Yes, that would be an excellent joint for this application.

Lewis Kauffman said:

I think I would have the rails and stiles joined with a bridle joint. Lots of glue surface and you colud even add screws to add additional strength.

 

Just my 2¢

 

Lew

I just googled bridle joint............and I like it. I don't know if I said it earlier, but I wanted to go m&t...........and thats what a bridle joint is............IMO.

Richard McComas said:

Yes, that would be an excellent joint for this application.

Lewis Kauffman said:

I think I would have the rails and stiles joined with a bridle joint. Lots of glue surface and you colud even add screws to add additional strength.

 

Just my 2¢

 

Lew

if i read you right you are concerned about the joint between the rails and stiles. what i would do is instead of using dowels on the joints i would use a bridle joint or a half lap and then pin the joint with a contrasting wood for a design effect. this would be greatly stronger than just dowel joints