Mortise and tenon woodworking joints
A mortise and tenon joint is one in which the rectangular end (the tenon) of one piece fits into a rectangular hole (the mortise) of the same size, in the other piece. Mortise and tenon jonts are made in a number of different types.. The blind mortise and tenon is the most common. It is used extensively in cabinetmaking for joining rails to legs or stiles, and in many other constructions well. When properly designed, proportioned, and well made, mortise and tenon joints are strong and neat in appearance.
Tenon and mortise terminology
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Tenon terminology | Mortise terminology |
Through mortise and tenon joint

Corner through mortise and tenon joint

Blind mortise and tenon joint

Corner blind mortise and tenon joint

Angled haunched mortise and tenon joint

Angled haunched barefaced mortise and tenon joint

Application of haunched tenon joint to door frame


End wedged through tenon and mortise joint

Wedged through tenon and mortise joint

Barefaced blind tenon and mortise joint

Haunched tenon and mortise joint

Interlocking tenon and mortise joint for seat rails of chair to leg

Long and short shouldered tenon and mortise joint

Loose tenon and mortise joint

Open through tenon and mortise joint - Bridle joint

Round tenon and mortise joint

Tenon and mortise joint with mitered face

Tusk tenon and mortise joint

Twin tenon and mortise joint

Twin tenon and mortise joint for thick timber

Tenon and mortise joint reinforced with dowel

Tenon and mortise joint for fencing

Skewed tenon and mortise joint

Self wedging tenon and mortise joint
