Tongue-and-groove (T&G) profiles use an interlocking joint—a protruding tongue on one edge and a matching groove on the other—to create tight, seamless surfaces for walls, ceilings, flooring, and siding.
V-Joint
V-joint is the most widely used T&G profile. A small 45-degree chamfer is milled on the face edge of both the tongue and groove sides. When two boards are fitted together, these chamfers meet to form a crisp "V" channel at every joint line. The V creates a visible reveal that adds visual rhythm to the surface and helps disguise minor seasonal wood movement.
V-joint T&G is the standard profile for porch ceilings, interior paneling, wainscoting, and cottage-style wall treatments. Available in 1x4, 1x6, and 1x8 in pine, cedar, cypress, and poplar. The exposed face on a 1x6 V-joint board is typically 5".
Nickel Gap
Nickel gap is a modern variation of tongue-and-groove that uses a rabbeted (stepped) joint instead of a traditional tongue. When assembled, the rabbet leaves a consistent 1/16" gap between boards—roughly the thickness of a nickel, hence the name. The result is a clean shadow line without the angular "V" of traditional T&G.
Nickel gap has become the signature look of modern farmhouse and transitional interiors. It reads as more contemporary than V-joint while still providing the warmth of real wood. The 1x6 nickel gap board has an exposed face of 5". Available in 1x6 and 1x8 in pine, poplar, cedar, and primed options. The exposed face on a 1x8 nickel gap board is 6-3/4".
Flooring Match
Flooring match (also called "standard flooring profile") places the tongue and groove at the center of the board's edge rather than offset toward one face. This centering allows the board to be installed face-up on a subfloor and nailed through the tongue at a 45-degree angle (blind nailing). The tongue is typically 1/4" thick with a 3/8" depth.
Flooring match T&G is the profile used on all solid strip flooring—Red Oak, White Oak, Southern Yellow Pine, and specialty hardwoods. The exposed face on a 1x4 flooring board is 3", and on a 1x6 it is 5".
Edge Bead
Edge bead T&G routes a small half-round bead (typically 1/8" or 3/16" radius) into the face of the board at the tongue-side joint line. When boards are assembled, a single bead appears at each joint. This is the classic beadboard look used in traditional wainscoting, porch ceilings, bathroom walls, and cabinet back panels. We stock edge bead in 1x4 and 1x6 in Eastern White Pine.
Center Bead
Center bead adds a second bead routed down the center of the board face, in addition to the edge bead at the joint. On a 1x6 board, this creates two bead lines per board width—one at the joint and one at the midpoint—giving the appearance of narrower 1x3 boards. Center bead is traditionally used for historic wainscoting, butler's pantry walls, and detailed ceiling treatments. Available in 1x6 in pine; custom species available through our millwork program.
Exposed Face Reference
| Nominal Size | Profile | Exposed Face |
|---|---|---|
| 1x4 | V-Joint / Nickel Gap | 3" |
| 1x6 | V-Joint / Nickel Gap | 5" |
| 1x8 | V-Joint / Nickel Gap | 6-3/4" |
| 1x4 | Flooring Match | 3" |
| 1x6 | Flooring Match | 5" |
| 1x4 | Edge Bead | 3" |
| 1x6 | Edge / Center Bead | 5" |
