halflap

Halflap, usually written half-lap, is a woodworking joinery technique used to join two pieces of wood. It is especially common for right-angle frames and for cabinetry, where both members cross at a corner or run flush along a surface. The term half-lap refers to the fact that material is removed from each piece to half of its thickness at the intersection.

To make a half-lap, each piece is marked where it will cross, then the thickness is removed to half with a saw and chisels. The two pieces are then fitted so that their outer faces align and the joint sits flush. The joint can be secured with glue, and optionally nails or screws, and reinforced with pins.

Variants and use: The simplest version is the standard half-lap; there are flush-lap or full-lap variants used to maximize contact area. It is favored for its simplicity and for providing a large gluing surface, though it is not as strong in shear as mortise-and-tenon joints and may require reinforcement in load-bearing applications.

History and context: The half-lap has long been used in traditional carpentry, cabinetmaking, and timber framing, and remains common in DIY and manufacturing because it can be cut with basic hand tools or with power tools. It is one of several lap joints used to join wood pieces at right angles.