Wood joints are the ways in which two or more wooden parts are connected to form a structure or component. They partly determine the strength and stiffness of a timber structure. Traditionally they were cut entirely from the wood itself; nowadays they are often combined with, or replaced by, glue and metal fasteners.
Traditional joints
- Mortise and tenon — a projecting tenon fits into a cut-out mortise; the basic joint of timber framing and window frames
- Dovetail — fan-shaped teeth that interlock and resist being pulled apart, common in drawer work
- Splice and hook joints — for lengthening wood in the longitudinal direction
- Notch and cog joints — where parts are housed into one another
Traditional joints are often secured with a wooden dowel (draw peg) or a wedge.
Modern joints
- Glued joints — strong and stiff, provided the right type of wood glue (class D1–D4) and sufficient clamping pressure are used
- Metal connectors — joist hangers, angle brackets, screws, bolts and nail plates, widely used in modern timber building and timber frame construction
Choosing
The right joint depends on the load (tension, compression, shear), whether it will be visible, and whether the joint needs to be demountable. A good wood joint fits tightly, because play weakens the structure and lets in dirt and moisture.
Related terms
- Wood
- Mortise-and-tenon joint
- Dovetail
- Wood glue
- Dowel
- Splice joint
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