Compare Woodworking Joints
See the strength, ideal use, and best glue for each joint
Quick Guide
Low strength
Best for lighter-duty work, simple assemblies, or decorative pieces.
Medium strength
Useful where alignment matters and the joint carries moderate load.
High to very high
Better for furniture, doors, and work that needs long-term durability.
| Joint | Strength | When to Use It | Recommended Glue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butt Joint | Low | Basic construction and low-stress projects | PVA wood glue |
| Mitre Joint | Low | Frames, mouldings, decorative corners | PVA wood glue or polyurethane glue |
| Dowel Joint | Medium | Furniture assembly and cabinet work | PVA wood glue |
| Biscuit Joint | Medium | Panel alignment and light furniture joining | PVA wood glue |
| Mortise and Tenon | Very High | Chairs, tables, doors, and structural furniture | PVA wood glue or hide glue |
| Dovetail Joint | Very High | Drawers and high-quality box construction | PVA wood glue or hide glue |
| Box Joint | High | Boxes, drawers, and case corners | PVA wood glue |
| Lap Joint | Medium | Frames and workshop builds | PVA wood glue |
| Bridle Joint | High | Frames, leg-to-rail connections, workbenches | PVA wood glue |
| Tongue and Groove | Medium | Flooring, paneling, tabletops | PVA wood glue |