Travelers searching for hotels in Bartlesville OK want more than just a bed. They want character, warmth, and a space that feels like home. Shiplap walls deliver exactly that kind of charm.
Short-term rental owners across the country use shiplap to stand out. It photographs beautifully, appeals to a wide range of guests, and adds lasting value to the property. It is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know. You will learn how to plan, install, and finish shiplap like a pro. Even first-time DIYers can pull this off with the right approach.
What Makes Shiplap a Smart Choice Beyond Hotels in Bartlesville OK
Shiplap is a type of wooden board with a distinctive horizontal groove between each plank. That small gap creates depth and shadow, giving any wall an instant designer look. It works in living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Guests who compare hotels in Bartlesville OK with short-term rentals often choose rentals for the unique feel. Shiplap helps create that feeling fast. It signals quality and thoughtfulness to every guest who walks through the door.
Beyond aesthetics, shiplap is durable. Rental properties take a beating from frequent guests. Solid wood or MDF shiplap resists scuffs and minor impacts better than standard drywall. That durability matters when you manage a busy rental calendar.
Step One: Plan Your Shiplap Project Before You Buy Anything
Start by choosing which wall or room you want to transform. Accent walls in living rooms and bedrooms create the most visual impact. Measure the height and width of each wall carefully.
Multiply the height by the width to get the square footage. Add ten percent extra to account for cuts and waste. This prevents frustrating mid-project supply runs to the hardware store.
Decide on your material next. Real pine shiplap costs more but looks stunning. MDF shiplap is more affordable and works well in low-moisture rooms. Avoid MDF in bathrooms or humid spaces where moisture can cause warping.
Step Two: Gather Your Tools and Materials
You need a few key tools before you start. Gather a level, a stud finder, a nail gun or finish nailer, a miter saw, sandpaper, and wood filler. A chalk line also helps keep rows straight across long walls.
Pick up exterior-grade construction adhesive as well. Many installers use adhesive along with nails for extra holding power. This combination keeps boards from popping loose over time, which matters in a rental property.
Buy painter’s tape, primer, and your chosen paint or stain. Most rental property owners choose a crisp white paint. White shiplap reflects light, makes rooms feel larger, and photographs well for listing photos.
Step Three: Prepare the Wall Surface
Remove any outlet covers, switch plates, and baseboards before you start. Label each piece so reinstalling them is simple. Clean the wall surface to remove dust, grease, or loose paint.
Locate and mark every stud in the wall. Use your stud finder and mark each one with a light pencil line at the top and bottom. Nailing into studs gives your shiplap boards a secure, lasting hold.
If the wall has existing damage, patch it first. Shiplap covers imperfections, but fixing large holes prevents future problems. A smooth, stable wall makes installation faster and cleaner.
Step Four: Install Your First Row Perfectly
Start at the bottom of the wall and work your way up. Use a level to confirm your first board is perfectly horizontal. A crooked first row throws off every board above it.
Apply a thin bead of construction adhesive to the back of the first board. Press it firmly against the wall. Drive finish nails through the board and into each stud you marked earlier.
Leave a small, consistent gap between each board. Many installers use a nickel as a spacer. That uniform gap is what creates the signature shiplap look every guest recognizes and loves.
Step Five: Continue Up the Wall and Handle Outlets
Stack each new row on top of the previous one using your nickel spacers. Check level every few rows to catch any drift early. Small corrections now prevent big problems near the ceiling.
When you reach an electrical outlet, measure its position carefully on the board. Use a jigsaw to cut the opening before you install that board. Always turn off power at the breaker before working near outlets.
Stagger your board joints for a more natural, professional look. Avoid lining up seams in the same spot on adjacent rows. Staggering the joints also adds structural strength to the finished wall.
Step Six: Fill, Sand, and Paint for a Finished Look
Once all boards are up, fill every nail hole with wood filler. Let it dry completely before sanding. Use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth each filled spot flush with the board surface.
Apply a coat of primer over the entire wall. Primer helps paint adhere evenly and covers any color variation in the wood. Let the primer dry fully before applying your topcoat.
Apply two coats of your chosen paint for best results. Use a small brush to get into the gaps between boards. A roller covers the flat surfaces quickly and creates a smooth, even finish.
Why This Upgrade Helps Rentals Compete With Hotels in Bartlesville OK
Travelers increasingly choose short-term rentals over hotels in Bartlesville OK for the unique experience. Shiplap is one of the top design elements guests mention in positive reviews. It makes a rental feel intentional and well-loved.
If you want to explore what well-designed rentals look like, check out the best alternative to hotels in Bartlesville OK for real examples of thoughtfully decorated spaces. Seeing finished interiors helps you plan your own project more effectively.
Design-forward properties book faster and command higher nightly rates. Guests who book hotels in Bartlesville OK spend more per night on average. A shiplap accent wall helps your rental compete at that level without a massive renovation budget.
Maintenance Tips to Keep Shiplap Looking Great for Years
Wipe shiplap walls with a damp cloth to remove dust and smudges between guest stays. Avoid soaking the wood with water. Quick, light cleaning keeps the surface fresh without damaging the finish.
Touch up paint chips and scuffs as soon as you notice them. Keep a small amount of your original paint stored for easy touch-ups. Staying ahead of minor damage prevents it from becoming a costly repair.
Inspect the boards once a year for any signs of warping or separation. Catch any loose boards early and re-nail or re-glue them promptly. Consistent maintenance protects your investment and keeps guests impressed year after year.
Shiplap is a proven, affordable way to transform a rental property. Guests who compare hotels in Bartlesville OK with short-term rentals often choose spaces with character. Give them that character, and they will keep coming back to book your property again and again.
