NOCTI Carpentry Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

A butt joint is commonly used to connect two pieces of wood at a right angle because it is one of the simplest and most straightforward types of joints. In this joint, the end of one piece of wood is simply butted up against the face of another piece, allowing for a clean and flush connection. Butt joints are often reinforced with adhesives, nails, or screws to increase their strength and stability, making them suitable for various applications in carpentry, especially in framing and basic furniture construction.

In contrast, other joints may not be as effective for this specific purpose. A dovetail joint, while strong and often used in fine woodworking, is not designed for right angles; it is typically used for drawer construction due to its interlocking nature. A miter joint is also not suited for connecting two pieces at a right angle because it creates an angled cut that is typically used for corner joints in molding or picture frames rather than a direct right-angle connection. Lastly, a lap joint involves overlapping two pieces of wood and is more complex, generally used for increasing surface area contact and strength, but not specifically designed for achieving a right angle between two boards.

The butt joint's simplicity and ease of use, coupled with its widespread application, make it the preferred