throughtenon

Throughtenon is a woodworking joint in which a tenon is cut on the end of a piece and passes completely through the mortised member, projecting on the opposite face. The joint exposes the end of the tenon on both sides and typically presents a shoulder that seats against the mortise faces. This through-configuration distinguishes it from standard mortise-and-tenon joints that do not extend through the framework.

Origin of term: the form is commonly called a through-tenon; throughtenon is an alternative spelling found in some catalogs and older texts. The concept is a standard variant within traditional joinery and is recognized for its mechanical strength and visible end grain.

Construction: precise layout and careful cutting are required. A through mortise is cut in the receiving member to accommodate the full length of the tenon. The mating piece is shaped with a corresponding tenon that passes entirely through the mortise. The assembly is aligned, then secured with glue; the protruding end can be trimmed flush or left to project slightly. Strength is often enhanced with drawbore pins or small wooden pegs.

Variants and strengthening: a through-wedged tenon uses a wedge to lock the tenon inside the mortise, while pegs or pins drawn through the tenon add shear resistance. In some cases, the end grain may be finished to create a decorative or architectural effect.

Applications: throughtenon is commonly used in furniture frames, tables, chair backs, and cabinet constructions where a strong joint is desirable and the through appearance is acceptable or desirable for aesthetics.

See also: mortise and tenon, through-tenon, wedged through-tenon, drawbore pin.