When you are choosing a new wooden floor, it is important to select the correct fitting system for your particular project. The two main choices you have are either tongue and groove or click fitting.
What is tongue and groove flooring?
Tongue and groove flooring, which is more commonly known as T&G, is the most traditional way of fitting a wooden floor. The name relates directly to the fitting profile of the planks of flooring. Each flooring plank has one long side and one short side with a tongue (a protruding edge). Then it has one long side and one short side with a groove (a rebated edge). The planks of T&G flooring have been carefully designed and manufactured so that the tongues fit into the grooves seamlessly. They provide a tight and smooth fit. One of the main benefits of T&G flooring is that it can be fitted over almost any subfloor, including joists. Tongue and groove flooring can also be found in wider and thicker planks. If you want tongue and groove flooring you have the choice of either solid hardwood or engineered hardwood. For more information, have a look at our Guide to Tongue and Groove Hardwood Flooring.
What is click fitting flooring?
Click fitting flooring provides a quicker and easier installation method. The name, once again, relates to the fitting profile of the planks of flooring. The edges of the planks have a specially designed interlocking fitting system. This allows the fitter to simply click and lock the planks into place with a tight and secure fit. There is no need for any expertise, glue, nails or specialist fitting equipment. The most common way to install this click flooring is to float it over an underlay, although it can be glued down to the subfloor if required. One of the main benefits of click fitting flooring is that it is quick and easy to install. If you want click fitting wooden flooring you will need to choose engineered hardwood. One disadvantage of click fitting hardwood is that it cannot be installed over joists as it needs a solid base. For more information, have a look at our Guide to Click Fitting Hardwood Flooring.
Tongue and groove or click fitting flooring?
• Click fitting flooring requires less skill and equipment to install.
• Tongue and groove flooring is more time consuming and complicated to install.
• Both types of flooring need a well-prepared subfloor - clean, flat, dry and level.
• T&G flooring can be installed over any subfloor including joists, whereas click fitting flooring cannot.
• Solid wood flooring is only found with a tongue and groove fitting system.
• It is easier to replace damaged planks of flooring with click fitting.
• Tongue and groove is available in wider planks of flooring.
• Both are easy to clean and look after once installed.
• You cannot tell the different between tongue and groove or click floors once they have been installed.
• Parquet block flooring is only found with a T&G fitting profile.
