Crossing the Divide: From Shiplap to Brick, Everything You Need to Know About Interior Walls

Photo courtesy of CG&S Design-Build via Houzz

Are you staring at your four walls, wondering how to zhuzh them up a bit? Or maybe you’re building your dream house and need to decide exactly what four walls you want to stare at indefinitely.

We know. The choices can be overwhelming. Maybe you want durable interior walls (because you have three kids and a dog). Or maybe you prefer a certain aesthetic (because you’re reveling in your singlehood).

Most homes use drywall, which tends to be cheaper and easier to work with but can also dent easily and doesn’t fare well with water damage. Drywall can also harbor bacteria and mold. Fortunately, there are many different wall options that add texture, color, and character to your space.

So, here’s the 411 on what walls work best and where to put them.

How to pick an interior wall

Homeowners should consider not only how durable an interior wall material is but also how easy it is to install—along with the material’s water resistance and versatility.

“Knowing exactly what you want your project to look like going into the job is the only way to get accurate pricing from a contractor,” says David Steckel, a home expert at Thumbtack. “So be sure to do your research and set up inspiration folders with photos that highlight your vision.”

Also, consider your budget. Installing an interior wall tends to cost an average of $1,900, ranging from $980 to $2,900. The price depends on size, material, electrical work, and geographic location—among other considerations, according to home services directory Angi.com.

But according to Steckel, the actual construction of each wall type does not vary too much. Different types of wall cladding, however, are best for various locations, aesthetics, and budgets. You might also choose certain interior walls specifically to hide wiring or construction flaws.

Wood planks

Wood planks have been used for many years to lend a country-inspired or elegant-rustic style to rooms.

And wood is one of the most eco-friendly choices you can make, because it’s a natural substance and requires little to no maintenance or repair, says Steckel.

Cost: $12 to $33 per square foot

Pros: Wood is a natural insulant, which could improve a home’s energy efficiency.

Cons: Some wood planks might have a homey appearance that doesn’t work in all modern spaces. Deeply grooved planks can also attract and trap dust.

Shiplap

Shiplap is a wildly popular type of paneling that gets its name from the horizontal planks once used in boat construction. It can add texture and character to your space.

Shiplap “doesn’t make up the wall itself. The wall will still need framing and drywall before it can be covered in paneling,” says Bailey Carson, a home care expert at Angi.com. “If you’re able to use recycled wood for the panels, it can be eco-friendly.”

Cost: $500 to $1,700 for a 200-square-foot room

Pros: Shiplap is easy to install with basic tools. And because of its clean lines, shiplap works with most existing decor styles.

Cons: Shiplap is a dust magnet, and the material can warp (or even start to rot) if it isn’t installed correctly.

Wahoo

Wahoo looks a lot like plain old drywall. But it’s a manufactured product made from inorganic materials that are typically used specifically for damp rooms or spaces.

“You’d want to use wahoo walls primarily in basements or areas with a lot of moisture,” says Steckel.

Cost: $500 for five 20 linear-foot-long panels, according to Steckel.

Pros: Wahoo is fast and easy to install. And the panels are not only moisture- and mold-resistant, but also fire-resistant. Bonus: The surface doesn’t damage easily.

Cons: Wahoo is heavy and on the expensive side.

Glass

Do you have a small space you need to divide? Glass partitions can bring airiness to a space.

“Interior glass walls can separate your space into sections without making it feel much smaller,” says Carson. “And mirrored glass walls can make rooms feel bigger while also adding light to the space.”

Cost: $25 to $75 per square foot

Pros: Glass partitions are easy to install. They don’t emit the same indoor pollutants some fabricated walls can, so they won’t affect your home’s air quality.

Cons: Glass doesn’t provide any insulation, and you’ll get little privacy in a glass room.

Brick and masonry

Brick walls are a classic. These walls have been used for generations and can give your space an industrial look or a rustic feel.

“Brick walls are eco-friendly, as they’re built from natural materials that can easily be recycled when it’s time for the wall to go,” says Carson.

Cost: $5 to $15 per square foot (The brick used in interior spaces is generally a thin veneer and not actual brick size.)

Pros: Brick walls can last for decades and require little maintenance. Bricks are also great temperature regulators—they keep cool during the daytime and retain heat during the colder months. You can also paint brick a lighter color.

Cons: Bricks are a naturally porous material, which means they are susceptible to moisture. And moisture can make bricks crack, flake, and crumble.

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