Horizontal Installation of Tongue & Groove Planks

Types of Planking

• Planking designed for horizontal installation comes in different species, widths and thicknesses, but the most common varieties are random-width planks, milled from pine or oak. The typical thickness is 3/4 of an inch, and it comes with either square edges, or a V-groove along the outer edges.

Nail-Down Installation

• Horizontal planking is typically nailed down to a sub-flooring system. If the planks are wider than five inches, they are usually glued as well to prevent cupping. Sub-floors are generally plywood, but a joist system may also be employed.

Glue-Down Installation

• Thinner planks can be installed horizontally by gluing them directly to the substrate. As long as the planks are 3/8 of an inch thick or less, they may be installed directly to concrete or plywood using the appropriate adhesives.

Finishing

• Most planking arrives smooth and even from the manufacturer, but it may still require some sanding before the finish can be applied. The ability to finish the planking in the color and sheen of your choice makes it a popular selection for many homeowners.