mortiseentenonverbindingen

Mortise and tenon joints are a fundamental woodworking technique used to join two pieces of wood. The mortise is a hole or recess, typically rectangular, cut into one piece of wood. The tenon is a projection or tongue that is shaped to fit snugly into the mortise, cut from the end of the other piece of wood. When assembled, the tenon is inserted into the mortise, creating a strong and stable connection.

This joint is widely recognized for its strength and durability, making it a preferred choice for structural applications in furniture, cabinetry, and timber framing. Its resistance to racking forces, the tendency of a joint to distort under shear stress, is particularly noteworthy. The complexity of its construction can vary, from simple through-tenons where the tenon passes entirely through the mortised piece, to more intricate designs like blind or haunched tenons that offer enhanced structural integrity or aesthetic concealment.

Historically, mortise and tenon joints were essential in pre-industrial woodworking, often secured with wooden pegs or wedges driven through pre-drilled holes in the tenon and mortise. In modern woodworking, while traditional methods persist, mechanical fasteners like screws and glue are frequently employed to further strengthen the joint, although the intrinsic strength of the interlocking wood provides a significant load-bearing capacity on its own. The precise fit between the mortise and tenon is critical for the joint's performance.