How To Join Two Boards Lengthwise? (A Step-by-Step Guide)
The edge joint is one of the essential techniques that woodworkers should be able to perform.
However, like with other things, there are many different approaches to completing the task.
Four effective methods may be utilized to attach boards along their length in a manner that is both secure and efficient.
Even if you don’t need each way for every woodworking project, you should still understand them so that you can employ the most appropriate approach for your circumstances.
Continue reading. You are interested in learning how to join boards along their lengths but need help figuring out how to do it.
This tutorial will walk you through each of the four different approaches in great detail.
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VIDEO: How To Join Two Narrow Boards Lengthwise To Make A Wide Panel
The Fundamentals of Edge Joining Boards
If you are entirely new to woodworking, you might not be familiar with “edge joining.”
However, you have likely observed it in operation.
An edge junction is created whenever two boards are joined together flat on their respective long sides and secured with fasteners.
This is in contrast to other sorts of couplings, which either produce stacks between multiple boards or straight angles between them.
The objective of an edge joint is to produce a more expansive piece of timber that can serve another function within the context of a more significant woodworking job if given enough time to cure.
In an ideal situation, an edge joint should also allow the pieces that make up the junction to align in a straight and accurate manner, creating the impression of a single piece of wood that is the same width throughout as it is in length.
Four different methods to join two boards lengthwise.
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals let’s move on to the more advanced topics.
#1: Adhesive for Wood


The first method, which is also the most accessible method in many respects, for attaching two boards along their length is wood glue.
Essentially, it calls for you to apply a continuous line of wood glue along the length of one board, then aligns and attach the other board after doing so.
After removing any extra adhesive, this approach results in a completely seamless weld that achieves the desired effect.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Gluing wood offers several notable benefits, one of the most notable being that it is relatively simple to carry out.
So long as you have two appropriately sized boards and enough wood glue ready, you can execute this kind of junction efficiently.
If you do not have the specialist tools required to form the other sorts of joints, then forming this joint will typically be one of the more affordable options.
However, a wood-glued junction is typically the lowest strength out of all possible joint constructions.
Even while modern wood glue is pretty strong, it can nonetheless support excessive weight when placed directly on the joint.
If the linked boards are not correctly clamped together, then there is a possibility that some bowing will occur because it tends to expand when it is set slightly.
Instruments and Components
You will require the following items to make a good wood glue edge joint:
- Two boards that were chosen in advance
- Glue for wood that is either yellow or white
- Clamps
- Chisel for wood
- Chalk
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 – Arrange and Mark the Boards:
First, choose which boards you will use and lay them out on a level workstation.
Please place them in whichever order you see fit, ensuring that the grains and tones of the wood complement one another.
When you are satisfied with the appearance of the aligned boards, use the chalk to draw a comprehensive “U” form across the aligned boards.
This “U” should open downward, with outward arching slants moving downhill between each board.
These marks make the boards easier to straighten after laying down the wood glue.
Step 2: Apply wood glue.
Next, stand the bottom-most board in your arrangement on its long end so that the edge you plan to glue is facing up.
The next step is to run a bead of wood glue along the entire length of this edge in a continuous motion.
This bead shouldn’t be any wider than 3/16 of an inch at the most so that any excess will be contained inside it.
Remember that any residual adhesive residue will make it more challenging to finish the project later.
Step 3 – Bring the Pieces Together and Clamp Them:
Following your chalk guides, slide the wood planks back together.
After the boards have been positioned in the correct alignment, begin applying pressure with the clamps.
This ensures that the glue is evenly distributed and set up appropriately across the joint.
After waiting for around twenty minutes, proceed to the next and last procedure.
Step 4 – Remove Excess Glue:
You probably saw some glue leaking out as you brought the glued boards together as they were being assembled.
This is acceptable if you remove it before it has a chance to dry.
After approximately 20 minutes, this might start to take place.
The excess glue can be sheared off with a wood chisel once it has hardened but is still in a state where it can be mailed.
This ensures that your glued junction is practically unnoticeable and as neat as can be.
#2: Biscuit Joiner


A biscuit joiner is a less popular joining method, not least because it requires some specific tools and materials.
To carry out this approach correctly, each piece of wood must have several narrow, long channels cut into it.
After that, a thin joiner piece in the shape of a football called a “biscuit” is pushed into the channels.
This creates stress between the two boards, which helps keep them joined.
