Kitchen Bar Needing a Change? Fake Shiplap is the Solution
Is your kitchen bar looking tired and dated? Do you cringe every time you see the worn-down laminate surface? Updating your bar area can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. But who has the time and money for a full kitchen remodel?
The good news is you don't need an extensive renovation to give your bar a fresh new look. By utilizing faux shiplap, you can easily and affordably refresh your bar front to create a stylish gathering place for family and friends.
Assess Your Existing Bar Area
Before you dive right into a DIY shiplap installation, it's important to fully assess your existing bar area first. This will determine the materials needed and help avoid any surprises mid-project.

Take Precise Measurements
You'll need accurate measurements of your bar area's length, width, and height. Make sure to measure in multiple spots and write down the smallest dimensions. It's better to cut shiplap planks undersized rather than oversized. Having exact numbers will also tell you how many shiplap planks will be required to complete the project.
Examine the Structure
Inspect underneath your bar top to understand how it was constructed. Most home bars have a plywood frame attached to the floor and wall studs. See where existing screws/nails may be hiding before drilling your shiplap planks. Also check for potential obstructions like pipes, outlets or wiring.
Assess Condition of Surface
Determine what material is currently on the front of your bar. Typically you'll find laminate, tiles, or panels. Make sure the current surface is still securely fastened and level. Fix any problem areas before installing new shiplap. Clean thoroughly to remove grease or dirt so your shiplap has a smooth surface to adhere to.
Pick Your Shiplap Materials
Traditional shiplap uses milled tongue and groove lumber. But for this easy DIY bar project, we'll use more affordable faux shiplap made from plywood or MDF boards. The construction of your bar will determine the best option.
Plywood
Plywood is the most popular choice as it provides an authentic look while being lightweight and easy to work with. Use 1/2" or 3/4" boards for stability. Oak veneer plywood has beautiful wood grain patterns. Paint grade plywood lets you customize with endless color options.
MDF
MDF (medium density fiberboard) has very consistent density and hold shapes well after cutting. No knots or grain patterns make it perfect for painted shiplap. Go with 1/2" thickness for support. Just add wood filler over any imperfections before painting.
True Wood Planks
For a chunkier, reclaimed wood aesthetic, use actual pine, cedar or oak boards. This adds authenticity but requires much more cutting and planing to achieve clean shiplap edges. Salvaged barnwood is charming but prepare for heavy lifting!
Gather Your DIY Shiplap Supplies
To install your new faux shiplap bar front, you'll need essential tools plus construction materials. Gather everything ahead of time so your project goes smoothly from start to finish without any delays.
Essential Tools
- Safety glasses & ear protection
- Table saw with sharp blade (chop saw alternatively)
- Tape measure
- Stud finder
- Level
- Pencil
- Nail gun (or hammer & nails)
- Drill
- Sander
- Wood filler
- Rags
Construction Supplies
- 3/4" thick plywood or MDF boards
- Adhesive (PL Premium Construction Adhesive)
- 1 1/4" finishing nails
- Painter's tape
- Wood conditioner
- Stain and/or paint + primer
- Polyurethane sealer
Step-By-Step Guide to Installing Shiplap
Now comes the fun part! Transforming those raw plywood planks into beautiful shiplap only requires basic tools and a little elbow grease. Let's walk through the process from start to finish.
Prepare the Surface Area
Make sure your existing bar surface is clean, dry and ready for decorating. Give it a thorough wipe down with a degreaser to remove any dirt or residue. Take down any obstructions and remove existing hardware or light fixtures. Fill small holes with wood filler and let dry completely. Lightly sand any bumps for a smooth surface.
Determine Your Shiplap Layout
Map out your plank arrangement before cutting. Horizontal, vertical, herringbone, and staggered layouts create different visual effects. Mark a center line on your bar framing and sketch ideas. This helps calculate measurements and how plank edges meet up.
Precisely Measure and Cut Shiplap Planks
Set your table saw blade to your desired shiplap width (4"- 6" works well). Carefully measure and mark cut lines on planks. Cut several pieces a few inches longer than your bar's length to allow flexibility. Ensure ends are cut perfectly straight at 90 degree angles so planks butt up cleanly.
