Bevel Joint
Affiliate link — we may earn a commissionA bevel joint is formed when the edge of a board is cut at an angle other than 90 degrees through its thickness. Two boards beveled at complementary angles create a joint that wraps around a corner. Common in tabletop edges, box lids, and architectural trim where you want a seamless appearance around an outside corner. A 45-degree bevel on two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood creates a sharp 90-degree corner with no visible end grain or plywood layers. The bevel cut exposes a larger glue surface than a butt joint, so it's stronger when clamped properly.
Why It Matters
On plywood projects, the layered edge is ugly. A bevel joint hides that edge by wrapping the face veneer around the corner. It takes a table saw or circular saw set to the correct angle and a sharp blade to get a clean bevel. Sand the bevel face lightly before gluing. Scorch marks and saw marks reduce glue adhesion.