SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wood-dado-across-grain
In woodworking, what is a dado?
A three-sided channel cut across the grain.
- A two-sided recess along a board's edge
- A round hole drilled for a dowel
- A three-sided channel cut across the grain ✔
Why: A dado is a flat-bottomed channel with three sides that runs across the grain, so a shelf or divider can sit in it. A recess along an edge is a rabbet. Dadoes are common in bookcases and cabinets.
Huh, didn't know that: Woodcraft advises making dadoes no deeper than one-half of the board's thickness.
Why did the shelf feel so secure? The dado had it covered on three sides.
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References
Answer: A three-sided channel cut across the grain. A dado is a flat-bottomed channel with three sides that runs across the grain, so a shelf or divider can sit in it. A recess along an edge is a rabbet. Dadoes are common in bookcases and cabinets.
- What Is A Dado Joint (Rockler) www.rockler.com/learn/what-is-a-dado-joint
A dado joint is made from a three-sided channel cut across the grain of one work piece.
Checked 2026-10-10. - What Is A Dado Joint (Rockler) www.rockler.com/learn/what-is-a-dado-joint
They offer incredible sheer resistance because this workpiece is captured on three sides.
Checked 2026-10-10. - Joinery Made Simple: Rabbets, Dadoes, and Grooves (Woodcraft) www.woodcraft.com/blogs/shop-knowledge-guides/joinery-made-simple-rabbets-dadoes-and-grooves
Normally, dadoes are made no deeper than one-half of the stock thickness.
Checked 2026-10-10.
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