Walls & Ceilings

Tongue and Groove

Sometimes when discussing or emailing about our floors, we may leave out the words tongue and groove, using t/g instead. We also introduce the term straight edges (no bevel) and ‘box cut ends’ (no end matching). End Matched = Tongue and Groove on the End- are found on our random length option such as Caribbean Heart Pine and our hardwood floors, i.e. White Oak.

The first tongue-and-groove floor was installed in 1885. The invention of a machine they called the ‘side-matcher’ meant easier installations and a tighter fit. Remember, at this time in our country real wood was the only flooring choice other than dirt, so making them fit tighter was important. In fact, it is still a pretty deal, i.e., when tongue and groove fit correctly installation is a breeze. On the other hand, when the floors are not Kiln dried properly, swelling can occur. Or, and this is the worst- the millwork quality leaves a loose or irregular fit.

Shiplap has become very popular since HGTV made it familiar to people. Sometimes callers actually want a gap rather than lap siding but we can handle it, floor or wall no matter the profile. What is a profile? Tongue and groove and V Groove are both profiles or “how the boards go together”, of which there are many. Shiplap (lap) and Nickel Gap (gap) both began outside as exterior siding before moving inside. Real, solid ½ or ¾ thick siding fits some projects as accent and some go all the way.

Shiplap

Shiplap is simply name given to one of the various ‘profiles’ used when milling Southern Yellow Pine. A more familiar profile tongue and groove is flooring, while Shiplap, V-Groove and ‘Gap’ siding the most popular profiles for the wall. Bayou Rustic offers our customers Clear and Knotty versions of our Southern Pine including Ship-lap, Car or Gap Siding, the most popular versions and seen all over home improvement networks.

V- Groove, Car siding, Ship-lap, bead board are all examples of Southern Pine walls and or ceilings. THE INTERIOR and exterior pine is used because of its DURABILITY period. It is easy to work with and looks amazing, floor wall or ceiling.

 Car siding and Nickel Gap

Car-siding, also known as a V-groove, has always been a best seller. V Groove performs well inside because of how easy it is to clean compared to a true shiplap. Ship-lap (laps over). Cars-siding named for the railroad cars they once lined fit with v joint profile. Gap siding, nickel or penny connects with a profile providing the illusion of gaps, which experienced DIYs create using S4S. S4S, or smooth all four sides, refers to a board planned ‘smooth’, i.e., without a profile.

V-Groove Popularity

Today interior designers might tell you that V-groove adds soul to a room. V groove has become so popular a design style has been centered around it, “Shabby Chic”. Compared to bead board V-groove is less ornate and has “cleaner” lines. This, in my opinion, allows it to work in more modern setting. Painted V-Groove can be used in large spaces, or you can finish it to suit your imagination.

Painting has become a very popular way to finish interior siding such as shiplap.

When choosing a grade to paint, remember that knots are hard to cover up. And painting over knots means painting over sapwood with our Longleaf Pine, it requires more work and normally darker colors. On the other hand, Clear Pine cost more than Knotty Pine. For example, a clear board may cost 50% more than one with knots, but painting it requires less work and cheaper paint than Knotty Pine. These types of issues are that which we can make suggestions, based on our experience, with stain the knotty and paint the clear grades being our standard message.