Reclaimed Siding & Wall Paneling
Shiplap, tongue-and-groove, board-and-batten, and channel rustic profiles milled from salvaged Louisiana wood. Weathered or cleaned, for interior accent walls and exterior cladding.
Request a Free Quote
Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you within one business day.
Paneling Profiles We Offer
Every profile is milled in-house from reclaimed boards. Choose the joint style that matches your design intent and application requirements.
Shiplap
The most requested reclaimed wall profile. Shiplap boards feature a rabbet (step) cut into the top and bottom edges, allowing each board to overlap the one below it. This creates a clean, shadow-line joint that adds depth and rhythm to any wall. Our reclaimed shiplap is milled from salvaged boards — often old-growth cypress or pine — in widths from 4 to 8 inches.
Accent walls, wainscoting, ceiling treatments, bathroom surrounds, kitchen backsplash areas
Not recommended for exterior without proper sealing and flashing due to the lap joint design
Available in original-surface (weathered), skip-planed, and fully planed finishes.
Tongue-and-Groove (T&G)
A precision-milled profile where a protruding tongue on one board fits into a groove on the adjacent board, creating a tight, interlocking joint with no visible gap. Tongue-and-groove is the go-to profile for both interior paneling and exterior siding because the interlocking joint resists moisture infiltration and creates a flush, seamless surface.
Full wall paneling, ceiling planking, wainscoting, closet linings (especially cedar or cypress)
Excellent for exterior siding when combined with proper moisture barrier and flashing details
We mill T&G profiles in V-joint (chamfered edge) and flat-joint versions.
Board-and-Batten
A two-part system: wide flat boards are installed side by side with a narrow strip (batten) covering each joint. This profile creates strong vertical lines and has deep roots in Louisiana's agricultural architecture — barns, cotton sheds, and plantation outbuildings were built this way for centuries. Reclaimed board-and-batten carries the authentic weathering and patina of the real thing.
Feature walls, mudrooms, laundry rooms, ceiling applications in vaulted spaces
One of the most durable exterior siding methods — the battens protect the joints from weather
Boards typically 8–12 inches wide; battens 1.5–3 inches. Both milled from reclaimed stock.
Channel Rustic
Similar to shiplap but with a deeper overlap and a more pronounced shadow channel between boards. Channel rustic siding was common on New Orleans shotgun houses and Creole cottages in the late 1800s. Reclaimed channel rustic boards carry the exact proportions and profiles of the original architecture, making them ideal for historically accurate restorations.
Period-appropriate renovations, den and study walls, hallway accents
Excellent for exterior — the deep channel sheds water effectively
Most commonly available in cypress and Southern yellow pine.
Nickel-Gap
A modern variation of tongue-and-groove with a small (about 1/16-inch) reveal between boards. The nickel-gap profile gives a slightly more contemporary look than traditional T&G while still providing a tight joint. Named for the nickel-width gap visible between installed boards.
Modern farmhouse walls, bathroom surrounds, transitional interiors
Can be used for protected exterior applications (covered porches, soffits)
Milled from reclaimed boards upon request. Allow extra lead time for this profile.
Weathered vs. Cleaned — You Decide
The same board can look completely different depending on how we prepare the surface. Choose the level of character that fits your project.
Original Surface (Weathered)
The board retains its as-salvaged surface — paint remnants, nail holes, saw marks, sun bleaching, and patina are all preserved. This is raw, unedited character at its most authentic. Every board looks different, and that variation is the entire point.
Rustic accent walls, industrial-style interiors, art studios, restaurants and bars seeking authenticity
Surface texture varies board to board. Some original paint may be lead-based on pre-1978 material — we can test and advise.
Skip-Planed
A single light pass through the planer shaves the high spots while leaving low areas untouched. The result is a hybrid surface — part aged patina, part fresh grain — that reads as "reclaimed" without being fully rough. Skip-planing also brings boards to a more consistent thickness for easier installation.
