Asked on Apr 18, 2019

Can I shiplap over brick?

Mary parker
by Mary parker

I have a full brick fireplace and want to shiplap over the top half as it has a cut out. We are going to whitewash tomorrow and add a mantel. Is that possible? Any advice? I hate the cutout and want to even it out. Attached is a pic.

  7 answers
  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Apr 18, 2019

    I see no reason you can't add ship lap. Affix with masonry nails which will put holes in the brick. You can try a construction adhesive like power grab but I would advise trying one piece and see how well it holds after setting.

  • William William on Apr 18, 2019

    You can attach firing strips to the brick and shiplap over that. You can also glue the shiplap with liquid nails or Locktite Power Grab. Blue painters tape to hold it in place until the glue dries.

  • Edie Edie on Apr 19, 2019

    I've seen alot of ship lap being used on different Home makeover shows and I think if you paint it the same color as the bricks that would look cool.

  • Pjo26908388 Pjo26908388 on Apr 19, 2019

    I would build a frame that fits precisely inside the brick area. Then screw the ship lap to it. Mount it to the brick with Masonary screws.


    Construction adjesive like Beats the Nails, Gorilla Glueand other construction adhesives will attach the ship lap too- but very hard to remove if you want a change in the future.


    Consider a mantle as it may add to the overall design- with or without the ship lap. The indentation might become an asset once it is white washed.

  • Sharon Sharon on May 11, 2019

    Shiplap is just like the side of a boat ... it is a type of back cut in the wood. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjNCXIA3JN4&t=288s for you can just make a faux wall of wood cladding leaving a gap between the boards, paint the brick a darker color so it shows the gap between the boards.

  • J0e J0e on May 05, 2021

    What was done where the hearth use to be? Do you need a hearth for code or can it be removed and install hardwood over the opening where the hearth was?