What type of joint is created using dowels?

A dowel joint is specifically designed to align and strengthen connections between two pieces of wood. The process involves drilling holes into both pieces of wood and inserting wooden dowels into these holes. This provides not only a secure connection but also aids in keeping both pieces aligned during the assembly and final construction. Dowel joints are particularly useful in furniture making and cabinetry because they can enhance the strength of the joint without being visually obtrusive and are less likely to split the wood compared to screws or nails.

In contrast, a butt joint merely connects two pieces of wood at their ends without any reinforcement, making it less strong. A miter joint involves joining two pieces of wood at an angle, often at 45 degrees, which can also be less stable without additional reinforcement. Meanwhile, a rabbet joint consists of a notch cut out of one piece of wood to allow another piece to fit into it, often used in cabinet construction. Each of these other joints serves a different purpose and has its own applications, but none provide the specific alignment and strength enhancement characteristic of dowel joints.