Advantages and Disadvantages
As indicated, many woodworkers avoid utilizing biscuit joints since they need specific tools and supplies (notably, the biscuits) (namely, the biscuits).
Additionally, biscuit joints are not great at sustaining lateral pressure, which raises the danger of bowing if the attached panel is utilized to carry weight.
This risk is increased when the biscuit joint is used.
On the other hand, a new biscuit joint might be the best option in a few specific circumstances.
As an illustration, their size and broad stress point are perfect for attaching sheet goods.
Additionally, a biscuit wood joint can provide easy support for boards that have previously bent outward.
Instruments and Components
You will require the following components to finish off a successful biscuit joint:
- Two boards that were chosen in advance
- Biscuits of the appropriate size
- A biscuit joiner
- Pencil
- Ruler or tape measure
- a bottle containing water to be sprayed.
- Clamp
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 – Align Boards and Mark Slots:
To begin, you need to position your boards in the desired manner. To achieve an appearance of continuity, should consider the materials’ colors and grains.
Once you’ve done so, mark out three or more points throughout the length of the linked edges for the biscuits’ locations.
These points should be equidistant from one another.
After that, separate the two boards and make a mark indicating where each slot is located.
These slots need to be centered on the previous mark you made, and their length should be equal to that of the biscuit used.
Step 2: Set the joiner and make the cuts.
Once you have determined where the cut needs to be made, take out your biscuit joiner and change the settings to suit your requirements.
Once you’ve adjusted the plunge depth and oriented the instrument, you can begin to make each incision.
Step 3 – Put the Biscuits in the Oven, Add the Water, and Turn the Oven on:
After removing excessing dust from the cuts, you can put your biscuits into one of the slot sets.
Spraying each cookie with water will activate any clues or sealants that may be included within it once they have been correctly inserted into the slots.
After that, slide the board with the biscuits into the other board with slots.
Clamp the entire panel and wait a few hours before adding any additional pressure once the biscuits have had a chance to set.
#3: Kreg Jig


The use of pocket hole jig is a procedure that may have been demonstrated to you in a professional setting for assembling home office and dining room furniture.
In essence, this form of butt joint employs a Kreg jig or other similar instrument and generates an angled pocket hole into which a pocket hole screw is put.
Because of the angle at which this screw is inserted, it can retain a flush outer surface on the panel while simultaneously holding the edge joint together.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are a variety of benefits that come along with using Kreg jigs, not the least of which is the fact that they are incredibly durable.
This is because of the angle at which they are affixed and the usage of a metal fastener, which contributed to this consequence (metal screws).
They can also be made with relatively little effort, provided that the appropriate tool for making pocket holes is used.
Because of this, one of the limitations of this approach is that it requires the use of a specialist piece of equipment.
As a result of the limited utility of pocket hole makers outside of this manner, some people may be hesitant to invest money on an item they only sometimes employ.
However, to perfect the use of a Kreg jig, you will need to put in some practice, and because of the lateral pressure that is created when drilling pocket hole, these jigs can only be used in thick, solid wood boards.
Instruments and Components
To perform a Kreg jig edge joint, you’ll need the following:
- Two wood piece boards that were chosen in advance
- A Kreg jig or comparable pocket-hole jig set
- Compatible screws
- Cordless drill
- Measuring tape
- Clamp
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 – Measure Planks
To begin, you will need to determine your board’s width by measuring its measurement.
After that, adjust the depth collar on your drill bit using this measurement as a guide.
This will guarantee that the depth of your pocket hole is no greater than is necessary.
A helpful measurement chart that can be used for this purpose is typically affixed to the base of many units of the Kreg jig.
After making this modification, you must ensure that the appropriate guide hole is raised based on where your pocket holes are positioned.
Step 2 – Secure the Clamps to the Wood and Start Drilling:
After completing all the required modifications, secure your piece of lumber using the clamps.
At this point, align the lumber with the guide holes that you have chosen.
After you have completed this step, you will be able to begin drilling by placing your drill bit inside the guide hole.
You should always build at least two or three pocket holes to ensure optimal joint stability.
Step 3 – Finish the joint:
Take hold of the additional plank that will be fastened to the board that you have just finished drilling once you have completed the drilling process.
After ensuring they are aligned as required, clamp them and grab your screws. Insert these screws into the pocket hole using your drill until they enter the other wood board.
Once they have reached this point, they are ready to be used.
Carry on drilling until the head of the screw is completely embedded within the pocket hole.
