Using a Domino instead of tenons in staked furniture?

[Haskens]

Hi All,

Longtime lurker here and first time poster. I recently got a domino and am interested in using it on my next project. I’m building what is essentially a staked  entry way bench  intended to sit on to put on your shoes etc - it would normally have the legs ending in a round through tenon and no stretchers between the legs. Do you think the tenon could be replaced by two dominos from the top of each leg into the underside of the bench top? The legs would be splayed, angled out in one dimension. I don’t think wood movement would be an issue here as the bench top is still free to move, but I’m wondering if the domino attachment would be sturdy enough to bear a persons weight. I’m worried about the bench just collapsing especially with the splayed legs.

Any of you use a domino this way in the past? Thanks in advance. P.s. I hope this is the right sub forum.

 

[Svar]

I don't think it's a good idea for staked joinery. First, dominos are too thin and short for the task. Second, there is a weak point where the domino is mortised into end grain of the leg. The fibers then are not continuous from the leg and into the seat and the leg might split at the joint. You'd be fine if you added stretchers.