Stub Tenon & Groove vs Mortise & Tenon

"I am making new kitchen cabinet doors and need some advise on the type of joints to use for the stiles and rails. Doors will be 3/4" thick Red Oak with 3/4" raised panels. Most doors will be approx. 13" x 26" with, the largest door approx. 18" x 27". Will a Stub Tenon & Groove be sufficient for a long lasting door or would a Mortise & Tenon be necessary for the size?

One other question. When making the raised panel (using the table saw for this application, straight cut, not coped), I will make the angled cut and go back and dado the beveled edge (along with the back of the panel) to create a flat surface to fit into the groove. Can the shoulder of the bevel be tight against the stile or should I leave 1/8" of flat exposed to allow for expansion and contraction?

Thank you for sharing you expertise."

Submitted by: jmbretzke

WWGOA Editor Response

Some woodworkers endorse using a more significant joint in doors than a stub mortise and tenon but I think that if the joint is well made and you apply glue properly, a stub mortise is plenty strong.

On your raised panel, I'd like to see a small flat on the front of the panel, in addition to the back, to make it easier for the panel to move within the frame.

George Vondriska

Managing Editor

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