How do I install tongue and groove flooring?

Installing tongue and groove flooring is a great DIY project that gives your home a polished, seamless look. Before you start, make sure your subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Let the flooring acclimatise in the room for at least 48 hours to avoid any issues with expansion.

Begin with the first row, placing the planks with the tongue side facing the wall. Use spacers to leave a 10–15mm expansion gap all around the perimeter of the room. This gap is essential to allow the flooring to move naturally with changes in temperature and humidity.

Apply a good-quality wood glue along the groove edge of each plank before connecting it to the next one. Fit the tongue of the new plank into the glued groove and tap gently with a rubber mallet and tapping block to secure it firmly. This glue-down method keeps the planks tightly locked together, creating a strong and long-lasting bond.

Tongue and groove flooring can be installed as a floating floor, which means it isn’t glued or nailed down to the subfloor—perfect for avoiding damage to the existing floor beneath. Just ensure the boards are properly glued to each other, and the expansion gap is maintained.

Continue row by row, staggering the joints for a natural look. Cut the last row to fit, and cover the expansion gap with skirting boards or beading.

It’s a rewarding project that leaves your space looking beautifully refreshed!