Blog Post
Woodshop Musings
5 Traditional Joinery Techniques
Brian Muse
Oct 01, 2021
There are so many ways to join two pieces of wood together. When I first started woodworking, I did the easiest joint I could make - the Butt Joint. This is simply butting two boards together using glue, nails and/or screws. Over time, my tools and skills improved, and I began to master various traditional joinery methods.
What are Traditional Joinery Methods?
Traditional Joints primarily use only wood, designed in strategic ways, to join two or more pieces of wood together. These different joint designs have pros and cons depending on the application.
Why Should You Care?
If you don't like wasting money and want quality furniture, then you should care. The strength and longevity of a piece of furniture is determined by the types of joints used. When you're looking at furniture, take a moment to notice what joinery methods are used. It's easy to quickly check - open a drawer, door, or look under it and find out how it was built. Traditional joinery methods take more care, skill and time to implement. This is one of the reasons why the cost of custom furniture
is normally higher.
Why are Traditional Joinery Methods Important?
Traditional joinery methods have been used for thousands of years and have stood the test of time. The type of joint used directly impacts the durability and longevity of an item. The joint can determine if the item will stay together for 3 minutes or 3000 years. The forces that can be applied to a joint are multi-directional. The more a joint can protect against multi-directional forces, the longer the joint will last. Good wood joints also allow the joint to expand and contrast with humidity and temperature changes. Joints only secured with screws or nails, can work loose over time due to climate variabilities.
Some of the Traditional Joints I Use
(1) Lap Joint
(2) Dado Joint
(3) Box Joint
(4) Mortise and Tenon Joint
(5) Mitered Rabbet Joint
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I recently finished up one of my most challenging projects to-date - A solid wood, round end table . It involved steam bending solid ¾" oak for the sides, a lattice pattern on the top and traditional joinery methods throughout. I couldn't help but reflect on when and how my woodworking journey began.