What is a miter joint used for in carpentry?

The miter joint is specifically designed to join two pieces of material at an angle, most commonly at a 45-degree angle. This is particularly useful in woodworking and carpentry for creating corners, such as in frames, trim, and moldings. By cutting the ends of the two pieces at an angle, the joint results in a clean, seamless appearance that is visually appealing, especially in finished projects. The miter joint allows for a greater surface area for adhesive contact, which can enhance the strength of the joint when properly constructed, but the primary function and characteristic of the miter joint is its angled connection, which sets it apart from other types of joints, such as those that connect wood at right angles or provide sliding movements.