Is a Domino suitable for external joinery such as doors and windows?

[Roger]

The title says it all, really. Is a Domino only suited to internal joinery?  The reasoning being that by using a Domino one is introducing moisture from Day One into the joint and so setting up fo it to fail prematurely.

 

[tigger]

Hi Roger

Yes you can with no problem. Check with your local dealer for the right domino's to use. Festool does make them for internal and external use. I can't remember what wood they are made of but easily to spot as they are darker than the standard beech. I made window frames about 18 months - 2 years ago and they still look good. Just had a look now when I saw your post. No swelling or pulling apart. Nice and tight fit like the day they were made.

Just make sure you glue up your joints properly with suitable exterior glue and you can use you Domino with confidence, no problem.

 

[peter halle]

The dominos for exterior use are a rot resistant wood called Sipo.  I believe that it is a member of the mahogany family.

Peter

 

[Roger]

Would you use Domino's for fixing the rails and stiles of a door?  I'm a bit concerned about the relatively short length of a Domino compared to, say, a traditional mortice and tenon joint.

 

[Rob-GB]

For window frames I can see no problem but to rely on dominoes for say a front door I would be very sceptical. The stresses/enviromental changes that an exterior door may endure would require a more traditional approach. Dominoes or loose tenons rely on the glue bond in effect to survive the stresses they are under, while mortice and tenon joints generally have the wedges or draw bore pegged 'mechanical' back up. Just my viewpoint on the subject.
Rob.

 

[tigger]

For window frames I can see no problem but to rely on dominoes for say a front door I would be very sceptical. The stresses/enviromental changes that an exterior door may endure would require a more traditional approach. Dominoes or loose tenons rely on the glue bond in effect to survive the stresses they are under, while mortice and tenon joints generally have the wedges or draw bore pegged 'mechanical' back up. Just my viewpoint on the subject.
Rob.

Hi Rob, what you say is true, but if you use the right glue for the joints then you have an equally strong joint. I did a little digging as I had the same concerns and I can assure you its the glue that makes a major difference. In fact the doors I've had to repair here have the good 'ol motise and tenon joins and after a few years of use they do seperate. Could also be cheap ass door frames! I have three boys and believe me they know how to slam a door  [crying]
But the correct glue for the application forms a bond stronger than the wood itself. I'm not sure if you guys get the Alcolin range of glues over there. I use their "Cold Glue" for joints such as these. The open time is about 10mins and takes 6 hours to form a permenant join. 5 years on and no breaks.
I think either route would work on door frames. At the end of the day, one has to decide what feels right to you.
Why don't you guys do what I initially did and make up some joints and try to wreck them. You might be pleasantly surprises.
Good luck

 

[Wonderwino]

I wouldn't hesitate to use dominos in door construction.  You will want to make sure and use the largest ones that fit within the parameters of your stock.  Double-stacking as well as side by side will give you plenty of strength.  Dominos are loose tennons and that style of joinery has been used successfully for a long time.