Construction · Furniture glossary
Joinery
The methods used to connect furniture parts.
Definition
Mortise-and-tenon, dovetail, dowel, and pocket-screw joints each have strengths. Strong joinery is one of the clearest quality signals in chairs and tables—often more useful than a brand name for long-term durability.
Related terms
- Kiln-DriedWood dried in a controlled kiln to reduce moisture and improve stability.
- DovetailAn interlocking joint often used in quality drawer boxes.
- Mortise and TenonA joint where a projecting tenon fits into a matching mortise hole.
- Case GoodsFurniture that isn’t upholstered—dressers, cabinets, tables.