Making a Wedged Through Tenon – Beauty and Strength in One

Article 99: Making a Wedged Through Tenon – Beauty and Strength in One

By: A Woodworker Who Loves Joinery That Lasts Generations

Wedged through tenons are both structural and decorative. Perfect for benches, chairs, and trestle tables.

Materials

• Leg or frame stock (mortise part)

• Rail or stretcher (tenon part)

• Hardwood wedges (2 per tenon)

Tools Needed

• Tenon saw

• Mortise chisel

• Drill + bit

• Mallet

• Bevel gauge

• Glue

Steps

1. Cut Mortise All the Way Through

   • Taper sides slightly outward at top (like a dovetail).

2. Shape Tenon

   • Fit snugly through mortise. Cut kerfs in tenon end (for wedges).

3. Cut Wedges

   • Use hardwood. Slightly thicker than the kerf width and 2–3" long.

4. Glue and Assemble

   • Apply glue to tenon and mortise. Insert tenon, then tap wedges into kerfs. Let them flare the end tight.

5. Trim Flush

   • Saw off protruding tenon and sand flush.

Sketch – Wedged Tenon Side View

 [ Mortise Piece ]
 ┌─────────────┐
 │             │
 │ ┌──┬──┐     │ ← Wedges driven into kerfs
 │ │ / \ │     │
 │ │/__\│      │ ← Flared end locks in place
 └─────────────┘