How to Make a Biscuit Joint

Co-authored by Matt Mimnagh

Last Updated: April 30, 2024

Biscuit joints are a method for gluing boards together along their edges to create a wider slab or plank without screwing or splicing them. This technique is used for making tabletops, furniture, and cabinets, and although it requires special tools, it is within the reach of most hobby woodworkers in a home woodshop.

1

Prepare your materials.

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Gather the tools and materials you will need for the project. It is very helpful to have a good, flat, sturdy workbench for this woodworking operation. Briefly, you will need at least the following:
- A plate jointer, also known as a biscuit jointer.
- A saw.
- Measuring tape.
- Square.
- Wood glue/ Carpenter's glue.
- Clamps.
- Lumber.

2

Select lumber of similar thickness.

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You can laminate lumber together of differing thicknesses if only one side will be visible, or if you have access to a power plane, but ideally, you will begin with sized, square material of the same thickness.

3

Edge and size the boards.

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If a beaded look is desired, a rounded edge common in nominal lumber is acceptable, as seen in the scrap material used for the illustrations.

4

Mark the location of the biscuits to be glued between the boards.

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Generally, the distance between biscuits will determine how strong the finished plank will be, and thinner lumber will hold better if the spacing is kept to a minimum. One inch nominal lumber joins fairly well at a twelve inch biscuit spacing, two inch lumber can be cut at sixteen to eighteen inches on center with good results.

5

Set the cutting depth of the plate jointer.

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For single row biscuits, you will want to place the joints at the center of the board's edge, for double rows, cut each row at one third of the boards thickness.

6

Cut the biscuit slots with the plate jointer.

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7

Clean the biscuit slots.

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8

Apply your glue.

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Fill the slot about one fourth full of a good quality wood glue. Press the precut biscuits into the slot, and notice if excess glue runs over its edges. This excess can end up on the finished surface of your work, making it almost impossible to stain uniformly later if you desire to do so.
- Spread a small amount of glue along the edge of the board you are mating to the one you have inserted the biscuits into. Fill the respective biscuit slots one fourth full as you go.

9

Align your boards.

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Then clamp them tightly and allow the glue to dry.

10

Finish.

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Expert Q&A

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Question

How strong are biscuit joints?

Matt Mimnagh
Master Carpenter
Matt Mimnagh is a Master Carpenter and Owner of Castleguard Home Services based in Charlotte, North Caroline. Castleguard specializes in finish carpentry including the installation of moulding, trim, and built-in cabinetry. They also offer kitchen, bathroom, and other remodeling services.

Matt Mimnagh

Master Carpenter

Expert Answer

Pretty strong! Composite biscuit joints are very thick and can support a man's full body weight (or at least a couple hundred pounds).

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Question

Can I use a router to make biscuit cuts?

Community Answer

Yes, if you have the correct cutter and make the cut slightly longer than the biscuit.

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Question

Can I join the boards end to end (or in a "T" shape) with biscuits?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. It's always better to use dowels for a T joint, but it can be done.

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Tips

Be sure to have the fence of the biscuit joiner flat to ensure proper fitting of the two joining pieces. Failure to do so will result in an uneven surface of the two pieces of joined wood.

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Choose an appropriate sized biscuit for the dimension of the lumber you are using.

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Keep biscuits dry, as they can absorb moisture and swell before use.

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Warnings

Plate jointers have a high speed wood cutting blade which is concealed except during use, so keep fingers away from the cutting head when in use.

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Keep your work area clean and make sure it is well lit.

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Wear safety glasses when using woodworking power tools.

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