Budget Brilliance: Foam Board Faux Shiplap
Get the farmhouse look everyone loves for a fraction of real shiplap costs
Shiplap has become the holy grail of farmhouse style, but real wood shiplap can cost $200-400 per accent wall once you factor in materials, tools, and the complexity of installation—not to mention the commitment since it's basically permanent. Foam board faux shiplap gives you that same coveted horizontal-lined look for under $15 per wall, and the best part is that it's completely removable and renter-friendly since it goes up with double-sided tape. The transformation is so convincing that guests will assume you invested in expensive wood paneling, but you'll know the secret of this genius budget hack that takes just a few hours to complete. This project proves that achieving the designer farmhouse aesthetic doesn't require a farmhouse budget—just a little creativity and some strategic shopping at the dollar store.
Materials & Tools
Foam Board Supplies ($12-15)
- White foam board sheets (20" x 30" size)
- Calculate: wall width ÷ 6 inches = number of strips needed
- Add 10% extra for mistakes and future repairs
- Look for smooth, consistent texture boards
Installation Materials ($8-12)
- Heavy-duty double-sided mounting tape
- Small foam spacers (optional for consistent gaps)
- Corner trim pieces (if desired)
- Touch-up white paint (optional)
Tools
- Sharp utility knife with extra blades
- Metal ruler or straight edge
- Level (2-foot minimum)
- Pencil for marking
- Measuring tape
Creating Your Faux Shiplap
- Measure your wall height and mark foam boards for 6-inch wide horizontal strips
- Cut strips using a sharp utility knife and metal ruler, scoring multiple times for clean edges
- Plan your layout starting from the bottom, ensuring the top strip fits proportionally
- Apply double-sided tape to the back of each strip in three places: both ends and center
- Install bottom strip first, using level to ensure perfect horizontal alignment
- Continue upward, maintaining consistent 1/8-inch gaps between strips for authentic shiplap look
- Trim around outlets and switches carefully with utility knife for professional finish
- Touch up any visible tape edges or cut marks with white paint if needed
Use a nickel as your spacer for consistent gaps between strips—it's exactly the right thickness for authentic shiplap spacing. Start installation from the bottom up to ensure your top piece looks proportional, and don't worry about making it perfect—real shiplap has slight imperfections that add character. For extra durability in high-traffic areas, reinforce corners and edges with tiny dots of removable adhesive caulk that can be painted over for seamless blending.
