A piece of wood is tenoned when its end has been reduced in thickness to form a projecting rectangular tongue. This tongue is designed to slide securely into a corresponding rectangular hole, or mortise, in an adjoining piece. Stock that has been tenoned is ready for final assembly in frame-and-panel construction, timber framing, or furniture joinery.
Heard on the job
Once all the rails are tenoned, we can start dry-fitting the cabinet doors.
Related terms
Mortise
A cavity or rectangular hole cut into a piece of wood to receive a matching projection.
Mortise-and-tenon joint
A traditional wood joint connecting two pieces at a right angle by inserting a peg into a hole.
Horn
The excess length of wood left on the end of a stile during joinery to prevent the end grain from splitting.