Synopsis: Breadboard ends serve the essential function of keeping tabletops flat. Gary Rogowski details four effective ways to attach them, from a light-duty tongue-and-groove joint to the super-strong tenons connected by haunches. They key is to choose the right option based on the size and function of your table.

---

It was more than a few years back that I made a sewing table for my sweetie and, wanting to test my fledgling woodworking skills, decided to use breadboard ends across the tabletop. While they turned out fine, I nearly pulled out my hair doing them. In the time since, I’ve refined my processes, using breadboards on numerous projects both for their structural benefits and design opportunities.

Breadboard ends are narrow boards attached to a solid panel across the grain to help hold it flat. In this article, I go into four ways to attach them. They’re all effective. But…