Planed and grooved timber consists of boards that have been smoothly planed on their faces and shaped along their edges with a projecting tongue on one side and a matching groove on the other, so that adjacent boards interlock.
The tongue of one board slides into the groove of the next, joining the boards edge to edge without gaps. Because the boards are planed, the visible surface is smooth and ready for finishing, while the interlocking joint gives a flat, continuous plane and helps distribute loads between boards.
Advantages
- Tight joints: the tongue-and-groove connection closes gaps and hides shrinkage.
- Smooth surface: planing gives a clean, finish-ready face.
- Even load spread: interlocking edges share loads between neighbouring boards.
- Easy assembly: boards align and lock together quickly.
Application
Planed and grooved timber is a versatile finishing and structural material.
| Use | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Flooring | Continuous, gap-free timber floors |
| Wall panelling | Decorative and durable interior surfaces |
| Cladding | External and internal board finishes |
| Ceilings | Neat, jointed timber ceilings |
The concealed tongue-and-groove joint allows the boards to be fixed through the tongue, hiding the fasteners for a clean appearance. It also accommodates the natural movement of timber with changes in humidity.
Related terms
- tongue and groove
- timber
- flooring
- panelling
- cladding
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