One of the most common joints used for joining the rails and legs of tables, chairs and other type of furniture is the Mortise and Tenon joint. A large range of mortise and tenon joints exist and the most simple of these is shown below.

The tenon is the part that fits into the mortise. A glue such as PVA or cascamite is applied before the joint is pushed together. Clamps are used to hold the joint firmly together, usually for twenty four hours.