Definition: Mortise and Tenon is a classic wood joinery technique where a projection (the tenon) at the end of one piece of wood is inserted into a corresponding cavity (the mortise) in another piece, creating a strong, interlocking connection. This method has been used for centuries in woodworking and is a hallmark of high-quality furniture construction.

Overview

The mortise and tenon joint is considered one of the most durable and stable joinery methods in woodworking. It relies on the mechanical strength of the interlocking fit rather than solely on adhesives or fasteners. In furniture, it is often used in dining room tables, chairs, doors, and cabinets, where strength and longevity are critical.

Types of Mortise and Tenon Joints

Through Mortise and Tenon: The tenon passes entirely through the mortised piece and may be wedged or pinned for additional strength.
Blind (or Stopped) Mortise and Tenon: The tenon does not pass all the way through, leaving the mortise hidden from view.
Haunched Tenon: Includes a small extension (haunch) to prevent twisting or provide extra alignment in wide frame members.

Advantages

Provides exceptional structural strength without reliance on nails or screws.
Maintains alignment under stress and load-bearing applications.
Can be reinforced with wedges, dowels, or glue for additional durability.
Has aesthetic value in traditional and fine woodworking.

Limitations

Requires precision and skill to cut accurately.
Time-consuming compared to simpler joints like butt joints or lap joints.
Not typically used in modern mass-produced frames or furniture due to labor intensity.

Applications in Framing

While more common in furniture than picture framing, mortise and tenon joinery can appear in specialty or hand-crafted frames where strength and traditional craftsmanship are valued. For most framing, simpler methods such as miters, splines, or dovetail keys are used instead.

Mortise and Tenon