Farmhouse interiors, bedroom accent walls, ceiling planking, retail displays
The ratio of old surface to fresh surface varies. Request samples to confirm the look.
Fully Planed (Clean)
Both faces are planed smooth, removing all original surface character and revealing the fresh wood underneath. The boards still show reclaimed traits — tight grain, old nail holes, mineral staining — but the surface feels clean and uniform. This option bridges the gap between reclaimed authenticity and modern finish expectations.
Contemporary interiors, whole-room paneling, painted applications, bathrooms
Planing reduces thickness. A rough 1-inch board will finish at approximately 3/4 inch.
Wire Brushed
A rotary wire brush removes loose fibers and dirt from the surface while enhancing the grain texture. Softer spring growth is abraded more than dense summer growth, creating a tactile, three-dimensional surface. Wire brushing is the preferred preparation method for accent walls where touch and texture matter.
Feature walls in living rooms and dining rooms, headboard walls, hospitality interiors
Wire brushing works best on softwoods (pine, cypress). Hardwoods have a subtler texture difference.
Reclaimed Paneling Inside Your Home
Accent Walls
The single most popular use for reclaimed wall paneling. A floor-to-ceiling accent wall behind a bed, sofa, or dining table creates an instant focal point. Choose weathered boards for maximum impact or planed boards for a more refined look.
Ceiling Treatments
Reclaimed T&G or shiplap on the ceiling transforms an ordinary room into something extraordinary. Especially effective in rooms with vaulted or exposed-rafter ceilings. Lighter species (cypress, white pine) keep the room feeling open; darker species (heart pine, walnut) add drama.
Wainscoting
Half-wall paneling using reclaimed boards adds warmth and protects lower walls from scuffs and damage. Board-and-batten wainscoting is classic; horizontal shiplap wainscoting feels more contemporary.
Kitchen & Bar Areas
Reclaimed paneling on a kitchen island face, bar front, or range hood surround adds texture and warmth to these high-visibility areas. We recommend fully planed and sealed boards for any application near cooking or moisture.
Bathroom Walls
With proper sealing, reclaimed wood works in bathrooms. Cypress is the ideal species thanks to its natural moisture resistance. Apply a penetrating sealer or marine-grade polyurethane, and avoid direct splash zones around the shower.
Commercial & Retail
Restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and offices use reclaimed paneling to create atmosphere and tell a sustainability story. We can supply enough matching material for large-scale commercial installations.
Reclaimed Siding on the Outside
Exterior installations require species selection and finishing choices that stand up to Louisiana's heat, humidity, and occasional hurricanes.
Exterior Siding
Reclaimed tongue-and-groove or board-and-batten siding gives buildings an authenticity that new products cannot match. Essential components: proper moisture barrier behind the siding, adequate ventilation gap, and a durable exterior finish or sealer.
Covered Porches & Soffits
Protected from direct rain, porch ceilings and soffits are ideal locations for reclaimed paneling. Traditional New Orleans porch ceilings were often painted "haint blue" over beadboard — we can supply reclaimed beadboard for this iconic treatment.
Gable Ends & Dormers
Adding reclaimed siding to gable ends or dormer faces creates visual contrast against painted clapboard or stucco walls. This selective use of reclaimed material maximizes impact while keeping costs manageable.
Fencing & Privacy Screens
Board-and-batten or simple vertical board fencing from reclaimed lumber looks better on day one than new cedar fencing does after five years of weathering. Cypress is the preferred species for in-ground contact.
Exterior Species Recommendation
For any exterior application in the Gulf South, we strongly recommend reclaimed bald cypress. Its natural cypressene oil resists rot, termites, and fungal decay without chemical treatment. If cypress is unavailable, white oak is the next best choice. Avoid using heart pine or red oak in direct-weather applications without a robust finish system.
