How to Make a Decorative Shiplap Sign

Step 1: Cut Shiplap Pieces and Plywood

The width of my sign was dictated by the scraps that I had available. Luckily, it is easy to make signs of all sizes! I started by cutting six (6) pieces of shiplap 17-1/8″ long. I ran the top piece of shiplap through my table saw to remove the top flange of the shiplap.

For the backer board, I used 1/4″ plywood cut just slightly smaller than the overall dimensions of the shiplap.

Step 2: Secure Shiplap to Backer Board

I secure the shiplap to the backer board using a construction adhesive. I applied a thin bead of construction adhesive all over the plywood and laid the shiplap on top.

Step 3: Make and Attach Frame

I cut the top and bottom pieces of the frame the same length as the shiplap pieces. The side pieces of the frame will be the overall height of the shiplap sign plus the thickness of the top and bottom frame pieces.

I chose to keep the sign black and white. I painted the shiplap white and the frame black before I attached the frame. As soon as the paint was dry, I secured the frame to the shiplap sign using 1-1/4″ finish nails. I made sure to nail through both the frame and shiplap.

Step 4: Add Metal Letter

I secured the metal letter to the shiplap using the construction adhesive. It would be easy to also paint on the sign instead of using the metal letters.

If I weren’t going to install these above my boys’ beds, I would use two hanging brackets per sign. I would secure the brackets to the plywood – not the frame. However, I am installing this above their beds in their new room and I’m super cautious anytime I hang things above their beds. Therefore, I will be screwing straight through the shiplap into two studs to mount them. They look amazing against the slat wall that I installed!!