A unique modified shiplap joint with a transverse spline extending into the respective edge of each piece of siding forming the joint. The spline ensures that the two adjacent pieces of siding are properly and adequately connected to each other, and, through the nail in the underlap portion of the joint, to the wall. The spline may be located in four possible positions: (1) attached to the back side of the underlap section of the joint (i.e., closest to the wall); (2) through the center of the underlap section of the joint; (3) directly attached to the front face of the underlap section of the joint; and (4) through the overlap section of the joint (i.e., closest to the outside face). The spline may be installed on one of the pieces of siding during manufacturing or at the factory, or alternatively, at the job site.

A panel element may be provided for a covering. In particular, a panel element for a floor, wall or ceiling covering, which covering may be formed by a plurality of panel elements of the same kind which are connected to one another. Each panel element has a basic body having a defined total thickness and upper and a lower surfaces. The basic body has in each case differently contoured longitudinal sides and in each case differently contoured end faces. One longitudinal side has groove-like contouring and the other longitudinal side has tongue-like contouring corresponding thereto.

A panel can have a face surface having a length and a width. The panel can include a first tongue that extends along the length and a second tongue that extends along the width. The panel can further include first front and back legs that extend along the length of the panel and define a first groove therebetween and second front and back legs that extends along the width of the panel and define a second groove. At least one of the first tongue or the first back leg has a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the length of the face surface; or at least one of the second tongue or the second back leg can have a longitudinal dimension that is greater than the width of the face surface.

The invention relates to a floor or wall panel and to a method of producing such panel. The panel comprise at least one core layer comprising at least one composite material, said composite material comprising at least one mineral filler, and at least one thermoplastic binder, which are present in a preferred ratio and composition such that a relatively light weight and rigid panel is obtained.

Floor panels are shown, which are provided with a mechanical locking system on long and short edges allowing installation with vertical snap folding that could be accomplished automatically without tools and where the short edge locking system has a tongue made in one piece with the panel. The floor panels may have a first and a second connector at the long edges that are configured to obtain a minimum of friction facilitating a displacement, by a spring back force from the bending of a short edge locking strip, of a new panel in a horizontal direction along the long edge during the vertical snap folding action.

The invention relates to a decorative panel, in particular a floor panel, ceiling panel or wall panel, and to a method for manufacturing such decorative panel. The panel according to the present invention comprises includes at least one foamed layer comprising including an upper side and a lower side, and at least one decorative solid layer either directly or indirectly, affixed on said upper side of the foamed layer, wherein both the foamed layer and the decorative solid layer are wood based materials. The invention also relates to a floor covering consisting of a plurality of such panels.

A ceiling material installation tool wherein the present invention assists in the installation of tongue and groove ceiling planks. The present invention includes a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a lateral support member with longitudinal support members at opposing ends thereof. The lateral support member can be configured to be adjustable in length so as to place the longitudinal support members against adjacent support trusses that are alternate distances. The lower portion of the frame includes a vertical support member extending downward from the lateral support member. An upper horizontal member and a lower horizontal member are coupled to the vertical support member both being perpendicular to the vertical support member and axially aligned. The upper horizontal member can be vertically adjustable along the vertical support member so as to position a ceiling plank.

A unique modified shiplap joint with matching or corresponding reverse curves on opposing edges or ends of a piece of siding, each forming one-half of the joint: an underlap edge, and an overlap edge. The respective curves engage and resist or prevent separation of the edges, particularly under a pre-determined wind load. A fastener channel in the underlap section allows for a nail or fastener to be used, while the nail head is then covered by the adjacent overlap section. The respective edges form an angled gap, which is configured to prevent water or rain from entering.

The present invention relates to a method for the manufacturing of a coated panel, in particular a wall, ceiling or flooring panel for applications in outdoor areas, as well as such a panel. The method comprises the following steps: providing a carrier plate of mineral wool and/or glass wool, comprising a front side and a rear side, applying a primer onto the front side of the carrier plate, thereafter applying a liquid first oligomer in an amount of 30 to 150 g/m.sup.2 onto the front side of the carrier plate; thereafter applying a liquid second oligomer, which differs from the first oligomer, in an amount of 30 to 180 g/m.sup.2 onto the wet surface of the before applied layer of the first oligomer.

A panel including a centrally located core, at least one first coupling part and at least one second coupling part connected respectively to opposite edges of the core, which first coupling part includes an upward tongue, at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue and an upward groove formed in between the upward tongue and the upward flank wherein the upward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of a downward tongue of a second coupling part of an adjacent panel: which second coupling part includes a downward tongue, at least one downward flank lying at a distance from the downward tongue, and a downward groove formed in between the downward tongue and the downward flank, wherein the downward groove is adapted to receive at least a part of an upward tongue of a first coupling part of an adjacent panel.