Installation Guidance
Interior Paneling
- Install over 1/2-inch plywood or directly to studs with construction adhesive and 18-gauge brad nails
- Start from the bottom and work up for horizontal installations; start from a corner for vertical
- Use a level on the first board — every subsequent board follows its lead
- Leave 1/8-inch expansion gaps at ceiling, floor, and corners (hidden by trim)
- For painted paneling, prime all six sides before installation to prevent moisture issues
Exterior Siding
- Always install a moisture barrier (house wrap) behind exterior siding
- Use a 3/4-inch rain screen gap between the moisture barrier and siding for ventilation
- Fasten with stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized ring-shank nails to prevent rust staining
- Back-prime all boards before installation — seal all six sides to prevent moisture absorption
- Caulk all end cuts and joints with a high-quality exterior caulk rated for wood
Shiplap vs. T&G vs. Board-and-Batten vs. Nickel Gap
Each profile creates a distinct visual rhythm and performs differently in interior and exterior applications. Use this comparison to choose the right one.
| Feature | Shiplap | Tongue & Groove | Board & Batten | Nickel Gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Type | Rabbet overlap — boards step over each other | Interlocking tongue and groove — tight, flush fit | Butt joint covered by narrow batten strip | Modified T&G with 1/16" reveal gap |
| Shadow Line | Moderate — subtle horizontal shadow at each overlap | Minimal (flat joint) to moderate (V-joint) | Strong — vertical battens create bold visual lines | Light — consistent hairline gap between boards |
| Interior Use | Excellent — the most popular accent wall profile | Excellent — ideal for full-room paneling and ceilings | Good — strong vertical emphasis for feature walls | Excellent — clean, modern farmhouse aesthetic |
| Exterior Use | Limited — overlap can trap moisture if not properly flashed | Excellent — interlocking joint resists weather penetration | Excellent — battens protect joints; very weather-resistant | Limited — best for protected areas (porches, soffits) |
| Installation Difficulty | Easy — forgiving overlap hides minor gaps | Moderate — requires tight, consistent fitting | Easy — two-step install (boards, then battens) | Moderate — reveal gap must stay consistent |
| Cost | Moderate — single milling operation | Moderate to high — precision profiling required | Lower — uses flat boards plus simple batten strips | Moderate to high — precision milling for reveal gap |
| Design Style | Farmhouse, coastal, transitional | Traditional, colonial, craftsman, versatile | Rustic, agricultural, vertical emphasis | Modern farmhouse, contemporary, clean lines |
| Moisture Resistance | Moderate — overlap sheds water but can trap moisture behind | Good — interlocking joint creates weather-tight surface | Excellent — battens shield joints from direct rain | Low — small gap can allow moisture entry without sealant |
Interior vs. Exterior — What You Need to Know
The same reclaimed board can be used indoors or out, but the preparation, fasteners, and finishing requirements differ dramatically. Here is a detailed breakdown.
Interior Applications
Moisture Barrier
Not required for interior walls in climate-controlled spaces. For bathrooms and kitchens, apply a vapor retarder (6-mil poly or equivalent) behind paneling if the wall backs an exterior surface.
Fasteners
18-gauge brad nails (1-1/2 to 2 inches) are sufficient. For heavier boards, use 16-gauge finish nails. Construction adhesive plus nails provides the strongest hold. Hidden clip systems eliminate visible fasteners entirely.
Spacing & Expansion
Leave 1/8-inch expansion gaps at ceiling, floor, corners, and around fixed objects. These gaps are hidden by trim pieces. Interior installations experience minimal seasonal movement if the home is climate-controlled.
Finish Options
Virtually unlimited. Clear coat for natural look, stain for color shift, paint for a clean modern effect, or leave completely raw for maximum character. Interior finishes primarily enhance appearance — protection from weather is not a concern.
Substrate
Install over drywall, plywood, or directly to studs. For heavy boards or full-wall installations, adding a plywood backer ensures a solid, flat nailing surface and prevents bowing.
