The Benefits of Tongue and Groove Joints with End Matching

One of the key differentiators at WoodHaven Log & Lumber is our universal use of tongue and groove joints with end matching on all of our wood siding and paneling products.

What are Tongue and Groove (T&G) Joints?

Tongue and groove joints are the specially-cut edges of a wall plank or board. One lengthwise side has a protruding “tongue,” which the other side has a divet or groove for it to fit perfectly into. WoodHaven takes the benefits of tongue and groove one step further by end matching every board. This means the width ends are also T&G jointed and fit together.

Why Does WoodHaven Use T&G Joints?

Not every woodmill offers tongue and groove joints on their wood products. Many competitors use inferior shiplap boards, which have special L-shaped edges that overlap to create a visible gapped look. Many contractors have found switching from shiplap to tongue and groove is an improvement. We’ve set a personal standard of only using T&G joints through years of perfecting our craft, and finding that they make for the easiest installations and least amount of issues afterward.

Eliminate Gaps Between Boards

Installing wood planks or boards is easier when the boards fit together. Without proper joints, wood could just be nailed onto a wall, but over time the gaps between boards become wider and wider as wood shrinks and shifts. With shiplap boards, dust and debris can also get into the gaps creating more need to clean and dust them. By using tongue and groove joints, there is no physical gap between boards because each board fits into the next. Even if any wood shifts, there is still the wood joint in each gap so the wall beneath is never exposed.

Hide Nails & Fasteners

Some wood constructions require fasteners to be secured into the outer face of the board, so the end result shows off just as much hardware as it does wood. This is one common complaint about shiplap boards. With T&G groove joints, you can hide all of your fasteners. Nails are secured through the tongue and into a stud behind the board, but then it’s all hidden by the overlapping groove of the next board, meaning you get a seamless finish.

Doesn’t Require Studs to Lock Joints

Remember how WoodHaven boards are end matched? This is where this quality really shines. Normally when you install wood paneling, you’re required to make sure that each of your boards are joined on a stud. This ensures that both ends of the board are secured down, because unsecured ends can warp away from the wall after some time. Because each board interlocks into the next, each row now acts as one long board instead of separate pieces. You’d be amazed at how much time and effort this reduces. Measuring correctly to ensure boards end on a stud is typically one of the biggest hassles during installation.

Tongue-In-Groove?

There is another similar joint called the “tongue-in-groove,” but this is not the same as tongue AND groove. This alternative version features all boards having grooves on each edge, while a separate piece fits between each board to help fill gaps. This filler piece may not even be wood, but can be plastic sometimes. Tongue-in-groove is more commonly found in wood flooring planks.

Make Sure You Go With Tongue & Groove!

For the sake of your installation, choose tongue and groove joints with end matching for your wood paneling and siding. You won’t be sorry when your boards fit together as easily as building blocks. Even if your wood shifts or adjusts after setting, T&G joints will help keep the boards in place and look beautiful for a lifetime.