Q&A: Spacing of T&G Plywood

Is Steeper Better?

June 1, 1991

Q. How should tongue-and-groove plywood be laid? Do you have to account for expansion between sheets?: A.The American Plywood Association recommends that T&G plywood sheets be spaced 1/16 inch apart at both sides and ends. The thickness of a nickel is about right. A little more space is acceptable; less is not. This applies whether or not a construction adhesive is applied to the joint.