Exterior Applications
Moisture Barrier
Mandatory. Install a weather-resistive barrier (Tyvek, felt paper, or peel-and-stick membrane) over sheathing before any siding goes up. This is your last line of defense against wind-driven rain and is required by building code.
Fasteners
Stainless steel (316 grade) or hot-dipped galvanized ring-shank nails only. Standard steel nails will rust, stain the wood black, and eventually fail. Face-nail with 2-inch to 2-1/2-inch nails, one per stud per board.
Rain Screen Gap
A 3/4-inch ventilation gap between the moisture barrier and the siding allows air circulation behind the boards, dramatically improving drying performance and extending the life of both the siding and the wall assembly.
Finish Requirements
Back-prime all six sides of every board before installation with an exterior primer or penetrating sealer. Apply two coats of exterior finish (oil-based stain, exterior spar urethane, or penetrating oil) to all exposed faces. Reapply every 2-3 years.
Species Selection
Cypress is the top choice — its natural cypressene oil resists rot without chemicals. White oak is the second choice. Avoid heart pine and red oak for direct-weather exposure unless you commit to an aggressive maintenance schedule.
Design Inspiration for Reclaimed Paneling
Reclaimed siding and paneling adapt to nearly any space and style. Here are the most popular applications our customers create.
Bedroom Accent Wall
Shiplap or Nickel GapThe wall behind the headboard is the most popular location for reclaimed paneling in residential projects. Horizontal shiplap in weathered cypress creates a coastal retreat feel. Vertical nickel-gap in skip-planed heart pine suits modern farmhouse bedrooms. The key is choosing a surface finish that harmonizes with your bedding and furniture tones.
Kitchen Backsplash Area
Tongue & GrooveReclaimed paneling between countertop and upper cabinets adds warmth and texture to kitchen zones that are typically dominated by tile or stone. Fully sealed T&G cypress handles splash zones well. Install with a clear waterproof topcoat and leave a 1/4-inch gap above the countertop to prevent wicking.
Ceiling Treatment
T&G or ShiplapA reclaimed-wood ceiling is the single most transformative upgrade for any room. Especially stunning in spaces with vaulted, exposed-rafter, or coffered ceiling designs. Light-colored species (cypress, white pine) keep the room feeling open; dark species (heart pine, walnut) create intimate drama overhead.
Exterior Cladding
Board & Batten or T&GFull or partial exterior cladding in reclaimed siding gives a building instant authenticity. Board-and-batten is the most weather-resistant profile for exterior use. Reclaimed cypress is the ideal species — its natural oils resist rot and insects without chemical treatment, a meaningful advantage in the Gulf South.
Bathroom Wainscoting
Shiplap or Board & BattenHalf-height paneling (typically 36-48 inches) in bathrooms protects walls from splashes while adding warmth to an often sterile space. Reclaimed cypress is the best species choice due to its natural moisture resistance. Seal all surfaces with a marine-grade polyurethane and leave a gap above the tub or shower surround.
Commercial Retail & Hospitality
Any ProfileCoffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and hotels use reclaimed paneling to tell a story of authenticity and sustainability. Large-scale installations benefit from mixed-width boards for visual interest. We can supply consistent material across 500 to 5,000+ square feet for commercial projects.
Stairway & Hallway Accent
Shiplap or Board & BattenNarrow hallways and stairwells benefit from the visual depth that reclaimed paneling provides. Vertical board-and-batten elongates low hallway ceilings. Horizontal shiplap running up a stairwell wall draws the eye and creates a sense of flow between floors.
Home Office Feature Wall
Shiplap or Nickel GapA reclaimed wood wall behind a desk creates a warm, professional backdrop for video calls and focused work. Skip-planed heart pine with a matte clear coat is the most popular choice — it photographs well on camera and adds texture without distraction.
Ready to Transform Your Walls?
Tell us the profile, finish, and square footage you need. We will recommend the best species for your application and provide a detailed quote.