Just had a talk with a 40-year cabinetmaker about my joinery methods

I was dead set on using pocket screws for everything until I talked to Bob at the supplier yesterday. He pointed out that dados and rabbets hold up way better in high-humidity kitchens, and that hit home after I fixed two failing drawer boxes last month. Anyone else switch methods after a good conversation with an old timer?

2 comments

2 Comments

smith.parker16h ago

Didn't you read that Fine Woodworking article from a few months back where they tested pocket screws against dados in high humidity? They literally had cabinets blow out at the joints in the climate chamber. I remember Bob's probably seen the exact same failures in real kitchens over 40 years, not just a lab test. Pocket screws are fine for guest rooms and offices but kitchens are a whole different beast with steam and temperature swings. The old timers aren't always right, but when they're all saying the same thing about dados and rabbets I start paying attention.

the_piper17h ago

Oh man, are we REALLY worrying about humidity that much for a kitchen cabinet? I mean yeah, pocket screws are not the prettiest but I have cabinets from ten years ago with them that are totally fine. Unless you're building for a sauna with a sink, I bet Bob was just trying to sell you something fancier. People act like a little wood movement is the end of the world when a dab of glue fixes most issues anyway.