The Difference: rabbets, dadoes and grooves

Some woodworking tools, terms and techniques can be confusing. Here, we’ll help you make sense of the finer points of woodworking so you can make the right decision for your situation.

Rabbets, dadoes, and grooves are funda­mental woodworking joints that serve as the backbone of many projects. These versa­tile cuts, created either by hand or machine, play unique roles in joining pieces of wood. Although they share similarities, each has its own distinct characteristics and applications.

A rabbet is a cut made along the edge of a board, forming an L-shaped recess. The resulting cut creates two surfaces at a 90º angle, with the remaining protruding sec­tion known as the tongue. Rabbets can run either with or across the grain of the wood, making them adaptable to different projects. They’re commonly used in box joinery, securing the backs of cabinets or assembling drawers where extreme strength isn’t a necessity. For example, the back panel of a bookshelf often fits into a rabbet, ensuring a clean, flush appearance. Simple yet effective, rabbets provide alignment and moderate structural support.

In contrast, a dado is a slot or trench cut across the grain of a board. This design makes it particularly well-suited for applica­tions requiring horizontal stability, such as shelving or partitions. When well-fitted, a dado joint offers increased surface area for glue, creating a strong and stable connection. Picture a bookshelf: the horizontal shelves typically sit in dadoes cut into the verti­cal sides, providing a framework that resists movement and holds significant weight.

A groove is similar to a dado but dif­fers in its orientation, running parallel to the grain of the wood. This subtle distinc­tion makes grooves ideal for applications where alignment and grain integrity are crucial. For instance, grooves are often used in frame-and-panel construction, such as cabinet doors, where the centre panel floats securely within grooves cut into the surrounding frame. This design not only holds the panel in place but also allows for seasonal wood movement without compro­mising the structure.

Dadoes and grooves are often collectively referred to as slots because of their similar rectangular shape and function. These cuts can run the entire length of a board or stop at one or both ends, resembling mortises in those cases. This versatility expands their utility, allowing them to accommodate a wide range of design needs.

Creating rabbets, dadoes and grooves can be done with either hand or power tools. Router planes, hand saws, chisels and mallets offer a timeless, skill-intensive approach, while table saws, handheld or table-mounted routers, and track saws bring speed and precision to the process. The choice of tools often depends on the proj­ect’s scale, the tools or machines on hand, and the desired level of craftsmanship.

For a more detailed description of these joints read “Rabbets, dadoes and grooves” on our website. You can also view our subscriber-only videos “Rabbet Joints” and “Dado and Groove Joints” on our website.