T&G 101: WHAT IS V-JOINT, NICKEL JOINT AND SQUARE EDGE?

V-JOINT:

The term "V-Joint" comes from the "V" created when two of our T&G boards come together. They form a V between the two boards. The T&G V-Joint pattern is used in our very popular Synergy Collection. The V-Joint pattern is often used in our wood ceiling applications.

NICKEL JOINT  "SHIPLAP" LOOK

The term "Nickel Joint" or Nickel Gap" comes from the old craftsmen using actual nickels to space the wood - the width of a nickel. Our T&G profile has a square edge profile with a 1/8″ gap between the boards to ensure a seamless nickel gap. Nickel gap also gives the appearance of Shiplap but with a much stronger joint, ability to blind nail (hide the nails behind joint) and still have end-matching. Nickel joint is a clean look that is often used on wood walls and in replace of a shiplap look.

SQUARE EDGE:

"Square Edge" joint pattern allows the wood to butt up close to each other. Often referred to as a "butt joint" Square Edge removes larger gaps like the Nickel joint or V-Joint. Nickel Joint gives the popular appearance of Shiplap while maintaining a strong mechanical bond.

WHAT IS END-MATCHING? WHY IS IT BENEFICIAL?

End matching is the process of double end-trimming each plank using boards milled with a tongue and groove on the plank ends. This provides a male and female end, allowing the boards to be interlocked during installation and creating a mechanical bond. When boards are interlocked through end-matching, cupping potential is eliminated and wood expansion and contraction are tolerated.

WHAT GRADE WOOD IS USED IN SYNERGY WOOD? WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

We use #2 and C Southern Pine and SB Red Grandis

Red Grandis SB allows for some limited knots and small color variation

#2 Southern Pine allows for large knots and some color variation

C Southern Pine is mostly clear, occasional tight knot

Click on our Synergy Grading Guide to learn more about the grades of our wood.