Which joinery method features a protruding tongue on one edge and a matching groove on the other?

Which joinery method features a protruding tongue on one edge and a matching groove on the other?

• A. Dovetail Joint
• B. Tongue and Groove
• C. Biscuit Joint
• D. Housing Joint

Answer: (B)

Tongue and Groove joints are defined by a protruding tongue on one edge that fits into a matching groove on the adjoining piece. When the boards slide together, the tongue seats neatly into the groove, creating a flush, continuous surface and helping with alignment while allowing small movement of the wood due to humidity. This makes it a practical choice for long edges in flooring, paneling, and similar builds. The other joints don’t use this single-edge tongue fitting into a groove: a dovetail forms interlocking tails and pins, a biscuit joint uses round biscuits in slots, and a housing joint relies on a recess (mortise) rather than a tongue and groove connection.

Tongue and Groove joints are defined by a protruding tongue on one edge that fits into a matching groove on the adjoining piece. When the boards slide together, the tongue seats neatly into the groove, creating a flush, continuous surface and helping with alignment while allowing small movement of the wood due to humidity. This makes it a practical choice for long edges in flooring, paneling, and similar builds. The other joints don’t use this single-edge tongue fitting into a groove: a dovetail forms interlocking tails and pins, a biscuit joint uses round biscuits in slots, and a housing joint relies on a recess (mortise) rather than a tongue and groove connection.