When we decorate our homes, we often need to think about the different styling options we can choose for our walls.
We often think about wallpapering or painting our walls—but have you ever considered the benefits of wall paneling with tongue and groove paneling?
What is tongue and groove paneling? Keep reading to find out! In this article, we’ll talk about these wall panels, the specifications, and your choices for your home’s exterior.
Tongue and Groove Walls—What are They?
Tongue and groove wall panels are a type of paneling that is designed for easy installation. The different panels interlock with tongue and groove planks, allowing you to fit and fix them quickly to your walls.
You can use tongue and groove panels on your walls and ceilings or even create a decorative statement for just a portion of your walls. They help to provide more insulation for the room and can resist warping over time. You can even paint your panels to match the rest of your interior decor.
Tongue and Groove Wall Specifications
Here are some specifications that you can see in tongue and groove walls.
TEXTURING
When choosing tongue and groove paneling for your walls, you can choose from a wide range of textures. You can get wooden, PVC, or metal paneling, with different patterns and wood grains to suit your home’s aesthetic.
TYPICAL LENGT
The typical length of tongue and groove wall panels is around 2400 mm high. You might need to use more than one panel to cover the height of your wall and also trim the boards to size.
WIDTHS OR FACE COVERAGS
Tongue and groove panels are generally around 1440 mm wide, and you can use more than one panel to fit the edge of your walls. However, you must be more careful when trimming the width of your panels, as the joints move vertically with this type of paneling.
THICKNESS
You need to know the thickness of your tongue and groove panels to ensure that they do not intervene with any preexisting structures in your home. Generally, you’ll find that groove and tongue wood paneling is around 12 mm thick, but this figure will vary depending on the style of your wall paneling.
Tongue and Groove Wall Paneling Choices
If you’ve decided to go for wood wall paneling, you need to know which types of woods are available. Here are some of your options and the types of home aesthetics that they will best suit.
ASPEN
When choosing tongue and groove paneling for your walls, you can choose from a wide range of textures. You can get wooden, PVC, or metal paneling, with different patterns and wood grains to suit your home’s aesthetic.
BASSWOOD
If you don’t want to veneer, then basswood can make an excellent option, as it can withstand wear and tear without sacrificing its appearance. Basswood is generally stain and warp-resistant and comes in various colored stains to suit your home’s interior.
BUTTERNUT
Butternut is a great choice to create an earthy and rich tone for your wood paneling. Butternut paneling has a rich color, texture, and depth to create an elevated yet earthy feel in your home’s interior.
BLACK ASH
In modern homes, black ash can create an elevated and chic modern statement wall. Paired with sleek and clean furniture and colors, black ash can create an expensive and refined look in your home.
PINE
Pine is an excellent choice for those looking to create warmth in their home with a classic and hearty feel. The warmth of the color can create a cozy feeling in your home and is an excellent choice for cabins and cottages.
Where to Use Tongue and Groove Walls
Tongue and groove panels are incredibly versatile. You can fit your groove wall panels on your ceilings, walls, or just on part of your wall. The best place to put your groove wall panels will depend on your vision and taste. If you wish to use wood wall panels in your bathroom, you need to opt for wood with the proper sealant and a wood species that isn’t susceptible to warping.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Tongue and Groove Walls
We’ll discuss some pros and cons that you should consider when investing in tongue and groove panels for your home.
Pros
Durable and Last for Many Years
When you invest in a wood statement wall or wood paneling throughout your home, you can expect many years out of your wood.
Moisture-resistant and Won’t Warp or Rot
If you choose suitable wood for a bathroom or damp area, the paneling will be moisture-resistant and won’t warp or rot, as long as you apply the proper sealant.
Provide a Finished Look to a Room
Bare walls can give your home an unfinished look, and wallpaper or paint might not be your style. Wood paneling looks more expensive than wallpaper or paint and can give your room a polished and finished look.
Cons
Here are some drawbacks of installing tongue and groove paneling in your home.
Joint can be Tricky to Construct
When you opt for a vertical joint in your wood paneling, you need to hoist your panels upright to fit them, and the joints can be quite challenging to construct as you go.
Seams Between Boards can be Quite Visible
Sometimes, you can see the seams between the boards of your wood panels. You can worsen this appearance if you do not fit your boards correctly.
Finish on the Boards can Chip and Flake
If you opt for a stain finish on your boards, this finish may wear down over time and begin to chip or flake—leaving you with more to hoover up during your home sprucing!.
Conclusion
So, are tongue and groove wood panels suitable for your home? If you’ve got an empty wall or room, somewhere that looks unfinished, you can fill up the space and create a warmer atmosphere with some wood panels.
Would you like to learn more about wood panels and other upgrades for your home? You should reach out to our friendly team of home improvement experts here at HB ELEMENTS!