Two pieces of wood are joined by simply placing their ends or edges together and fastening them with glue, nails, or screws. It is the weakest and most basic joint because it relies entirely on the fastener or adhesive, often bonding porous end grain to side grain.
Heard on the job
We can use a simple butt joint for the base frame since it will be entirely hidden and reinforced with corner blocks.
Insider tip
Always reinforce a butt joint with dowels, biscuits, or pocket screws if it will bear any structural load.