#4: Dowels


Dowels cut to length are employed to create a tension point between two boards, as the technique’s name suggests.
This type of joint is pretty strong and may be utilized in various ways.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One of the key advantages of this technique is the usage of essential woodworking tools.
If you plan and buy and cut your dowel joint in advance, this type of joint can also be one of the quickest types to build.
However, highly accurate measurements are necessary for utilizing this method.
Those who desire to use it should, therefore, first practice scrap wood before making any cuts that are considered permanent.
Instruments and Components
- Two pre-selected boards
- Pre-cut dowels
- Masking tape
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Depth gauge
- Mallet
- Bar Clamps
- Adhesive
- Cordless drill
- Boring drill bits
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1 – Determine the Dowel Positions Using the Measurements:
To begin, you will need to measure the locations of the dowels.
Marking a succession of points at equal distances from one another requires using a ruler, a depth gauge, and a pencil.
It would help if you made sure that the width of your boards and the size of your dowels are both taken into account by these points.
In addition to that, please verify these measurements not once, twice or even three times.
Even relatively insignificant deviations can result in an uneven panel finish.
Step 2: Drill the first hole and do the test.
Choose a drill bit with a diameter corresponding to your dowel rods.
Attach a piece of masking tape around that section at a distance equal to one-half of the whole length of your dowel.
The next step is to make your first test hole, after which you should attach the bit to the drill.
Test to see if your dowel still fits after you’ve cleaned off any excess sawdust.
Feel free to pound it in with a hammer because the fit should be sufficient to be considered snug.
Step 3 – Drill the Last of the Holes, and Insert Dowels
After you have determined the optimal hole diameter and depth, continue boring out the remaining holes in the object. After that, insert the remaining dowel rods and check that they are firmly in place.
Step 4 – Clamp and secure:
If you will be utilizing glue or an adhesive, now is the time to apply it to the dowels. Then, join the two pieces of timber by sliding the piece that does not have dowels onto the piece that does have dowels through the holes drilled.
Additionally, additional pressure from your mallet might be required here. After the connections have been made, put the unitary panel into your clamps and give it some time to settle before proceeding.
What is the most effective strategy for joining long boards along their length?
Dowel joints and joints made with a Kreg jig will, in most situations, offer the most outstanding value in terms of durability and versatility for the amount of money spent.
These versatile tools may be put to a wide variety of uses and can frequently be adapted to meet your requirements better.
Wood glue, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for creating a rapid bond between two longboards if that is what you are going for.
This is especially true with ornamental attachments that can be made to a cabinet, chest, or dresser.
Conclusion
When it comes to linking boards along their length, you have several different possibilities, as you can see above.
As long as you know the benefits and drawbacks of each edge joining method, you should be able to complete your next woodworking job to the best of your abilities.
Know the need to practice each edge joint on some scrap wood first.
Nothing beats good old-fashioned practice to get you where you want to go when producing flat-edge joints or to refine your other practical woodworking skills.
FAQ on How To Join Two Boards
How can one connect together lengthy sections of timber?
Place a doweling jig over the marks, and drill holes so that they are 1/16 of an inch deeper than half the length of the dowels. Spread glue within the holes of one of the pieces, place the dowels inside, and then clamp the piece to a level surface. Apply glue to the end grain and holes on the second piece, then press the two pieces together and clamp them until the glue is dry.
How does one join two pieces of wood that are side by side?
Applying wood glue to the inside edge of one of the wood planks that are going to be attached is the first step in the process of attaching the two planks together to create a strong bond. Once the glue has completely set, the planks can be pushed together and clamped until the glue has completely set.
How can wood be joined together in the most durable way?
The mortise and tenon joint is considered to be one of the most sturdy joints used in woodworking. This joint is uncomplicated yet very sturdy. It has been utilized in the woodworking industry for many years. Its typical application is in the joining of two pieces of wood at an angle of ninety degrees.
What is the most durable approach of gluing timber together?
Mortise and tenon joinery is one of the most traditional forms of woodworking jointing. These joints have been around since the beginning of woodworking, and they continue to be among the ways that are the most durable and beautiful when it comes to combining wood.
I don’t have a jointer; may I use a router instead?
To quote Richard Jones: Yes. When you need to smooth up a small edge, you can use a router that is set upside down on a table. Adjust the offset of the outfeed table so that it is equal to the depth of cut that was determined by the infeed table. If you are working in a confined space or have a limited budget for power tools, one viable option is to use a router table in place of a jointer.