When planning a home exterior renovation, the direction of your shiplap siding can dramatically alter the aesthetic and structural outcome. While the classic horizontal run is the standard seen in most neighborhoods, a growing number of homeowners and designers are exploring the question: can shiplap siding be installed vertically? The answer is a resounding yes, and this choice offers a unique set of visual benefits and functional considerations that are distinct from the traditional approach.
Breaking the Convention: The Vertical Run
Shiplap is defined by its interlocking rabbet joints, which are engineered to shed water and create a tight seam. These joints are typically engineered for horizontal installation, but the fundamental design is adaptable. Installing these boards vertically involves rotating each panel 90 degrees so the long seams run from the eaves of your roof down to the foundation. This method transforms the siding from a purely horizontal element into a strong vertical accent, adding architectural interest and a sense of heightened scale to the exterior walls.
A Shift in Visual Weight
The most immediate impact of vertical shiplap is the change in visual perception. Horizontal siding tends to expand a wall visually, making a house feel wider and more grounded. In contrast, vertical siding draws the eye upward, creating a feeling of greater height and grandeur. This is particularly effective on homes with multiple stories or on smaller structures where you want to emphasize vertical lines. It can make a two-story home feel taller and more imposing, or add a striking modern touch to a cottage or barn-style renovation.
Key Considerations for Vertical Installation
Before committing to this design direction, it's crucial to evaluate the practical implications. The primary structural concern is the potential for bowing or sagging over time. Because the boards are no longer spanning the shortest distance between two studs—standard practice is to secure siding to studs or furring strips—each board must be rigidly supported at its top and bottom. This typically requires installing horizontal nailing blocks between the studs or using a substrate like plywood to provide a stable backer to which the shiplap can be fastened securely.
Material and Fastener Selection
- Material Choice: Engineered wood siding or fiber-cement boards are excellent choices for vertical installation due to their inherent strength and low propensity to warp. Solid wood boards can be used but require careful selection and acclimation to minimize the risk of twisting or cupping over time.
- Fastening Strategy: The fastening pattern must be adjusted. Instead of placing nails in the center of the board, they need to be positioned at the top and bottom edges, aligning with the support blocks. This ensures that the fasteners are working against the grain of the board's potential movement, holding it firmly in place.
Design and Integration with Architectural Features
Vertical shiplap is not just a structural alternative; it's a powerful design tool. It pairs exceptionally well with specific architectural elements. For example, it creates a stunning contrast on a home with wide, deep eaves, reinforcing the roofline's horizontal planes while providing a dynamic vertical counterpoint. It also works beautifully as an accent wall on a feature wall, such as above a fireplace or behind a statement door, where the upward motion can frame the feature and draw attention to its height.
Maximizing Natural Light
The orientation of the boards can also interact with natural light to great effect. When installed vertically, the seams create subtle channels and shadows that change throughout the day, adding texture and depth to the wall surface. This play of light and shadow is more pronounced than with horizontal siding, giving the exterior a dynamic, almost sculptural quality that enhances curb appeal in a way that a flat, uniform surface cannot.
Planning for Long-Term Performance
Regardless of the installation direction, the fundamental purpose of siding is to protect the home from the elements. Vertical installation does not compromise this function, provided the detailing is meticulous. It is critical to plan for proper water diversion at the top and bottom of the installation. This includes installing a high-quality starter strip at the bottom to prevent water intrusion and ensuring that the top edge of the siding is finished with a proper drip cap or a tight, sloped return to shed rainwater away from the sheathing. Attention to these details ensures the vertical shiplap siding remains a durable and attractive feature for years to come.
