Basics of Joinery

Joinery is how wood pieces connect. It is the heart of woodworking.

The butt joint is simplest. Two pieces glued end to end. Weak but fine for frames.

The dado joint. A groove cut into one piece that the other sits in. Strong and hidden.

The rabbet joint. A step cut into the edge. Good for boxes and drawers.

The mortise and tenon. A peg and a hole. The classic furniture joint. Strong and beautiful.

The dovetail. Interlocking pins. The hardest and strongest. The sign of a master.

Start simple. Butt joints teach you glue and clamping. Work up to dovetails.

Good joinery means furniture that lasts generations.