kuggeförband

Kuggeförband is a traditional woodworking joint used to connect two pieces of wood using one or more wooden pegs, or kuggar, that pass through aligned holes. The term literally refers to the peg-based fastening method and is associated with Nordic carpentry and vernacular timber construction.

In typical practice, holes are drilled through the adjoining pieces and a wooden peg is inserted to lock the components in relation to each other. The peg may pass completely through one or both pieces, or it may occupy a mortised or stepped position to provide a bearing shoulder. Depending on the design, the peg can be straight or tapered, and it may be driven tight, moistened with pitch, or wedged to improve withdrawal resistance. Some variants rely on a friction fit alone, while others combine pegs with additional joinery features such as mortises, tenons, or grooves.

Kuggeforband is valued for its simplicity, ease of assembly, and ability to be disassembled if necessary. It is commonly found in timber framing, log construction, furniture, and shipbuilding where accurate alignment and removable joints are advantageous. The joint’s strength relies on the fit of the peg and the surrounding wood, and it can be affected by wood movement due to moisture, shrinkage, or swelling over time.

Historically, kuggeförband has been used in Swedish and broader Nordic carpentry as a practical method for joining structural elements without metal fasteners. While modern construction often prefers other fasteners, the peg joint remains of interest in traditional craftsmanship, restoration, and furniture making for its historical value and characteristic appearance.