DIY Faux Shiplap Tiles - Easy Bathroom Upgrade

Be enchanted by the warm, rustic charm of faux shiplap tiles in your own bathroom. Installing vinyl peel-and-stick wood planks is an easy and budget-friendly way to refresh your space with cozy, cottage style. Read on to learn all about choosing, prepping for, and installing faux shiplap tile backsplashes. We'll provide tips for cutting, planning creative designs, and pulling off this simple but stylish upgrade.

Transforming your bathroom with faux shiplap tile offers many advantages over pricier, more labor-intensive options. The waterproof vinyl material is durable and moisture-resistant, ideal for high-humidity areas. The project requires no special skills, just measure, peel, stick, and you can DIY in a day. And nothing beats the satisfyingly snug look of overlapping "boards" for under $10 per square foot.

Choosing Your Vinyl Plank Tiles

The first step is selecting your vinyl plank tiles. Keep these factors in mind for picking the perfect product.

Tile Material

Vinyl offers practical perks over real wood. It's waterproof, dent-proof, and won't warp or crack. Vinyl stands up to moisture, spills, and everyday wear-and-tear. It's affordable, durable, and provides a realistic wood look. The vinyl surface resists mildew and stains for easy cleaning.

Unlike natural shiplap, vinyl won't swell or deteriorate in humid bathrooms. Cleanup is fuss-free compared to sanding and re-staining real planks. Your backsplash stays looking fresh for years with just occasional wiping.

Style Options

Horizontal planks create a traditional shiplap formation with staggered seams. But vertical orientation puts a modern spin on the classic look. Vertical exudes a sleeker, more contemporary vibe.

Consider including white grout lines between planks for definition. It offers pleasing contrast and visual depth. Or opt for a seamless look with planks flush against each other.

Stained finishes emulate reclaimed barnwood's weathered patina. Painted options in trending hues let you match any color scheme. Keep it neutral for versatility or go bold.

Key Considerations

Standard vinyl plank size is 4 inches wide by 48 inches long. But lengths up to 8 feet are available. Longer planks mean fewer seams.

Aim for 5-7 mm thickness. Too thin and tiles may warp or lift. Overly thick makes intricate cuts tricky.

Inspect wood grain patterns closely. Subtle variations and realistic texture sell the authentic shiplap illusion.

Prepping Your Installation Surface

Preparation is key for a smooth install. Take time to clean and level the surface.

Cleaning and Repairs

Start with a blank canvas. Clean off any existing wall tile or old caulk and adhesive. Fill any divots or holes with spackle so the area is flat.

Remove paint or glossy finishes that could impede vinyl adhesive. The surface should be smooth, clean and dry before installing planks.

Planning Your Layout

Measure your backsplash area and sketch a layout to visualize tile placement. Calculate how many planks you'll need. Add an extra box for insurance and cutting wiggle room.

Figure out plank direction too. Horizontal delivers classic shiplap formation, while vertical sets a more modern mood.

Gather Supplies

Gather materials like vinyl planks, silicone caulk, tile spacers, leveling bar, utility knife, and more. Having tools and tiles ready means you can start installing immediately after proper prep.

Installing Your Faux Shiplap Backsplash

Time to transform your blank canvas into a textured showpiece. Follow these steps for flawless plank placement.

Cutting Planks

Start by measuring and marking plank cuts. Use a utility knife and ruler for straight cuts across planks to desired size. For outlet or fixture cutouts, a jigsaw works best.

Save plank ends and use for starting rows or filling gaps later. Minimize waste by puzzling pieces together.

Applying Planks

Peel off each plank's adhesive backing and firmly press onto the wall. Overlap edges slightly for the layered shiplap effect. Use tile spacers to ensure consistent gaps.

Run your hand across planks or use a leveling bar to ensure all lies flat. Apply even pressure so no corners lift up.

Finishing Touches

Finish by running a silicone caulk bead along all edges and around fixtures. This waterproofs and seals the installation. For a polished look, install coordinating trim pieces where planks meet countertops or walls.

Paint or stain planks with colors matching your style if desired. Protect surrounding surfaces from drips. Let dry fully before use.

Design Ideas and Inspiration

Looking for faux shiplap backsplash style ideas? Here are trendy color schemes, material mixes, and bathroom designs to inspire your project.

Color Scheme and Paint Ideas

Soft greens and blues, warm taupes, and muted grays complement shiplap's natural vibe. For contrast, opt for bright white or black grout lines.

Tie planks to cabinets with coordinating colors. Or let them stand out against bold cabinet hues like navy or emerald.

Dark grout provides definition and dimension. White grout keeps the focus on varied wood grains.

Mixing Materials

Combine with marble, travertine, or subway tiles for eclectic style. Stacked stone trim adds earthy contrast. Or frame planks with sleek metal or black penny tile accents.

Mirroring upper cabinets in natural stone or reclaimed wood maintains the rustic look. Contrast with glass, metal finishes, or ceramic.

Bathroom Styles

Modern bathrooms balance shiplap with smooth stone and polished metals. Black trim and fixtures keep the look luxe.

Cottage bathrooms feature pastel plank colors, floral shower curtains, and painted wood furniture. Give it a beachy twist with sea glass tile inserts.

Contemporary rustic designs incorporate warm wood tones and textured tiles but in a more refined, spa-like way.

FAQ

Get answers to common questions about installing vinyl peel-and-stick shiplap tiles.

Can I install over existing tile?

In most cases, yes. Thoroughly clean and level the existing tile first. Use a primer made for vinyl flooring over tile. This helps the adhesive adhere properly.

How do I cut cleanly around outlets?

Use a jigsaw for outlet cutouts. Clamp a straightedge guide in place so the jigsaw follows an even line. Make multiple shallow passes for a clean edge.

What about moisture and water damage?

Vinyl planks are waterproof, but seal all edges with silicone caulk. Avoid direct water exposure. Immediately wipe up spills and splashes to prevent moisture issues.

Installing vinyl shiplap tile replicates the coveted look of authentic reclaimed boards, minus the hard work and hefty price tag. With just a few affordable supplies and tools, you can easily peel-and-stick your way to a showstopping statement backsplash.

This simple upgrade adds cozy cottage character or modern farmhouse flair to any bathroom. Plus, it's a project that you can DIY in a weekend. Just follow the steps above for choosing tiles, proper prep, and flawless installation.

Revel in the warm, woodsy aesthetic of overlapping planks every time you enter your new rustic-chic oasis. And take pride in completing this budget-friendly remodel yourself. Let us know how your vinyl shiplap tile project turns out!