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Tongue and groove siding is one of the oldest siding styles still commonly used today. Pieces of tongue and groove siding connect to each other at their edge, greatly reducing the number of fasteners needed.
In most cases, tongue and groove siding is made from naturally rot-resistant materials such as cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated lumber. Tongue and groove siding is relatively easy to install and does a good job of protecting the structure (with regular maintenance).
Even today, tongue and groove siding is used in some home designs, such as cabins or rural-style homes.
Tongue and groove siding can be used indoors or outdoors and can be installed vertically or horizontally, depending on the application.
This makes tongue and groove siding versatile and popular among do-it-yourself enthusiasts.
Tongue and groove siding can also be installed with simple carpentry tools that most DIYers will have.
Today, we will discuss common installation techniques used by professionals and offer some “pro tips” to make the project simple and rewarding.
What is tongue and groove siding and why would you want it?
Tongue and groove siding initially gained popularity during the industrial age, where machinery made it possible to mill wood very quickly and consistently. This is important with tongue and groove siding because each piece connects to the other mechanically. By reducing the number of fasteners needed, the siding is more durable as well as more attractive.
Each piece, or “stick” as it is called by the pros, has a groove on one long edge and a corresponding tongue on the other. These interlocking edges prevent the siding from bending and twisting, as each stick keeps the adjacent stick straight and flat. This not only greatly reduces the number of fasteners needed, but also makes sealing the siding much easier. In contrast, sealing other wood siding designs, such as board and batten, can be much more complicated due to the irregularities of the material.
How long does it take to install tongue and groove siding?
Professionals can typically install a square (100 square feet) of tongue and groove siding in about 4-6 hours, but some designs take longer. A typical installation installs stick like board and batten style siding vertically, but tongue and groove siding can be installed horizontally, which is similar to logs in appearance. It is best to install tongue and groove siding in a team of two or three installers for maximum efficiency.
Installing tongue and groove siding is not particularly complicated, but care must be taken to follow the process carefully. This project is popular among do-it-yourselfers with carpentry skills.
However, it should be noted that a mistake made at the beginning of the project can be time consuming and costly to fix, so it is important for new installers to minimise mistakes. Not placing the correct side outwards and not checking the plumb are some of the most common mistakes.
How much does tongue and groove siding cost?
Most tongue and groove siding materials cost between $2.00-6.00 per square foot installed. However, this can vary widely, as in most cases siding is made from natural materials. Location can affect the price of an item such as wood, as can the type and style of siding. Traditionally, southern US states will have the lowest costs, while northern states tend to be more expensive.
How to Start Installing Tongue and Groove Siding
To begin tongue and groove siding installation, the first step is to measure how much siding will be needed for the project. Will the siding cover the entire wall structure or perhaps just enough to accent the stone surround? Once you know how much you need, the next step is to decide on details, such as the profile size and available wood species.
The best way to estimate the materials needed is to measure the approximate width and height of the area to be sided and multiply them together. For example, let’s say we are siding a wall that is approximately 96” (8′) x 120” (10′). If we multiply these measurements, we get approximately 80 square feet. In siding terms, a “square” is 100 square feet. Tongue and groove siding is often available in one or two square boxes.
To understand the options available, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the common styles of siding. Tongue and groove siding is often sold as a flat board with a chamfered edge on all four long sides (or at least the outward-facing edge). This chamfer is a 45-degree bevel milled into the wood from the factory. This helps reduce splinters and results in a more prominent groove. Many tongue and groove siding materials have a smooth side and a rough side, allowing the installer to install either side for appearance. This is especially common in cedar and poplar tongue and groove siding. Once you’ve selected your style and material, it’s time to prepare and begin the project.Today’s Homeowner Tip
Professional installers must make sure they install with the correct side facing out, as mistakes later can be extremely difficult and costly to correct. Professionals will also choose to install some boards next to other boards to improve the appearance. Step 1. Prepare the Surface Step 2. Lay Out the Area Step 3. Add Siding Step 4. Install the Second Course (If Necessary) Step 5. Install the Remaining Courses Step 6. Apply the Finish
Is tongue and groove siding for me?
If you like the look of vertical siding, tongue and groove offers a wood-like look, relatively simple installation, and durability. Tongue and groove siding has remained largely the same since its introduction, which explains its longevity. Tongue and groove siding is inexpensive and can be installed with a few simple tools, making it a worthwhile DIY project. For homeowners who aren’t afraid of regular maintenance, tongue and groove siding can be a worthwhile investment.