* Tongue: A raised, rectangular piece of wood that protrudes from one piece of wood. Think of it like a long, thin, rectangular "lip."
* Groove: A matching, rectangular indentation cut into the other piece of wood. This indentation is designed to perfectly receive the tongue.
Here's how they fit together:
* The tongue of one board slides into the groove of another.
* This creates a strong, tight joint that helps to prevent the boards from moving or separating.
Visualizing the Appearance:
* Side View: Imagine two pieces of wood lying next to each other. One piece has a raised ridge (the tongue), while the other has a matching indentation (the groove). When these pieces are joined, the tongue fits perfectly into the groove, creating a flush surface.
* Top View: From the top, the tongue and groove joint will appear as a single, continuous surface with no visible gap.
Examples of Tongue and Groove Joints:
* Flooring: Many types of hardwood and laminate flooring use tongue and groove joints for easy installation and secure fit.
* Paneling: Tongue and groove joints are often used in wall and ceiling paneling.
* Furniture: This joint is sometimes used in the construction of furniture pieces, especially for drawer fronts and backs.
Let me know if you have any other questions!