Mortise-and-tenon joint

A mortise-and-tenon joint joins two wooden parts by fitting a projecting tenon into a corresponding mortise, or hole. In Norwegian this is a tappforbindelse. It is useful terminology when describing the construction of wooden furniture. NDLA presents this technique separately from dowelling and dovetailing.

Examining older furniture

The V&A demonstrates making this joint with traditional hand tools. That illustrates a method; it does not by itself establish the date or maker of unidentified furniture. Compare the construction you can observe with the described joint.

As a practical condition check, record visible gaps, breaks or earlier repairs without pulling the parts apart. Use a condition report for your observations. See also dovetail joints, which describe a different construction.

Browse interiors and antiques at OBA, or read about selling older objects.