Create the Shiplap Edge Profile
Adjust the height and angle of your table saw blade to cut identical grooves into the planks, forming the shiplap edge. Test on scrap pieces first for accuracy. The protruding "tongues" should overlap perfectly and self-align the boards.
Affix Shiplap Boards to Bar
Begin in a back corner and run a zig-zag bead of adhesive on the backside of your first plank. Press firmly in place, ensuring the edges are square. Use a level to double check alignment. Secure with finishing nails through the tongues, about every 16 inches. Use painter's tape strips to hold corners tightly as you go.
Fill Gaps and Sand
Inspect for any gaps wider than 1/8th inch between planks. Fill these sparingly with wood filler, allow drying, then sand smooth. Lightly sand entire project with 220 grit sandpaper to ease sharp edges. Thoroughly wipe away all sanding dust with a dry cloth.
Apply Finishing Touches
Your faux shiplap has transformed the bar front from blah to beautiful! Now seal and protect it while adding color and dimension through staining, painting or distressing techniques.
Condition and Stain the Wood
For a rich wood look, pre-treat with Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner using a foam applicator. This helps the stain absorb evenly. After it penetrates 15-30 minutes, wipe away any excess. Then use your favorite Minwax Gel Stain color and apply with a foam brush. Wipe off stain after 3-5 minutes with a clean cotton rag before it sets.
Paint the Shiplap
A crisp white shiplap bar looks gorgeous against colorful kitchen hues. Or flex your creative muscles with vibrant navy, sage green or brick red paint! Lightly sand, then apply two coats of quality exterior latex primer allowing proper drying time. Finish with two final coats of acrylic enamel paint for durability and washability.
Distress for Rustic Charm
Create reclaimed charm by lightly distressing new shiplap planks post-stain/paint application. Use 150 grit sandpaper to rub edges and create worn effects. Focus on random spots and vary pressure for an authentic look. Soften corners and round over any sharp grooves.
Seal and Protect
The final step is applying a clear protective topcoat over stain or paint. Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish adds sheen and moisture protection. For bars that will see heavy use, apply 3 coats allowing proper drying between each. Install bar foot rails and you're ready for guests!
Decorative Touches and Accents
With stunning new shiplap up, it's time to have fun styling your bar area! Source inspiration from popular farmhouse and industrial chic designs. Here are creative ways to make it your own.
Rustic Cabinets and Shelving
Warm up your bar area by flanking it with reclaimed wood open shelving. This provides decorative display space for glassware collections or your vintage liquor bottle stash! For more concealed storage, add extra cabinets with chicken wire paneling.
Hanging Pendant Lights
Draw the eye upward and cast a cozy glow with industrial cage pendant lights. Position two matching lights centered above the faux shiplap bar front. Opt for vintage inspired filament bulbs or edison style LEDs. Add woven burlap shades for a homey barn vibe.
Bold Bar Stools
Search local flea markets or Facebook Marketplace for unique retro bar stools with personality. Vintage tractor seats, stained oak frames, transparent acrylic or brightly colored stools make fun statements. Leave room for foot rails so guests can get comfy.
Rustic Hardware
Swap out boring cupboard door handles for galvanized bronze bin pulls or hammered iron knobs. This enhances country charm and ties the whole room together beautifully. Layer on touches like reclaimed wood cutting boards, greenery in galvanized planters, and a "Eat, Drink, Be Merry" distressed sign.
Utilizing faux shiplap is an easy DIY solution for revitalizing a tired kitchen bar on a realistic timeline and budget.
The beauty of faux wood planks is getting the coveted shiplap look without heavy installation and finishing. Pre-primed boards simply cut, nail up and caulk for flawless results in a weekend.
Visitors will be stunned by your bar's completely fresh ambiance. Shiplap adds rich visual texture,masked flaws beautifully, and provides a blank rustic canvas to style however you wish!
Hopefully this guide has shown that major demolition isn't required to give lackluster spaces new life. A few faux shiplap planks go a long way in creating the kitchen bar area you've always envisioned. Cheers to easy DIY upgrades!