Ep 14. Arlington Arts & Crafts: Ship Lap for a Ship Shape House

In season 34 of This Old House, episode 14 takes us to Arlington, Massachusetts where the team is working on an Arts & Crafts-style home that requires some serious upgrades to elevate it to modern standards while still maintaining its historical charm. In this episode, the team focuses on adding shiplap to both the interior and exterior of the home for a cohesive look.

First, the team tackles the exterior shiplap, which is meant to cover up the deteriorating stucco on the front of the home. The team shows the process of removing the old stucco, adding new insulation, and then measuring and cutting the shiplap to fit perfectly on the front of the home. The shiplap creates a stunning contrast against the white trim and really makes the home stand out.

Next, the team moves indoors to add shiplap to the entryway and staircase. This part of the project requires a lot of precision and attention to detail as they have to cut the shiplap to fit around the stair railings and small nooks and crannies. Once again, the shiplap adds a beautiful texture to the entryway and complements the dark wood floors.

After the shiplap is installed, the team moves onto the finishing touches which include painting and staining. They opt to stain the shiplap in the entryway with a darker color to match the staircase while the exterior shiplap gets a fresh coat of white paint to make it pop against the black trim.

One of the highlights of this episode is when the team discovers an old relic hidden behind some of the existing shiplap. After removing some of the shiplap, they find a beautiful stained-glass window that dates back to the home's original construction. The team decides to restore the window and incorporates it into the new shiplap design, creating a truly unique focal point in the entryway.

Throughout the episode, the team highlights the benefits of using shiplap in home renovations. It adds texture, warmth, and character to a space while still being a timeless design feature. Additionally, shiplap is durable and easy to maintain which makes it a great investment for any homeowner looking to make a long-term change to their home.

In conclusion, episode 14 of This Old House season 34 is an inspiring and educational episode that teaches viewers about the benefits of adding shiplap to both the exterior and interior of a home. The team's attention to detail and ability to seamlessly merge old and new design elements is truly impressive and makes this episode a must-watch for any renovation enthusiast.