Miteriliitokset

Miteriliitokset, also known as miter joints in English, are a woodworking technique where two pieces of material are joined at an angle, typically 45 degrees, to form a corner. This creates a seamless, continuous surface at the join, which is often desired for aesthetic purposes, especially in trim work, framing, and furniture making. The most common application is joining two pieces at a 90-degree angle to form a corner, with each piece cut at 45 degrees.

The precision of a miter joint is crucial for its success. Any inaccuracy in the angle will result in a gap or an overlap, compromising the visual appeal and structural integrity of the joint. Woodworkers typically use a miter saw, a miter box and hand saw, or a table saw with a miter gauge to achieve the precise angled cuts required. For stronger miter joints, especially in applications bearing significant stress, additional reinforcement may be used. This can include splines, keys, dowels, or biscuits inserted into corresponding slots cut into the angled surfaces.

Miter joints are widely used in various applications. In interior finishing, they are common for baseboards, crown molding, and window and door casings. Furniture makers employ miter joints for cabinet frames, boxes, and decorative elements. Picture frames also extensively utilize miter joints to create neat, unobtrusive corners. While visually appealing, miter joints can be weaker than butt joints or lap joints if not properly reinforced, as the glue surface area is smaller and the fibers of the wood are cut across the grain.