Give Your Kitchen Island a New Life with Stunning Nautical Ship Lap

If your kitchen island is looking a little lackluster lately, a ship lap makeover can give it a fresh new look in a weekend. Ship lap is a classic wood paneling style made from overlapping horizontal boards that creates gorgeous texture and visual interest. Adding ship lap to your existing island framework infuses it with breezy nautical charm and coastal cottage vibes. The rustic-chic shiplap also pairs perfectly with industrial, farmhouse or modern kitchen designs.

We'll share inspiration for achieving different design styles, steps for prepping and installing ship lap, pro finishing techniques, and extra details to complete your stunning new focal point. With a little diligence and our guidance, you can easily ship lap your way to a showstopping island on a budget!

Ship Lap Kitchen Island Inspiration

The versatile ship lap wood paneling can adapt to all different kitchen aesthetics when installed on an island. Here are some inspiring ways to incorporate shiplap into popular design styles:

Rustic Farmhouse Style

In farmhouse kitchens, natural wood tones and textures take center stage. Weathered gray shiplap paired with a reclaimed wood butcher block countertop instantly gives your island a vintage vibe. For a more refined farmhouse feel, try crisp white ship lap with visible wood beams overhead. Wrought iron fixtures and antique accents like an apothecary jar filled with utensils complement the look perfectly.

Coastal Cottage Look

Nothing evokes laidback coastal charm like breezy white shiplap paired with light blue cabinetry. To play up the beach house vibe, opt for wider ship lap boards and undermount sink bases with scalloped aprons. Weathered driftwood, woven raffia pendant lights and reclaimed wood barstools enhance the casual, waterfront cottage aesthetic.

Modern Industrial Edge

The clean lines of ship lap add great texture and visual interest to sleek, contemporary kitchens. For an urban loft look, use Gray-stained shiplap with exposed pipe shelving and black metal hardware. unfinished. Or pairrough-sawn, raw wood ship lap with concrete countertops and matte black fixtures for an ultra-modern, industrial feel.

Preparing Your Kitchen Island for Ship Lap

Installing ship lap on your existing island requires a bit of prep work. Here are the key steps to get your framework ready:

Step 1: Remove Existing Surfaces

Start by taking off any existing countertops, panels, doors and hardware from your island. This exposes the underlying frame so you can install ship lap directly onto the cabinet box. Carefully detach any surfaces with a pry bar, making sure not to damage the base structure. Tip: If your current island surface or doors are still in good shape, save them! You can reinstall them later over the ship lap if desired.

Step 2: Sand the Island Frame

Next, thoroughly sand the entire island framework with 120 to 150 grit sandpaper to smooth any imperfections. This removes splinters, rough edges, and flaws so your ship lap boards install flush. If your island is currently painted, make sure to scuff sand the surface and wipe it down with a tack cloth. Apply 1-2 coats of primer to the painted wood to prep it for the best adhesion with construction adhesive.

Step 3: Add Support Boards

Check that the underlying island structure is sturdy enough to hold the ship lap without sagging or warping. Add vertical support boards to reinforce as needed - 1x2 furring strips work perfectly. You can also nail in horizontal crossboards around the island perimeter to have backing to attach the ship lap to. Use scrap plywood to patch any holes or gaps before installing your shiplap.

Installing Ship Lap on Your Island

Now comes the fun part - it's time to add the gorgeous ship lap! Follow these steps for a smooth installation:

Step 1: Measure and Cut Ship Lap Boards

Take careful measurements of your entire island cabinet box, including any doors, drawers and overhangs. Transfer the dimensions to the ship lap boards and cut them to size with a miter saw for perfect fits. Remember to account for the overlap design - cut the boards so the edges interlock approximately 1 inch. Pro Tip: Allow 1/8 inch gaps between the ship lap boards for expansion and contraction of the wood.

