Woodworking
Dado Joint
A rectangular groove cut across the grain of a board, into which another board fits to create a strong, interlocking joint.
In-Depth Explanation
The dado joint is a staple of cabinet and bookshelf construction, providing excellent mechanical strength for shelving because the load is distributed along the entire width of the groove. Dadoes are typically cut with a table saw using a stacked dado blade set or with a router and straight bit. A standard dado runs the full width of the board, while a stopped dado ends before reaching one or both edges for a cleaner appearance. The depth of a dado is usually one-third to one-half the thickness of the receiving board. Combined with glue, a dado joint creates a strong, self-aligning connection that simplifies assembly.
Usage Example
We routed a 3/4-inch dado into each side panel so the shelves would slide in snugly and support heavy books without sagging.
Related Terms
mortise-and-tenon
joinery
coping