Shiplap, backsplash, accent walls, tongue and groove—if you’re just getting started with updating the interior of your home, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed by hearing so many new terms. Tongue and groove flooring may sound a bit unusual, but in practice, it’s actually a very simple and popular flooring choice.
Tongue and Groove Flooring
Tongue and groove flooring is named for its shape. If you look at a single board, you’ll notice the edges aren’t perfectly even. Instead, each of the four sides of your floorboard has either a concave “groove” or convex “tongue,” helping the boards lock together seamlessly and stay in place. Since wood expands and contracts with different temperatures and moisture levels, tongue and groove flooring offers a solution with just enough flexibility to accommodate these changes.
Installation
Tongue and groove flooring, in addition to being a practical choice, is also usually a less expensive option. Installing tongue and groove flooring is easier and simpler than other options, but you’ll want to think carefully before putting it in. Because of the way the tongues and grooves lock together, your entire floor becomes a single, linked piece. This makes it much more difficult to have your tongue and groove flooring removed than installed.
Although tongue and groove flooring is easier to install than other options, it’s still recommended you enlist professional help, since the delicate tongues can be broken off if you aren’t careful. Your tongue and groove flooring should also be installed with underlayment for the best results, giving you the most even and squeak-free surface.
At Carolina Classic Pine, we are proud to offer tongue and groove flooring and installation. Call us today to explore your options for flooring, pricing, and delivery.