you’re able to use several methods to join wood pieces, each serving a different purpose.
Some are stronger, some are more aesthetically pleasing, some are complex, and some are basic.
Read ahead to learn the many common types of wood joints and when to use them.
The Spruce
This simple joint is typical for building framing and other applications that utilize additional fasteners for strength.
Once screwed in, plug the hole using somewood puttyto make it virtually invisible.
The mitered cuts hide the end grain of both boards.
The Spruce / Chris Baylor
These joints are often used to join trim pieces in a corner.
The dowel acts as a mechanical fastener by bonding with the glue while also helping to align the pieces.
Furniture builders commonly use dowel joints to make furniture.
The Spruce / Chris Baylor
This joint is also used to make mirrors and picture frames.
Screws or staples do not hold it together.
The moisture in the glue causes the biscuit to swell, strengthening the glue’s bond.
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This joint is popular in furniture making, particularly for joining wood to make tabletops.
This simple joint is often utilized for furniture building, such as shelving, cabinetry, and drawer dividers.
It uses glue to secure the two wood pieces in the joint, requiring no nails or screws.
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It holds with a medium strength capacity.
Although, instead of being U-shaped, it’s L-shaped.
The removed material adds additional rigidity and surface area for gluing.
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It still holds at a medium-strength capacity since it does not use screws or nails.
This joint is popular incabinetryand furniture building.
This strong connection can be friction-fitted, glued, or reinforced with nails and screws.
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This joint is often utilized in furniture making to joinbed framesand table legs.
It is also used in traditional barn building and home framing.
The two sets of notches, known as fingers, are then laced together.
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When supported with glue, these joints boast superior strength due to the joint’s immense surface area.
you’ve got the option to also reinforce these joints with nails.
This simple yet effective joint is perfect for boxes and drawers.
The Spruce / Chris Baylor
It can also be reinforced with glue and does not require nails or screws.
This popular joint is a great option for general furniture building, drawers, and boxes requiring above-average strength.
This joint can also be reinforced with adhesives and requires no other fasteners.
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Sliding Dovetail
A sliding dovetail is a combination of a dovetail and a dado joint.
This design offers more strength and locking qualities than a standard dado and can be used similarly.
The two notched pieces fit flush together; however, removing the wood weakens the joint.
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To strengthen the joint, reinforce it with glue or physical fasteners.
The joint is more rigid if placed in the middle of the wood.
When placed at the end of the wood, it’s called an end lap and is significantly weaker.
The Spruce / Chris Baylor
This joint is often used in building framing and furniture building.
Each tenon side has a gluing surface, which strengthens the joint by increasing the surfacing gluing area.
This joint doesn’t use metal fasteners.
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Bridle joints are popular in framing tables, desks, and benches.
Tongue-and-Groove Joint
A tongue-and-groove joint is a popular option in flooring and wood paneling.
The two pieces lock tightly together, although they only have a medium strength capacity.
The Spruce / Chris Baylor
To strengthen the joinery, use glue or nails.
This task requires high accuracy, achieved with a commercial jig.
Pocket joints are ideal for the face frames of cabinetry and other projects requiring minimal strength.
This complex joint is often used for refined woodworking.
Although dovetail joints don’t need adhesives, they do strengthen the joint.
These joints are primarily used for cabinetry, drawers, and furniture making.
It’s not too difficult to do with glue and a good planer.
However, the planning and matching up of the edges will need to be precise.
This joinery does not require glue or fasteners.
The interlocking joint allows the joined pieces to move, flex, and move along a track.
It’s complex to create, requiring good millworking equipment to get it right.
However, if you want the easiest joint, you might join wood using a butt joint.
However, many stronger and more attractive options require minimal prep work.
There are many beautiful ways to join wood, each appealing to a different app.
Non-visible connectors can keep your project sturdy and attractive and make it appear seamless.
Some common types of non-visible connectors are biscuit and hook connectors.
Choose the correct one to ensure your project turns out as you envisioned.
It’s also easy to see how the two pieces fit together.
