Through mortise-and-tenon

A mortise and tenon joint consists, in simple terms, of a 'tongue', (the tenon) that slots into a hole (the mortise) cut in the mating piece of timber. The strength of the joint makes it ideal for use in framing and general furniture work. For a really strong joint the tenon must be a tight fit into the mortise, so care must be taken when cutting both parts of the joint. For maximum strength, the tenon width should never be more than one third the width of the timber in which it is cut.
A through mortise-and-tenon joint is essentially the same as the stopped mortise and tenon except that the tenon goes entirely through the mortised board to be revealed on the other side.





The through mortise and tenon is a staple of Arts and Crafts furniture from the early 1900s. A through mortise-and-tenon joint is one of the most beautiful joints that you can make.