Learn the Difference Between Dados and Grooves

Just in case you ever get involved in a woodworking trivia contest, here’s the question of the day. What’s the difference between a dado and a groove? Or, you might ask, is there a difference at all? The answer is yes, there is a difference. You can find out what it is right here so you’ll be ready to stump your woodworking buddies with this question.

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6 Responses to “Differences Between Dadoes and Grooves”

James Robbins July 12th, 2015

So do you cut groves or dados in plywood?

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- WWGOA Team July 15th, 2015
  
  With plywood the same nomenclature applies. You would simply reference the face veneer to determine whether the recess would be considered a groove or a dado.
  
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Steve October 3rd, 2016

I would suggest that a dado is a slot cut for a snug fit, and a groove is a slot cut for a loose fit (especially when thinking about the bottom of a drawer).

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jon stoutenburg April 9th, 2019

my understanding, as an ameteur, is that a dado goes across the grain, and a groove goes with the grain.

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Skip Meisch May 2nd, 2021

Hi

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chris May 3rd, 2021

thanks I was wondering that. Groove with grain , dadoes across. Thanks!

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