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Should I butt ship lap planking againt a wall or leave a gap?

Should I butt ship lap planking againt a wall or leave a gap?


  #1  
Old 01-12-23, 11:11 AM
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Should I butt ship lap planking againt a wall or leave a gap?

I'm installing ship lap planking on a inside warm bathroom wall, it will have stain and poly on both sides of the board. Should I butt both ends tight against the drywall or should I leave a little gap at the ends?
 
  #2  
Old 01-12-23, 11:48 AM
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I would probably install a thin solid board on the ends, and butt the planks into that... kind of like what you would do with siding at an inside corner. The board can also be stained and poly'd but on the other side it will make a nice straight line to caulk and paint.
 
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  #3  
Old 01-13-23, 08:06 AM
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Wasn't sure if the planking would expand and contract, that's why I was asking if I needed a gap or not...
 
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Old 01-13-23, 10:15 AM
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You can make it tight, it will only expand and contract a miniscule amount. The board is more for future ease in painting a straight line, assuming the planks are horizontal... without having to paint any indentations.
 
  #5  
Old 01-13-23, 11:50 AM
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I butted a piece of solid wood against the ends of the shiplap that I used to surround my fireplace. I think you will be pleased with the appearance if you do it that way.
 
 

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