A client in Asheville asked for a built-in with no visible fasteners, and it made me rethink my whole process.

I was on site for the install and realized my usual pocket screw method would leave a small gap they'd hate. I ended up using a sliding dovetail joint from the back, which took an extra half day but gave a perfect, clean face. Has anyone else had to switch up their joinery last minute for a picky detail?

3 comments

3 Comments

xenar142mo ago

It's funny how a small detail can force a better solution. Makes you wonder how many shortcuts we take that aren't really needed.

sagesingh2mo ago

Ever read about how Japanese joinery avoids nails? It's all about solving the problem of wood movement and strength with just precise cuts. Makes you realize how many modern fixes are just covering up weak design.

alexw742mo ago

What kind of wood were you working with? I had a similar thing happen on a painted maple piece where the client could spot a pin hole from across the room. Ended up using a bunch of those figure eight fasteners from the cabinet back into the wall studs. It added time but the face stayed totally clean.