Tongue

The tongue is a projecting edge found on boards which is designed to fit into a groove on a matching board providing an overall flat surface.

Where is a Tongue Used?

The tongue and groove method of construction is not as common as it used to be. There are however, two areas where it is still used quite extensively. Frequently you will find laminate wood flooring panels utilizing a tongue and groove design. Usually one side of the laminate flooring panel will have a tongue and the other wide will have a groove. As each piece is laid down the installer will insert the tongue side into the groove side of the previously laid down piece.

A more recent application where this method is used extensively is with floating wood floors. Floating wood floors are actually real wood panels mounted on plywood. They also use a design where one side has a tongue and one has a groove. Just like laminate floor panels the tongue side is inserted into the groove side of the previously laid panel.