There are a number of joints used to connect furniture. Most notably of which would have to be the dovetail joint. A rather ingenious creation of skilled carpenter’s many, many years ago, the dovetail joint has been preferred because more contact is made between the wood.
When properly cut and assembled, a well-constructed dovetail joint will outlast the product’s owner.
As marketers often do with items of great reputation, the dovetail joint was promoted to be the only quality option in furniture construction.
However, the claims just aren’t true.
Would an elaborate piece of furniture like the Portofino 4-Piece Entertainment Center by Parker House be more or less attractive whether or not it was constructed with a dovetail joint? Not likely. It was actually assembled with a combination of dovetail joints and modern applications.
While modern technology has not rendered the quality construction of dovetail joints obsolete, it has offered a host of alternative options that are just as durable.
The addition of nails and the advent of bonding agents like glues and pastes create virtually permanent union.
So it’s fine if you prefer a dovetail joint for some sort of authenticity aesthetic. Just be aware that it isn’t necessarily worth the extra money some manufacturer’s often charge for them.