Often construction involving oak includes the use of mortise and tenon joints, but many people have only a basic understanding of what they are, where they are used, or their pros and cons.
What Are Mortise and Tenon Joints?
A mortise and tenon joint is a fundamental connection made up of two components: the mortise and the tenon. Think “tab A being inserted into slot B.” The mortise is a hole or recess cut into a material, typically wood, to receive the tenon, which is a projection at the end of another piece of wood specifically shaped to fit into the mortise.
Applications of Mortise and Tenon Joints
Today, mortise and tenon joints are commonly found in:
– Furniture (especially tables and beds)
– Doors and windows
– Various roof components
– Oak Framing
These joints are used not only in wood but also in iron and stone, making them valuable to stonemasons and blacksmiths as well as carpenters and builders.
Types of Mortises
– Open Mortises: Have three sides.
– Stub Mortises: Shallow mortises that don’t go through the workpiece.
– Through Mortises: Pass entirely through a piece.
– Wedged Half-Dovetail Mortises: Wider or taller in the back, creating a space for the wedge.
– Through Wedged Half-Dovetail Mortises: Pass entirely through the piece.
Types of Tenons
– Stub Tenons: Short tenons that don’t show through the mortised piece.
– Through Tenons: Pass entirely through the wood, visible on the other side.
– Loose Tenons: Separate parts of the joint.
– Biscuit Tenons: Thin, oval-shaped pieces resembling biscuits.
– Pegged (Pinned) Tenons: Strengthened by a peg or dowel pin.
– Teasle Tenons: Found on top of jowled or gunstock posts.
– Tusk Tenons: Extend past the mortise with a hole for a wedge or pin.
– Top Tenons: Located on top of a post.
– Hammer-Headed Tenons: Formed where shoulders cannot be tightened with a clamp.
– Half Shoulder Tenons: Asymmetric tenons with a shoulder on one side, used in framed, ledged, and braced doors.
Advantages of Mortise and Tenon Joints
– Classic Aesthetic: Combine with timber for a timeless look in any building style.
– Cost-Effectiveness: Made from a single material, saving money for other project parts.
– Durability: Components become sturdier over time.
– Ease of Assembly: Simple design allows for quick construction.
– No Visible Gaps or Cracks: Prevents damage and keeps out cold air.
– Strength: Extremely difficult to separate once assembled.
– Water Resistance: Capable of being water-tight with proper sealant.
Disadvantages of Mortise and Tenon Joints
– Unsuitable for Curved Surfaces: Best for square or rectangular builds.
– Joint Failure Risk: Wood movement can cause failure, but experienced craftsmen can mitigate this by considering tenon dimensions.
How We Make Mortise and Tenon Joints
Creating mortise and tenon joints by hand requires time, tools, and experience to avoid errors. At Hardwoods Group, we use state-of-the-art machinery to ensure precision accuracy and eliminate human error. This guarantees perfect fits and clean finishes for all our mortise and tenon joints.
