I think we overuse pocket screws for face frames

Last week in my shop, I was putting a face frame on a set of kitchen cabinets. I used pocket screws like I always have, but the maple still wanted to cup a bit overnight. Three years ago on a big job in Bend, I had to redo a whole run because the pocket screws pulled the frame out of square over time in a dry house. I think we lean on them too much for long-term stability. Has anyone else moved back to mortise and tenon or even dowels for important frames?

3 comments

3 Comments

johnp982mo ago

Man, I have to disagree on this one. I've used pocket screws for face frames on dozens of jobs and never had a failure. If your wood is moving that much, it sounds like the material wasn't dry to start with. A good glue joint with pocket screws is plenty strong for the long haul. I'd check your lumber source before blaming the method.

kim8192mo ago

Actually saw a woodworking forum thread where a guy had face frame joints fail after a few years in a humid climate. He used kiln-dried stock and still got movement. The theory was that pocket screws don't allow for any seasonal shift like a floating tenon might. Makes you wonder about long-term stuff in certain rooms.

morgan.logan2mo ago

Ever try to explain wood movement to a client? I once had a built-in bookshelf that started groaning like a haunted house every summer, all because I locked everything down with pocket screws like an idiot. @kim819 is onto something with that floating tenon idea for humid spots. My bathroom vanity face frame pulled itself apart after two years, and the wood was definitely dry. Pocket screws just don't give it any room to breathe when things swell. Felt like the wood was fighting the hardware and the hardware lost.