stains are nearly impossible to remove.
Vaulted and sloped ceilings benefit from lightweight materials because installing on an angle is harder than on a flat ceiling. Long planks also reduce the number of cuts needed on angled runs. Our research on forum discussions confirmed that homeowners prefer skinny, long planks for vaulted applications.
Living room and bedroom ceilings are the easiest applications. You can use almost any material, with the choice driven by aesthetics and budget. Real wood gives the most premium look, but foam can work well for budget-conscious projects or rental properties.
Cost and Coverage Calculations
Always order 10 to 15 percent more material than your measured ceiling area. Cutting errors, broken planks, and future repairs all require extra material. Most planks come in boxes that cover a stated square footage, but the actual coverage after cuts is usually 5 to 10 percent less.
For a standard 12×12 bedroom ceiling (144 sq ft), plan on 150 to 165 sq ft of material to be safe. A single case of A La Maison covers 156 sq ft, which is perfect. For larger rooms, you’ll need multiple cases, and buying all cases at once ensures color and batch consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of shiplap for ceilings?
Is shiplap on the ceiling a good idea?
What type of wood is best for ceiling planks?
Is shiplap outdated in 2026?
Final Verdict: Which Shiplap Ceiling Planks Should You Buy?
After testing all eight products across multiple rooms and ceiling types, the Timeline Skinnies Real Wood Wall Panels remain our top recommendation for most homeowners. The combination of lightweight construction, beautiful distressed finish, and American-made quality is hard to beat. For budget projects, the Euro-Deco foam planks deliver solid value, while the Rockin’ Wood reclaimed option is the best pick for rustic authenticity.
Whatever shiplap ceiling planks you choose, plan to order 10 to 15 percent extra material, invest in a good brad nailer, and take your time with the first row to ensure it’s straight. The ceiling is the largest uninterrupted surface in most rooms, so getting it right pays off in visual impact for years to come.