Mitre
A mitre joint is an angle joint. An example is a joint that is formed when two pieces meet on a 90-degree angle and each piece has been cut at an angle of 45 degrees to be joined. A good example of this type of mitre joint can be seen in picture frames. A mitre joint can also be formed when two pieces meet at different angles than 90 degrees, for example, joining skirting boards around bay windows.
A mitred joint gives a neat finish with a sharp corner, only showing a line at the angle, and with both ends concealed. However, mitred joints can be difficult to cut and match, and can suffer from the swelling and shrinking of timber which can cause the mitre to crack open from the inner corner.
Other types of joint include:
- Butt joints.
- Lap joints.
- Mortise and tenon joints.
- Dowel joints.
- Tongue and groove joints.
- Dovetail joints.
Different joints have different strengths and aesthetic properties. Some joints are more complex to create than others and can be very time-consuming. A mitre joint can be relatively simple to create and not the most time-consuming in comparison to more complex joints like a dovetail or dowel joint.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
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.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.