This product refers to a thin strip of wood or composite material used to join two pieces of grooved flooring together, specifically those of the hardwood variety available at a large home improvement retailer. It essentially acts as a “tongue” to connect the grooved edges of adjacent planks, creating a seamless and stable floor surface. For example, when installing a hardwood floor with grooved edges but lacking the traditional tongue-and-groove system, these strips bridge the gap, allowing for proper alignment and secure attachment.
The utilization of this joining component is essential for achieving a professional and long-lasting hardwood floor installation, particularly when dealing with reclaimed or custom-milled planks that might not have integrated interlocking mechanisms. It provides structural integrity to the floor, preventing shifting and minimizing the risk of gaps forming over time. Historically, carpenters have employed various methods to achieve this, but the modern, readily available strip simplifies the process, making hardwood floor installation more accessible for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.