What are the advantages of dovetails. Why do people use them?

Question

What are the advantages of dovetails. Why do people use them?

Answer 1

There is no "best joint" it depends upon how the wood is oriented in the joint and what types of stresses are expected. Dovetails work well for end to end joints at right angles.  In other instances, say chair joints or corner joints in a frame and panel door, they are not appropriate.

They will hold well even if the glue fails, having a lot of mechanical lock.

The ability to hand-cut dovetails is sort of a hallmark of a craftsman.

And they look nice.

Answer 2

They use to make drawers using dovetail joints and they don't fall apart like the stapled ones now.

Answer 3

Dovetails are one of the best wood joints you can have. They have a lot of surface area that allows glue to be applied to more wood in turn making a stronger bond between components of a drawer, etc. The are also a method of joinery that is very pleasing to the eye which for many people is the main reason that they like dovetails.