rabbet

A rabbet, also spelled rebate, is a recess or groove cut along the edge or end of a piece of wood. The cut forms a rectangular step that allows another piece to fit into it. When two members with rabbets join edge to edge or face to face, the resulting joint is called a rabbet joint. The size of a rabbet is defined by its width and depth.

There are several common forms. A single rabbet is cut along one piece to receive another edge or panel. A double rabbet involves rabbets on both pieces that meet when joined. A stopped rabbet runs partway along a piece rather than the full length. The rabbet can be used to house panels, backing boards, or glazing beads, among other components.

Typical uses include the backs of cabinet cases, window or door frames, picture frames, and drawer fronts where a panel or secondary member must sit flush with the surrounding surface. Rabbets provide a clean edge, a surface for alignment, and a means of reinforcement, though they require accurate cutting to maintain strength and appearance.

Construction methods vary. Common tools include a rabbet plane, a router with a rabbeting bit, or a table saw with a rabbeting guide or dado stack. After the cut, the shoulder corners are usually squared with a chisel for a precise fit. The term is widely used in North American woodworking; in British English, the same feature is often called a rebate.