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14 Types of Woodworking Joints That You Should Master

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Woodworking joints are useful in woodworking. It is one of the basics that you have to learn, practice and master. It can give you the ability to join wood together and still come up with excellent results for every project.

At the very least, a more difficult joint is said to be a stronger choice, according to the pros. So beforehand and during the planning stage, woodworkers should decide on what woodworking joints to use.

Different Types of Wood Joinery

There are many types of wood joints that you have to know so that you can choose the one most suitable for your project on hand. So without further ado, check out the following concepts that you must know.

1. Mitered Butt Joint

Wood Joint - Mitered Butt Joint

Almost of the same concept as a butt joint, but this wood joint involves two pieces of the wood board joined not square to one another but at an angle. It is more pleasing to the eyes than the basic butt joint because it does not display the wood’s end grain. On a drawback, this joint isn’t durable.

2. Biscuit Joint

Wood Joint - Biscuit Joint

It is another method of joining wood pieces in order to create lovely wood projects. The technique is a modern approach in wood joinery and is a favorite among those that want to create an elegant tabletop using glue as well as on the beechwood ‘biscuit’ that will keep the boards in place.

3. Half-Lap Joint

Wood Joint - Half-Lap Joint

You will easily distinguish it with two joined boards removed in order that they join but flushed with each other. It is a favorite among woodworkers, but then note that it might weaken two boards adjoined. On a good note, it is stronger than a basic butt joint.

4. Tongue and Groove Joint

Wood Joint - Tongue and Groove Joint

It is a stronger joint that you can depend on better when trying to adjoin surface areas. Woodworkers commonly use it when trying to glue the wood joint.

5. Bridle Joint

Wood Joint - Bridle Joint

It is another wood joinery to learn if you love woodworking. This joint is like the mortise and tenon joinery, wherein you cut a piece of the tenon on one piece’s end and then cut a mortise on the other wood piece that will accept the tenon.

This joint is used to hold a rail, such as legs, in uprights, providing it strength from compression. The joinery type is also resistant to cracking. Here, you will need a mechanical pin or fastener.

You can use corner bridles if you’re looking to join several frame pieces when each of them is shaped. And without sacrificing its integrity, you can remove material from the joined pieces following assembly.

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6. Butt Joint

Wood Joint - Butt Joint

It is a product of combining two wood butts together, commonly resulting in a right angle joined piece. It also appears to be square to the other board. Usually, this joint is fastened through mechanical fasteners and is used in wall framing on job sites.

7. Pocket-hole Joint

Wood Joint - Pocket-hole Joint

You can also make use of the technique involving pre-drilling one pilot hole and cutting one slot that will result in a joined wood at an angle between the two boards prior to connecting them using a screw. Take note, though that you need to be sure that what you pre-drilled is accurate.

You can achieve it using a jig. When can you use this type of joint? You might want to opt for it when working with cabinet face frames or any other applications requiring less strength.

8. Dado Joint

Wood Joint - Dado Joint

You can easily spot it in woodworking projects for its notable square-grooved slot on one of its boards in which another piece of board will be fitted. It is used mostly on connecting plywood, especially when making cabinets.

9. Rabbet Joint

Wood Joint - Rabbet Joint

It is also used in building cabinetry in many homes. This join is also notable for its similarity to a dado cut located on the board’s edge. These joints can also be seen at the back of assemblies, including cabinets, for attaching to the box’s sides. Rabbet can add strength to these types of assemblies.

10. Dovetail Joint

Wood Joint - Dovetail Joint

It is known as one of the most sought-after wood joints, which look elegant and beautiful. The joint is also strong that it can be relied on for your wood projects.

It is also a chosen joint by many woodworkers because it can add a touch of elegance to their projects. However, you need to learn some techniques to come up with the joint, such as hand cutting or using a jig.

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11. Sliding Dovetail

Wood Joint - Sliding Dovetail

One of the best wood joinery methods to use is the sliding dovetail, which is also a common choice for its many uses. For many, it is also a good alternative for a locking dado joint.

12. Box Joint

Wood Joint - Box Joint

Some woodworkers are using the box joint when they don’t find using other joints practically. This joint is known to be a good alternative to using a dovetail joint.

However, this type doesn’t possess a dovetail’s mechanical strength. This joint is easy to make by using a wood router with a jib or a table saw.

13. Mortise and Tenon Joint

Wood Joint - Mortise and Tenon Joint

One of the classics when it comes to wood joinery, it has been an old favorite among woodworkers from the start. Many love it because it looks elegant and also has a strong joint. When done correctly, you can achieve beautiful and tight joints for your project.

14. Half-Blind Dovetail Joint

Wood Joint - Half-Blind Dovetail Joint

There are instances when you have to hide both the dovetail’s edges. You can notice this in a drawer or closet front. In this case, woodworkers won’t want to see the dovetail on the front of the drawer.

This is the reason that many use a half-blind dovetail, which is a strong, elegant, and clean joint that you can always count on.

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Final Thoughts

There you have our woodworking tips on the types of wood joinery methods that you can use in your woodworking projects. Nevertheless, some of them are easy to make while some are not. Also, know that each of them is more suitable to use in one project than another is.

Without even saying, you should decide which of them to use prior to creating your woodworking project. Enjoy woodworking by choosing among these woodworking joints according to use. Happy Woodworking!

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