Biscuits, Dominoes, Dowels & Accessories

Wood biscuits, dominoes and dowels provide hidden reinforcement in panel and frame construction.  Biscuits expand when glued, dominoes offer large surface area for strength and dowels align and strengthen butt joints.  Use the appropriate cutter or drill guide for accurate placement.

What’s the difference between biscuits, dominoes, and dowels in woodworking?

• Biscuits are thin, oval-shaped pieces that swell when glued, aligning and strengthening joints.

• Dominoes are precision-machined tenons used with a specialised joiner for stronger, larger-scale joints.

• Dowels are round rods inserted into matching holes, widely used for simple but effective alignment and reinforcement.

When should I choose biscuits over dowels or dominoes?
Biscuits are excellent for quick alignment and panel glue-ups, while dowels provide stronger reinforcement in smaller-scale joints. Dominoes are the most robust option, ideal for furniture and load-bearing structures where strength is critical.

What accessories do I need for these joinery systems?
For biscuits, you’ll need a biscuit joiner and matching biscuits. For dominoes, a domino joiner machine and pre-cut dominoes are required. Dowels require accurate drilling with a jig or guide, and often benefit from fluted dowels that allow glue to spread evenly.