Tongue & Groove (T&G) Profiles
Tongue & Groove is the standard for locking lumber together. Whether you are installing a floor, a ceiling, or a wall, T&G hides the nails and keeps the boards flat. The “Profile” refers to the shape of the seam where the boards meet.
V-Joint (V-Groove)
The Cabin Standard.
The edges of the board are chamfered (cut at a 45-degree angle). When two boards lock together, these chamfers create a distinct “V” shape at the seam.
Best Uses:
- Cathedral Ceilings: The V-groove adds shadow and depth, drawing the eye up.
- Wall Paneling: Hides expansion and contraction gaps effectively.
- Soffits: Classic exterior overhang look.
Nickel Gap (Square Edge T&G)
The Modern Farmhouse Look.
Instead of a “V,” the edges are cut square (90 degrees). The tongue is milled slightly longer than the groove, forcing a uniform gap between boards—traditionally the width of a nickel.
Why Use T&G Nickel Gap?
Some builders rip plywood strips to fake this look, but they often warp. True T&G Nickel Gap boards lock together, keeping the wall flat and the gap straight.
Flooring Match (Center Match)
The Seamless Fit.
Unlike wall paneling, flooring T&G is designed to fit tight and flush. There is no “V” or gap. The goal is a smooth, continuous surface.
Available In: Southern Yellow Pine (1×4, 1×6, 1×8), Oak, and Heart Pine.
Edge & Center Bead (E&CB)
The Porch Classic.
This profile has a decorative rounded “bead” milled on the edge of the board, and often another bead down the exact center (making a 1×6 look like two narrow 3″ strips).
This is the historic standard for Southern porches (often painted “Haint Blue”) and wainscoting.