An evaluation of loose tenon joint strength

The mortise and tenon (M&T) joint has been used in the furniture industry in joints requiring high strength for many years. Dowel joints are popular as well for their ease of manufacture. The loose tenon joint incorporates a separate tenon component that is inserted into mortises machined into both pieces to be joined. Its ease of manufacture is comparable with that ofthe dowel joint, however, the strength ofthe joint has not yet been methodically studied. This paper describes results from a series of experiments aimed at comparing the loose tenon joint with the conventional M&T and dowel joints for three wood species. Experimental results indicated that the loose tenon joint's strength falls somewhere between that of the dowel joint and the conventional mortise and tenon joint. The added strength combined with increased wood utilization makes this joint an attractive alternative to mortise and tenon construction.