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Mortise and Tenon Joinery

Mortise and tenon is a simple construction method used to connect two pieces of material without the need for glue, screws or other hardware. It is an age old technique employed by woodworkers, stonemasons and blacksmiths throughout history for its simplicity and strength. Our exacting standards and rigorous quality checks ensure that each joint is precision cut and fitted so your furniture lasts generations.

We utilize this time-tested approach to construction on all of our load-bearing furniture designs. From benches and chairs to chaises, tables and planters, mortise and tenon joints provide structure to individual components and the furniture as a whole.

WHAT IS MORTISE AND TENON JOINERY?

Teak Wood Quality Mortise and Tenon Joinery

There are three parts to a mortise and tenon joint:

Mortise

MORTISE

A hole, cut into a piece, which is designed to receive a corresponding projection.
Tenon

TENON

A projecting piece made for insertion into a mortise in another piece.
Dowel

DOWEL

A peg that inserts seamlessly into the joint and locks the mortise and tenon together.

HOW DOES A MORTISE AND TENON JOINT WORK?

Mortise and Tenon Joinery
Mortise

STEP 1

Insert the tenon into the mortise. The two pieces should fit together snugly.
Tenon

STEP 2

Insert the cross dowel into the dowel hole perpendicular to the mortise and tenon.
Dowel

STEP 3

With a hammer, tap the dowel through the mortise and into the tenon until the dowel is flush. This will pull the pieces together and lock them in place.

WHY DO WE USE MORTISE AND TENON JOINERY?

Mortise and tenon joints are the single best way to maintain the construction’s durability. Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity. Therefore, this construction practice is ideal for wooden outdoor furniture, allowing wood to expand and contract naturally without “loosening” any hardware. The joint is extremely strong and lasting because it is integrated into the material and structure rather than added. Using metal bolts or connectors can cause the construction of the furniture to become unstable over time as the wood expands, loosening the space between the edges of the metal and wood. For this reason, we utilize this time-tested approach to construction on all of our load-bearing furniture designs.

HOW ARE MORTISE AND TENON JOINTS ASSEMBLED?

Precision-cut, doweled mortise and tenon joinery assembles easily in a few minutes and will endure for generations of use.