Wood biscuits are oval-shaped, compressed beech or engineered wood pieces used to join two wood elements together. Utilizing a method invented in 1956 by Hermann Steiner in Liestal, Switzerland, the use of wood biscuits remains a popular choice for many craftsmen today.
What Are Wood Biscuits Used For?
When joining two wooden pieces together, wood biscuits are often used to create a strong bond that is easier than utilizing other joining methods such as mortise and tenon joints. The process of using a wood biscuit involves creating a crescent-shaped hole in the two pieces of wood being joined. An adhesive is placed into both holes, and a single wood biscuit is inserted into both slots, seamlessly bringing the two pieces together. Some of the most frequently used applications for wood biscuits include:
- end-to-edge joints
- edge-to-edge joints
- rail-to-leg offset joints
- face-to-edge joints
Used in cabinet making and other areas where a joint spans a large area, wood biscuits provide a strong, straight alignment, which needs much less sanding than other methods. While these are the most popular uses, there are a wide variety of applications that utilize wood biscuits as a wood-joining method.
Common Sizes for Wood Biscuits
There are three commonly used engineered wood biscuit sizes:
- #0: 5/8″ x 1 3/4″
- #10: 3/4″ x 2 1/8″
- #20: 1″ x 2 3/8″
Engineered wood is comprised of strands, fibers, veneers, or even thin wooden boards that have been compressed together with adhesive to form a solid piece. Common types of engineered wood include medium-density fiberboard (MDF), particleboard, and plywood.
- MDF utilizes a hot press to compress the wood fibers. This process creates a higher density and, therefore, a more robust engineered wood product.
- Particleboard is formed by using synthetic resins to bind wood chips, sawmill shavings, or sawdust together.
- Plywood consists of cross-laminated wood veneer sheets that have been bonded together using heat, pressure, and moisture-resistant adhesives.
While each of these processes is slightly different, they all create engineered wood products that continue to prove their value year after year. Durable and water-resistant, engineered wood is affordable and easy to manufacture. In addition, engineered wood creates a much more efficient construction process. By using fewer trees and creating less waste than other wood products, engineered wood is also an environmentally sustainable product.
EW Hannas Manufacturing Buttons, Plugs, and Biscuits
Whether your needs are best suited to standard biscuit sizes or require custom sizing, EW Hannas provides quality biscuits with the close tolerances needed for exceptional craftsmanship. In addition, we can meet any packaging needs you have in order to supply or display biscuit products on your shelves.
EW Hannas applies the same quality assurance to our buttons and plugs in order to meet all of your precision wood product needs. Request a quote or contact us for more information on how our quality wood biscuits can drive your business forward.