How to Install Shiplap on a 3 Sided Fireplace | Step by Step Guide

Task Category: Specialty

Skill Level: 3

Shiplap is commonly used for fireplace wraps due to its clean, rustic aesthetic and ease of installation. In this application, shiplap adds a touch of farmhouse charm while providing a durable, structured surface that frames the fireplace beautifully, making it a focal point of the room. The overlapping edges of shiplap boards create subtle shadow lines that enhance the architectural detail and give the wrap a cohesive, finished look. Installing shiplap on three sides around a fireplace also helps to hide seams and creates a seamless, polished appearance, which complements various interior styles, from traditional to modern rustic. This SOP ensures a precise installation that emphasizes both the visual appeal and functional stability of the shiplap wrap around the fireplace.

Tools Needed

Hand tools, miter saw, table saw, framing square, ladder, sander, glue gun, vertical laser, 6' level

Supplies

Wood glue, construction adhesive

Materials

Shiplap, scrap pine or poplar 1x4

Quality Check Criteria:

• All boards are level and tight together

• All miters are glued

Process To Install Shiplap On A 3 Sided Fireplace

1. Measure: Find the widest point of the fireplace using a vertical laser or 6' level, then add 1/16" to that measurement. Cut all face pieces to this measurement.

2. Check Square: Use a framing square to verify if the fireplace sides are square. If not, add shiplap strips in the back corners for alignment.

3. Bottom Face Board: Level, glue, and nail the bottom face board into place, ensuring it’s in the correct position to keep the shiplap aligned.

4. Attach Sides: Secure each side shiplap piece in line with the face board, ensuring the boards stay plumb and square throughout. Glue the miters and joints for stability.

5. Continue Upwards: Build up to the firebox, making sure the shiplap stays tight and lines up correctly around the opening. Use a framing square to maintain alignment.

6. Final Adjustments: Once at the top, cut the last pieces to fit snugly from wall to long point, ensuring all lines remain continuous and square.

Reporting Fireplace Installations

When reporting on a shiplap fireplace wrap installation, we treat the fireplace as a single unit, categorizing it by its height from the floor to the ceiling. This classification allows us to standardize our approach based on the project's scale and adjust resources and labor accordingly. The categories are as follows:

• Below 10 Feet: This classification typically includes smaller or standard-height fireplaces. It requires fewer materials and generally takes less time to complete, making it ideal for standard residential settings.

• 10 to 15 Feet: This mid-range category applies to taller fireplaces often found in homes with higher ceilings. These installations require additional materials and may involve more detailed planning for scaffolding or ladders to ensure safety and precision.

• Above 15 Feet: Fireplaces in this category are found in homes with vaulted or exceptionally high ceilings. These installations are more complex, often requiring extended ladders, scaffolding, and additional crew to manage the height safely and efficiently.