Replies

1. 
   byhammerandhand | Sep 07, 2006 04:03am | #1

   If the wood shrinks or moves, you can see through a butt joint and not a scarf joint.

2. 
   Dave45 | Sep 07, 2006 05:46am | #2

   If you're really careful, you can make a scarf joint almost invisible.  I use a dab of glue and a couple of 23 ga pins to hold it together while the glue dries.  A little touch up with a wax filler and it's gone.

   Don't get too hung up on that mid-span business.  When I have to do a scarf joint, I try to put it in the most inconspicuous place I can.  Near a door is often good since people seldom look up when they're walking toward a door.  Over a window can sometimes be a good location since people look out windows - not above them.  If the window has (will have) a window treatment, that will usually hide a joint as well.

3. 
   gboot | Sep 07, 2006 06:07pm | #3

   We moved in to a new home about 2 years ago, the guy who did the kitchen used a butt joint in the same situation you described, looks terrible.

4. 
   oldusty | Sep 07, 2006 06:38pm | #4

   FrankR ,

                       I try and find an area of grain and color that will lend itself to a nice match when spliced with an angled miter , even if it means wasting a bit of molding to get a good looking splice .

          good  luck            dusty

1. 
   FrankR | Sep 07, 2006 07:01pm | #5

   Everyone,

   Thanks so much for the input.  I have a 23 gauge pin nailer so I'll cut the scarf joint in the least obvious place, pin and glue it.   After it dries,  I'll put it up.

   Thanks again.

   Frank R.

1. 
   Dunwright | Sep 07, 2006 11:32pm | #6

   Face the long point of the scarf joint away from the side you will see most often.Arlington, Texas (The dash in Dallas-Fort Worth)
   Practice...'till you can do it right the first time.

1. 
   FrankR | Sep 08, 2006 03:50am | #7

   After I posted my last message, I thought about asking which way to cut the joint.  Thanks.

   FR