What is Tongue and Groove?
Our Guide to Tongue and Groove
We’re breaking down each type and sharing where and when you might use them.
The best way to add character and interest to a home is by adding finish work to the walls and one of our favorite types of finish work is tongue & groove paneling.
Tongue and groove is a type of ceiling and wall paneling that has a convenient interlocking system; the tongue simply locks into the corresponding groove of each panel, making it easy to install. T&G can make a home feel more complete, layered, and historic—often giving the impression that the home been there for a while, which is one of the reason we love to specify it. There are different types of T&G that can often get mixed up, so today we are breaking down each type and sharing where and when you might use them.
Tongue & Groove vs. Shiplap
Although tongue and groove paneling and shiplap paneling look similar, the easiest way to tell the difference between the two is in the installation and durability of the boards. See the difference in the drawing below.
Tongue & Groove: panels that are interlocking ridges and grooves. One tongue fits firmly into the groove of the adjoining board for easy installation.
Shiplap: panels are joined with an overlapping joint rather than tongue and groove.
Although tongue and groove paneling and shiplap paneling look similar, the easiest way to tell the difference between the two is in the installation and durability of the boards. See the difference in the drawing below.
Why we like tongue & groove…
Easy to clean
Tighter fit than shiplap (easier to install on ceilings because of this)
It doesn't separate or warp as easily in different climates (note: solid wood T&G will hold up to wear and tear longer but MDF is less likely to warp and is more affordable so be mindful of where it’s being applied when deciding the material)
Good for both exteriors and interiors
Comes in a variety of styles (shown below)
A bit more modern than shiplap and has a tighter and cleaner appearance
Variations of Tongue and Groove
V-Groove: a type of tongue and groove panel that form a “v” shape when they fit together. V-groove adds a lot of character to a home and feels a bit more formal and traditional than beadboard and nickel gap.
Beadboard: old fashioned beadboard is a variation of tongue and groove panels that have a bead edge on one side and a beveled edge on the other. It adds historic charm to a home and looks great in a laundry room, bathroom, or bedroom.
Nickel Gap: A variation of tongue and groove panels that has a consistent gap width (the size of a nickel) between the boards. The look is similar to v-groove but has a cleaner line and works great for both modern and traditional homes—this is typically the most common type of T&G we specify.
