tenon

carpentry

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 20, 2026

Quick Summary

In carpentry, a tenon is a projection on the end of a piece of wood designed to fit into a corresponding hole, known as a mortise, to join two pieces together. This technique is fundamental to creating strong and stable joints in framed structures. The term "tenon" can also refer to the act of uniting pieces using this method or cutting a piece to fit into a mortise. A specialized saw tooth, called a "tenon tooth," is used for cutting tenons. This method of joinery has been perfected over centuries and relies on a combination of precise mechanical fit and glue for strength.123

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

sawmill
…be equipped with planing, molding, tenoning, and other machines for finishing processes. The biggest mills are usually situated where timber can be brought by river or rail, and the design of the mill is affected by the mode of transportation. Waterborne logs float into the mill and are dragged out…
Read More
…be equipped with planing, molding, tenoning, and other machines for finishing processes. The biggest mills are usually situated where timber can be brought by river or rail, and the design of the mill is affected by the mode of transportation. Waterborne logs float into the mill and are dragged out…
Read More