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Rocking Chairs and Dining Furniture
Designed for Comfort and Built to Last
Since 1992.

Gary Weeks
mortise and tenon, rocking chair arm, B&W

Mortise and Tenon

This method of joining wood was in use long before King Tut.
Nothing has proven better.


Definition

A mortise is a hole or slot cut into a piece of wood.  A tenon is a shape cut on the end of an intersecting piece of wood that fits into the mortise.  When joined, the two pieces are interlocked, rigid, and secured.


Rocking Chair Arms to Back Legs

The mortise and tenon that joins the arms of our rocking chairs to the back legs is hell for stout.  This is a term used on Texas farms to mean: strong, tough, reliable, and able to withstand overloading.

rocking chair arm joint mortise and tenon like a limb from a tree

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    Other Examples

    We use mortises and tenons throughout the line.

    Austin mortising for a table rail
    Austin mortising for a table rail
    testing the fit of a side table tenon
    testing the fit of a side table tenon
    barstool footrest mortise and tenon
    barstool footrest mortise and tenon

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      Sometimes the tenons pass through the mortised piece and are wedged like an ax handle.

      Austin wedging barstool leg tenons
      Austin wedging barstool leg tenons
      through wedged tenons ready for leveling
      through wedged tenons ready for leveling

      ‹ › ×

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        112 West Spoke Hill Road
        Wimberley, Texas 78676
        phone: 512-847-3187

        photos and text by Gary Weeks
        ©2019
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