Tags: Faux Tongue & Groove styles, Faux Wood Beams, Faux Wood Ceiling Beams, Faux Wood Planks, Premium-Quality Faux Wood Beams

Raise your hand if you watch Chip and Joanna and wonder how they make wood paneling look elegant and stylish? I’m not sure about you, but paneling seemed to suggest a few things when we were growing up, and none of them were positive. 

Paneling in our day meant dark, faux-wood that made your feel boxed in. It let in no natural light, and stylish wasn’t a word I would use to describe it. Lucky for us, nowadays paneling has had a makeover. 

Lucky for us, we have many faux tongue & groove styles to choose from. Did we mention that paneling isn’t just for walls anymore? Nowadays, people are using beautiful paneling on ceilings to create depth, character, and charm. 

So if you’re ready to embrace your inner Chip and Joanna, stick around. We’re about to break down the difference between two trendy faux tongue & groove styles: nickel gap and V-groove.

What Is Nickel Gap? 

Nickel gap refers to a style of faux-wood paneling planks designed to add character to your home. It has strong lines that form beautiful and stunning contrasts between the planks. 

Nickel gap gets its name from the nickel-width space between planks. This doesn’t mean that the planks are separated, far from it. In fact, they are connected by a tongue and groove locking system that’s similar to laminate flooring. The boards bud together, and the tongue and groove system creates a solid gap about the thickness of a nickel.

Nickel gap paneling comes in a wide array of textures, colors, and sizes. You can purchase nickel gap by the foot and cut it to customize it to your home. 

Here are some color style choices available in nickel gap from Diamond Resin Products

  • Nickel gap comes in three different textures: hand hewn, select cypress, and pecky cypress
  • Nickel gap also comes in many colors: driftwood, pecan, weathered grey, walnut, espresso, and mahogany
  • Nickel gap comes in three different panel widths: four-inch, six-inch, and eight-inch

The result is beautiful, clean lines from your paneling. Nickel gap can be installed vertically or horizontally, and because of their dynamic feature, they also make a great choice for tongue and groove ceiling planks. 

What Is V-Groove? 

V-groove paneling is similar to nickel gap paneling. Like nickel gap paneling, V-groove paneling uses the same tongue and groove locking system for easy installation. One distinct difference between the nickel gap in V-groove paneling is how the paneling looks when placed together. 

Just as the nickel gap gets its name from its nickel-width space between the planks, V-groove paneling creates a V-shape between the boards when locked together using the tongue and groove locking system. 

V-groove offers clean lines that help soften a space while adding style and charm. V-groove has a softer, less dynamic feel in contrast to nickel gap. While nickel gap will draw the eye in and create depth, V-groove tends to add more charm to a space. 

V-groove would make a great choice for a historic home whose main goal is to add charm and character. In contrast, nickel gap may be a more sensible choice for a more contemporary home. 

V-groove can be bought by the foot and be customized to meet the needs of your space. It is a natural material that works great for large spaces. 

Like nickel gap, V-groove comes in the same wide array of styles and choices for texture, color, and sizes. 

Which Style Is Better?  

Depending on your needs and the style of your home, each faux-wood ceiling planks can offer style, function, and charm to your home. Another thing to consider is the room you’ll be placing your paneling in, such as the dining room, living room, or even as a backsplash in your kitchen. 

When Is a Good Time to Use Nickel Gap? 

A great time to use nickel gap is when you’re trying to make a statement, draw someone’s eye to the space, or to have a dramatic, contemporary look. 

Some examples of when nickel gap makes a great choice: 

  • Nickel gap is a great panel feature for vaulted ceilings
  • Nickel gap can make a stunning feature wall
  • Nickel gap is a great choice for small areas to add depth and contrast
  • Nickel gap can make a great choice for backsplash in a kitchen or the bathroom

Due to its solid lines, nickel gap makes a great statement piece to a room. It can create depth and contrast in a room, and as a ceiling finish, it can make a room look larger and elegant. 

When Is a Good Time to Use V-Groove? 

Because of its clean lines, V-groove makes a classy yet elegant touch to any room looking to add a bit of that softer farmlike charm. For older homes, V-groove can play into the history of the house, creating a cozy feel or environment. 

Some examples of when V-Groove makes a great choice: 

  • V-groove is a great choice for accent walls, including staircases
  • V-groove is a smart choice for mudrooms or inside bookcases
  • V-groove makes an excellent, understated ceiling finish
  • V-groove is a great choice for older, colonial homes with charming finishes

V-groove paneling is a great feature for older homes. They have a soft, elegant appearance that provides a cozy feel that’s best suited for colonial homes with tons of charm. 

Planning Your Next Fixer Upper Rendition? Use One of These Great Faux Tongue & Groove Styles

Are you planning to remodel your home like Chip and Joanna? If you’re looking to create your very own Fixer Upper rendition in your home, look no further than these great faux tongue & groove styles to compliment your space.

Whether you’re looking for a classic elegant feel of a V-groove or the stand-out contemporary stylings of the nickel gap, you’re sure to be happy with the end result.

For more information about using faux tongue & groove styles for the ceiling in your home, call the professionals at Diamond Resin Products for all your remodeling needs at (239) 689-5450 or check out our blog for more inspiration.