Timbers - EduqasWood joints

Wood joints are a traditional method of joining timber. There are a range of different joints that can be used for different situations that provide a variety of levels of strength and structure. Joints are often glued to make them secure and permanent. Wood joints are classified into two construction categories:

• frame
• box

Frame joints

• dowelled - uses a wooden or plastic peg, called a dowel, which fits into aligned holes to reinforce the joint
• corner halving - a strong joint due to the surface area available for gluing, and the shoulder gives extra mechanical strength
• mortise and tenon - a very strong join cut with a tenon saw and mortise chisel – however, in production, a mortise machine may be used instead
• bridle - similar to a mortise and tenon – however, the cuts are made to the full width of the timber
• mitre - cut at a 45-degree angle and glued together, used for picture frames

Box joints

• butt - a simple join where the edges of the timber are glued together, so it is easy to make but weak
• housing - a simple slot into one piece, usually cut by a router, often used in shelving.
• lap - a stronger joint due to the surface area that can be glued, and a shoulder is cut from the edge one piece
• dovetail - very strong and looks good but complex and difficult to cut (jigs can be used to aid this process), often used in high-quality furniture
• comb - easier to make than a dovetail, offers good contact for gluing and the pieces of the wood interlock providing strength, often used in wooden boxes