Biscuit joint
A biscuit joint is a joinery method involving oval shaped compressed wood chips, known as biscuits (or sometimes lamellars), which are inserted into slots cut into each of the pieces of wood being joined, along with glue. The biscuits are exactly the correct gauge for the slot, so the joint stays tightly compressed in position, and once the glue is dry gives added strength to the joint.
In order to cut slots that are exactly the right gauge for the selected biscuits, which come in different sizes a tool called a biscuit joiner, or cutter (also sometimes called a plate joiner). The joiner cuts to a specific, width, depth and shape to allow the biscuits to fit tightly, creating a strong and hidden connection. The approach is a popular jointing method for cabinet makers as well as used in the picture framing industry. Alternatives to biscuit joints might use round wooden dowels, known as dowel jointing or small metal angle which are stapled into place, increasingly common in the picture framing industry.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Cabinet maker.
- Carcass.
- Carpentry.
- Chip carving.
- Mortise and tenon joints.
- Mortise vs mortice.
- Nails - a brief history.
- Physical Properties of Wood.
- Plumb level.
- The Art of Pyrography.
- Rip sawing.
- Rub joint.
- Sanding.
- Scarf joint.
- The best woods for carving.
- Timber.
- Timber vs wood.
- Tongue and groove joint.
- Tool and equipment care and maintenance.
- Types of skirting board.
- Types of nails.
- Types of timber.
- Veneer.
- Violet Pinwill, woodcarver.
- Waney edged.
- Wood figure.
- Workmanship.
Featured articles and news
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.