Joinery / Traditional timber connection
Mortise and tenon
/ˈmɔːr.tɪs ən ˈtɛn.ən/noun
From Old French mortaise and tenon, the latter related to tenir, “to hold.”
Definition
A joint in which a projecting tongue, the tenon, fits into a corresponding socket, the mortise. It is widely used to connect timber members in frames, doors, and furniture.
Fig. 22 — Mortise and tenon: schematic studyNOT TO SCALE
Illustrative study — Mortise and tenon · AI-generatedSAMPLE IMAGE
Photo study — Mortise and tenon · AI-generated00:06
Structural & construction notes
The shoulders help locate the connection and transfer bearing loads. A peg, wedge, or adhesive may secure it. The remaining timber around the mortise and the tenon dimensions must suit the intended loads.
An educational reference. Project-specific design requires professional guidance.