Mortise-and-Tenon Joints: A Collector's Guide

A tenon formed on one member fits a mortise cut into another. The joint is fundamental to chairs, tables, doors and framed furniture because it provides a large gluing surface and resists racking.

What to look for

Look for pegged ends, shoulders and construction visible beneath seats or behind rails. Wedged, pinned, blind and through tenons answer different structural needs.

Common mistakes

Movement, old glue failure and repeated use can loosen the joint. Added metal brackets may indicate a repair, but their presence does not prove the whole piece is late.

Care and repair

Avoid rocking a loose chair. A specialist can dismantle only what is necessary, retain original pegs and reassemble with an appropriate adhesive.

References and further reading

• [V&A furniture collection](https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/furniture)
• [Canadian Conservation Institute: agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

This article is educational. Test treatments cautiously and consult a conservator before altering a valuable or historically important object.

Watch the workshop approach

See conservation-minded repairs, examinations and techniques on the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop).