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Joints and material behavior
A butt joint meets two pieces at their ends or edges. Lap joints overlap material; mortise-and-tenon joints fit a projecting tenon into a matching pocket. Joint strength depends on geometry, material, adhesive, fasteners and loading.
Wood moves with moisture, mainly across the grain. A wide solid panel may need room to expand rather than being rigidly constrained. Furniture carrying people requires competent structural design.
Worked example
A cardboard lap-joint model demonstrates overlap without using powered cutters.
Try it yourself
Make paper models of a butt joint and a lap joint and label the contact surfaces.
Check your understanding
Why allow for wood movement?
Humidity can affect wood dimensions.
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