Learn / Joints
Joints: see how they go together
Tap a joint to see it come apart and join again. Then pick a job to see which joints are often used, and test yourself.
Easy8 jointsJob chooserQuick check
What each joint isWhich joint for the job?Quick checkCheck before you cut
Check before you cut. This is general know-how, not a rule book. Every shop and product is different. Always check with your supervisor and the maker's instructions.
// 01 What each joint is
Tap a joint. See how it goes together.
Biscuit joint
A biscuit is a flat oval of pressed timber. You cut a slot in each board with a biscuit joiner. Add glue and the biscuit, then clamp.
- Where you see it
- Joining boards edge to edge. Lining up panels and frames.
- Barry's tip
- The glue makes the biscuit swell, so it fits tight. Barry is named after this joint!
Butt joint
The simplest joint. One board sits flat against the other. Screws, nails or glue hold it.
- Where you see it
- Cabinet boxes (carcasses), often with screws.
- Barry's tip
- Simple, but weak on its own. It needs screws or another joint to be strong.
Dowel joint
Round timber pins (dowels) go into drilled holes in both pieces, with glue.
- Where you see it
- Cabinets, shelves and flat-pack furniture.
- Barry's tip
- The holes must line up exactly. Use a jig.
Dovetail joint
Fan-shaped "tails" lock between "pins". It can't pull apart in one direction, even before the glue dries.
- Where you see it
- Drawer boxes and fine furniture. Our logo is a dovetail.
- Barry's tip
- Mark the lines with a sharp knife. Cut on the waste side of the line.
Mortise & tenon joint
A tongue (the tenon) on one piece fits into a hole (the mortise) in the other piece.
- Where you see it
- Door frames, tables and chairs.
- Barry's tip
- The tenon should fit snug: tight enough to hold, but not so tight that it splits the timber.
Housing joint
A groove is cut across one board. The end of the other board (like a shelf) sits in it. Also called a dado or a trench.
- Where you see it
- Shelves in bookcases and cabinets.
- Barry's tip
- Cut the groove to the real board thickness. Measure the board. Don't trust the label.
Rebate joint
A step is cut along the edge or end of one board. The other board sits in the step. Also called a rabbet.
- Where you see it
- Cabinet backs, drawer boxes and frames for glass.
- Barry's tip
- The step helps line the parts up. Glue it, then pin or screw it.
Tongue & groove joint
A tongue on the edge of one board fits into a groove on the edge of the next board.
- Where you see it
- Floorboards, wall linings and some panels.
- Barry's tip
- Don't force it. If it's tight, check the groove is clean.
Simple drawings, not to scale. Always follow your shop's way of doing it.
// 02 Which joint for the job?
Pick a job. See joints that are often used.
Cabinet box: Carcasses are often screwed butt joints. Dowels or biscuits help line them up.
Drawer box: Dovetails are strong and look good. Rebates and dowels are quicker.
Wide panel (boards edge to edge): These help line up the boards while the glue sets.
Door or face frame: Mortise and tenon is the classic frame joint. Dowels are common in shops.
These are common choices, not the only ones. Many shops have their own way. Ask what yours uses.
// 03 Quick check
Which joint is this?
Look at the picture. Tap the right name.
Question 1 of 4 · Score 0
1/4 Which joint is this?
Answer: Dovetail. Fan-shaped tails lock between pins. That's a dovetail.
2/4 Which joint is this?
Answer: Housing. The shelf sits in a groove across the board. That's a housing.
3/4 Which joint is this?
Answer: Tongue & groove. A tongue on one edge fits a groove on the other edge.
4/4 Which joint is this?
Answer: Mortise & tenon. The tenon (tongue) goes into the mortise (hole).
You got 0 of 4.
// 04 Check before you cut
Before you cut a joint
- Measure the real thingMeasure the real board thickness. Don't trust the label.
- Dry-fit firstPut the joint together with no glue. Check it fits, then glue.
- Sharp toolsKeep blades and chisels sharp. A blunt tool slips.
- MachinesUse the guards and push sticks. Wear eye and hearing protection. If you're not sure, ask your supervisor.
General safety notes, not a full list. Follow your site rules, the product's SDS and your supervisor.
Try:Door is saggingDrawer won't closeScribe an end panel
AI beta: Barry is an AI and can be wrong. Always check with your supervisor and the maker's instructions.
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