Why Mortise and Tenon Joints Hold

See how a fitted projection and cavity can turn separate pieces of wood into a durable structure. Shoulders, grain direction, friction and pegs all help explain why mortise and tenon joints endure. Inside this episode: - The basic geometry - Wood is strong in different directions - The shoulders resist rotation - Friction helps, but shape does more - The joint can deform Sources include Construction and Building Materials, mortise-and-tenon behavior and Heritage Science, traditional timber joints. This episode is a researched narrative summary. Historical records may be incomplete, translated differently, or interpreted differently by scholars. We distinguish documented facts, estimates, disputed interpretations, and later stories where material. Corrections are logged and incorporated into future editions. Follow Crafts That Changed Everyday Life for more researched stories about the crafts and tools that shaped daily life.