Wood Joint - Dado Dimensions & Drawings

Comparison drawing of Dado Wood Joint compared to similar wood connections

Description

A dado wood joint features a rectangular slot (the dado) cut across the grain of a piece of wood, into which another piece fits snugly. This perpendicular connection is used to create shelves, partitions, or drawer bottoms in cabinetry and furniture. The dado provides a strong mechanical connection, ensuring the inserted board remains in place without twisting.

While gluing amplifies the joint's strength, the dado's breadth offers substantial glue surface area, enhancing bond durability. The joint's concealed nature maintains a streamlined appearance, allowing for structural integrity without compromising aesthetics. Popular in woodworking, dado joints are a trusted method for creating sturdy, long-lasting structures.

Dimensions & Sizes

Dado Wood Joints have full widths and joint depths of 1/3 to 1/2. Wood joints are typically used in wood members with widths between 1.5”-3.5” (3.8-8.9 cm) and depths between of .75”-3.5” (1.9-8.9 cm).

Scaled set of drawings of Dado Wood Joint in front and side views

Description

Dimensions & Sizes

Series of illustrations of Dado Wood Joint seen from views with varied sizes

3D Model

Common Questions

Which type of wood joint is the strongest?

The strongest type of wood joint is the mortise and tenon joint. It is a traditional woodworking joint that has been used for centuries. It is made by cutting a rectangular tenon on one end of a piece of wood and a corresponding mortise (hole) on another piece of wood. The tenon is then inserted into the mortise and secured with glue or dowels.

Are wood joints stronger than fastener connections?

Wood joints can be stronger than screws and nails, but it depends on the type of joint and the type of wood. Some traditional wood joints, such as mortise and tenon joints, dovetail joints, and box joints, can be very strong. These joints are made by cutting interlocking pieces of wood that fit together tightly. When glued and clamped together, these joints can be very strong and can hold a lot of weight.

What is "Sashimono"?

Sashimono is a traditional Japanese carpentry technique that uses interlocking joints to build structures without nails. This technique is centuries old and has been used to build everything from temples and shrines to houses and bridges. Sashimono is known for its strength and durability, and many structures built using this technique have stood for hundreds of years.

Which type of wood joint is the strongest?

Are wood joints stronger than fastener connections?

What is "Sashimono"?

What is the difference between a joiner and a carpenter?

A joiner is a tradesperson who specializes in the fabrication and installation of woodwork, such as doors, windows, and staircases. Joiners typically work in a workshop, using hand and power tools to create precise, high-quality wood products that are ready for installation on a construction site. A carpenter is a tradesperson who works with wood and other materials to construct, install, and repair structure. Carpenters may also do some joinery work, but they are generally more involved in the overall construction process, including measuring, cutting, and fitting materials.

What is unique about Japanese wood joinery?

Japanese wood joinery is known for its use of interlocking joints that do not require nails or other fasteners to hold them together. Instead, the joints are carefully crafted to fit together perfectly, creating a strong and stable connection. Japanese wood joinery is highly prized for its beauty, durability, and craftsmanship, and is often used in the construction of temples, shrines, and other traditional buildings in Japan.

What are some of the strongest types of joinery?

Some of the strongest types of wood joinery include mortise and tenon, dowel, and biscuit joints. These joints are created using various techniques, such as inserting projections into recesses, using dowels or biscuits as connectors, and securing the joints with glue or other fasteners. These methods create strong, stable connections that can withstand significant force.

What is the difference between a joiner and a carpenter?

What is unique about Japanese wood joinery?

What are some of the strongest types of joinery?

3D model of Dado Wood Joint viewed in perspective

Under Development

Height:

Width:

1.5”-3.5” | 3.8-8.9 cm

Depth:

.75”-3.5” | 1.9-8.9 cm

Length:

Weight:

Area:

Joint Width: Full
Joint Depth: 1/3 to 1/2

Materials:

Hardwood (furniture); softwood (structure)

Drawings include:
Dado Wood Joint elevations

Wikipedia - Dado Joint

Wikipedia - Joinery
Wikipedia - Woodworking Joints

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3D Downloads

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