Step 2: Drill and Attach Boards

Drill pilot holes near the edges of each board to prevent splitting. Position the first board against your top cross support and attach by nailing it into place with 2" finish nails every 8 to 12 inches. Use scrap boards as spacers to leave even gaps between boards. Continue nailing remaining ship lap in overlapping rows until you've covered the entire island surface and sides. To keep your ship lap flat and flush, be sure to nail each board only along the top edge that meets the support board. The bottom overlapping edge remains loose and floats over the next row.

Step 3: Fill Nail Holes and Sand

Go over the entire island and use wood filler to patch any visible nail holes or gaps in the shiplap seams. Let dry completely, then lightly sand the boards with 220 grit sandpaper to achieve a smooth, even surface. This prep work makes finishing steps like staining or painting easier.

Finishing Your Ship Lap Island

Your DIY shiplap island needs a finished protective coating for longevity and easy cleaning. Here are popular finishing options to give it that coastal charm:

Staining Ship Lap

For a natural wood look, your best bet is staining the shiplap. Use rags to wipe on oil-based stain in your desired hue - lighter maple or oak tones work well in cottage kitchens. For deeper contrast, go for walnut or espresso shades. Finish with 3 coats of high-gloss marine polyurethane sealer to stand up to kitchen wear.

Painting Ship Lap

To brighten up your space, opt for painted ship lap instead. Start by priming all the boards with an oil bonding primer like Kilz. Then paint with two coats of cabinet-grade latex paint in your choice of coastal-inspired colors like sea glass green or pale blue. For texture, try using a small roller instead of a brush for slight stippling.

Adding Trim

Frame your stunning shiplap with decorative trim for extra visual pop. Add crown molding at the top and bun feet or corbels at the base. Use white beadboard panels on the sides or weathered wood frames around cabinet doors. Contrasting colors like navy blue on the shiplap and crisp white on the trim make all the details stand out.

Design Touches for Your New Ship Lap Island

Enhance your island's ship lap transformation with these special details to tie the whole nautical design together:

Stylish Countertops

Butcher block, marble, concrete and reclaimed wood all pair beautifully with ship lap islands. Butcher block offers warmth and contrast. Marble and concrete give an elegant, upscale look. Reclaimed wood adds character - try using old barn boards or roof rafters.

Statement Lighting

Draw the eye upward and cast a romantic glow over the island with pendant lights. Opt for rustic lantern fixtures, woven rope pendants with Edison bulbs or hammered metal marine lights. Classic ship wheel sconces on the sides enhance the seafaring vibe.

Eye-Catching Hardware

Swap out standard hardware for maritime accents that pop against the ship lap. Try galvanized metal, rubbed bronze or aged brass fixtures. Knotted rope handles also complement the rustic coastal look. Display plates on built-in plate racks for easy access.

Complementary Bar Stools

Match your light fixtures with equally stylish seating. Woven seagrass or rattan stools merge coastal and cottage charm. Recovered stools in navy add a pop of contrasting color. For an industrial edge, opt for iron-based stools with tractor seats in neutral leather.

Caring for and Maintaining Your Ship Lap Island

With proper care, your DIY ship lap island can look pristine for years to come. Follow these tips to keep it in ship shape:

• Use coasters, trivets and cutting boards to protect the surface from hot pans, spills and knife scratches.
• Dust occasionally with a soft brush or dry cloth to prevent buildup in seam cracks.
• Blot spills quickly with a clean towel to prevent staining or water marks.
• Reapply fresh coats of polyurethane or paint as needed over time to maintain the finish.
• Avoid excessive moisture that could warp boards - promptly wipe up wet spills and leaks.

Reviving a worn-out kitchen island with stunning ship lap panels can completely transform your space. This charming wood finish adds delightful coastal character, visual texture, and new life to any existing island frame. With strategic inspiration and our step-by-step guidance, you can successfully install gorgeous ship lap to create a jaw-dropping new focal point. Your kitchen will radiate refined rustic style with a brilliant ship lap makeover!