How to Install Tongue and Groove on Interior Walls

Stack the tongue and groove boards in the room where you will be installing them at least a week before you plan to begin work. Put sticks between the boards in the stack to maximize air circulation. This allows the boards to acclimate to the humidity and temperature of the room and will minimize future problems with swelling and shrinkage.

Nail or screw furring strips to the studs in the wall with 2-inch nails or screws if you are planning to install the tongue and groove boards vertically. Be sure that the nails or screws go through the furring strips and directly into the studs, not just into the drywall. Install furring strips every 12 inches.

Place a tongue and groove board in a corner with the groove facing the corner. Nail the groove side to the furring strips behind it, being sure that the nails are less than 3/4-inch from the adjoining wall. These nail heads will be hidden when you install a board in the adjoining wall. Nail the side of the board that the tongue is on with nails driven in at an angle through the shoulder of the tongue. Finish driving in the nails with a nail set, being careful not to hit or mar the face of the board.

Place the second tongue and groove board tightly against the first board, with the tongue of the first board fitting into the groove of the second board. You don't need to nail the grooved side of this board because it will be held by the tongue of the first board. Nail this board through the shoulder of the tongue with angled nails in the same way that you nailed the first board.

Continue installing boards, placing the groove of each board around the tongue of the previous board and nailing the board to the wall through the shoulder of the tongue.

Cut the final board along its length when you reach a corner so that it fits the width of the remaining space. This job is most accurately done with a table saw but can also be done with a circular saw and a steady hand.