• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Charleston Crafted
  • DIY
  • Woodworking
  • Popular Posts
  • Blog
  • About
  • Shop
menu icon
go to homepage
  • DIY
  • Woodworking
  • Popular Posts
  • Blog
  • About
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY
  • Woodworking
  • Popular Posts
  • Blog
  • About
  • Shop
×
Home » Building

How do you join two boards together with a Kreg jig?

Published: Jan 18, 2024 · Modified: Feb 18, 2024 by Sean · As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This site contains affiliate links. ·

If you're ready to start your next woodworking project but aren't sure how to use your Kreg jig to join boards together, here's how!

One of the most simple and effective joinery methods in woodworking is pocket hole joinery.

Pocket hole joinery has a low barrier to entry in woodworking, is easy to master thanks to pocket hole jigs, and is a very strong and sturdy joint.

If you're new to woodworking or are looking to try out pocket hole joinery for the first time, we'll help show you how to join boards together with a Kreg jig pocket hole system.

How to join two boards with a Kreg jig - Charleston Crafted

How to join two boards together with a Kreg jig

There are several different types of joints when it comes to woodworking, but you can do most of them with pocket hole joinery.

We have been using a Kreg jig for years and love that it is so easy to learn and easy to use. That's why we recommend it to anyone who is looking to DIY furniture in their home.

Joining two boards together with a Kreg jig is simple, no matter what type of joint you're trying to make. One tip I have is to make sure you use a clamp to keep the boards together no matter what joint you're making. You don't want the boards to shift when you insert the screw.

If you're new to a Kreg jig, I'd recommend check out our Kreg Jig 101 post before going any further so you are sure you know all of the features of a Kreg jig and how to use it.

Interested in the Kreg Jig? Click here to read our full Kreg Jig review and to see all of our Kreg Jig projects.

New to the Kreg Jig? Here is a step by step guide on how to use a Kreg Jig!

OR grab our FREE Kreg Jig Cheat Sheet here! Download the cheat sheet!

How to join two edge boards with Kreg jig

An edge joint is when you connect the long edges of two boards together right next to each other, parallel.

To join two edge boards with a Kreg jig, you need to drill pocket holes spaced out along the long edge of your first board. Start a couple inches in from each end, then space them out every 6 inches or so along the edge.

Then, I like to put the board up against the board it will be connecting to and marking a point between those pocket holes on the first board and drilling pocket holes into the second board in those locations.

This makes sure that the boards are very secure. Continue this until you get to your last board.

We did this on our DIY angled base dining table!

Pocket holes on tabletop boards

How to make butt joints with Kreg jig

Butt joints are when two boards come together at a perpendicular angle. So, two boards coming together to form an "L".

To make butt joints with a Kreg jig, drill you pocket holes in the end of the board that will be going into the other board.

Then, using clamps or pressure, place the boards together and drive the pocket holes from the first board into the second board.

One example is on our rectangular coffee table where we did butt joints on the tops and legs!

Kreg Jig - Charleston Crafted

How to make 90 degree joints with Kreg jig

90 degree joints are when a board goes into a point somewhere in the middle of another board, instead of along the edge or at the end.

To make 90 degree joints, you follow the same steps as making a butt joint, but in this case it's really important to use a right angle clamp to hold the two boards in place so they don't move.

Drill the pocket holes on the board that will be going into the other board, line it up where it needs to go, then add the clamp. Finally, use pocket hole screws to attach the board.

You can see this on the bookshelves portion of our DIY toy display shelf and bookcase!

Assembling frame of bookcase

How to make mitered joints with Kreg jig

Mitered joints are when two boards come together at a mitered angle, most commonly at a 45 degree angle to make a frame of some sort.

To make mitered joints with a Kreg jig, place the angled portion of the board into your Kreg jig and clamp in place. Make sure you are closer to the inside of the miter so that the pocket holes don't drill through the outside edge of the board.

You only need to have pocket holes drilled on one of the ends that are coming together with a mitered joint!

With the holes drilled, put the mitered ends together and clamp down to keep them in place. Then, simply drive your pocket holes from one board to the next.

We did this in the corners of our DIY outdoor square dining table!

Top of table assembled
Angled base connecting at 30 degrees

Basic woodworking information for every project

Here are some of our most popular woodworking articles!

Shopping for wood:

  • How to buy wood for DIY woodworking projects
  • Where can I buy wood for woodworking projects?
  • Common vs Actual wood dimensions
  • How to get the best plywood for your money
  • How to get cheap and free lumber for woodworking projects
  • Will Home Depot cut wood for you?
  • Will Lowe's cut wood for you?

Woodworking project ideas

  • 100+ of the best woodworking project ideas!
  • 62 easy beginning woodworking projects
  • Woodworking project ideas to make and sell

See all our printable PDF woodworking plans!

Our favorite tools + supplies

  • See all our favorite tool reviews
  • How to use a Kreg jig
  • The ultimate wood stain guide
  • The best wood fillers for your project

Remember to also always use safety equipment while woodworking and using tools. Make sure you have proper eye protection, ear protection and a good mask to keep yourself safe.

Before you go...

Make sure you see which Kreg jig is for you and if it's worth the cost!

  • Is a Kreg jig worth the money?
  • The best Kreg jig for beginners
Charleston Crafted Signature

Follow us on:
Pinterest | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | Amazon Storefront | LTK Shop

Looking for something?

We've been doing this since 2012 so we have a LOT of blog posts!
Search stuff like: Ceiling Projects | DIY Plant Stands | Thrift Flips

Charleston Crafted logo banner
Sean headshot cropped
Sean

Hey there, I'm Sean, the woodworking enthusiast and builder behind CharlestonCrafted.com! Since 2012, I've been sharing the magic of turning raw materials into beautiful creations. I love teaching others the art and satisfaction of woodworking and DIY. I try to inspire fellow crafters to make something extraordinary out of nothing at all.

More Building

  • DIY A-Frame Birdhouse - Charleston Crafted
    DIY A-Frame Birdhouse
  • How to build a DIY gate pergola- Charleston Crafted
    How to build a DIY gate pergola
  • DIY modern rolling storage table - Charleston Crafted
    DIY modern rolling storage table
  • DIY folding desk for walking pad - Charleston Crafted
    DIY folding desk for walking pads

Primary Sidebar

Charleston Crafted about us image

Hey y'all!

We are Morgan & Sean McBride and we are crafting our home together in Charleston, South Carolina.

More about us

Popular Posts

  • DIY Coffered Ceiling
    DIY Coffered Ceiling
  • How to Make DIY Concrete Pumpkins via Charleston Crafted
    How to Make DIY Concrete Pumpkins
  • How to Make a Cupid's Arrow Valentine's Day Wall Hanging with felt on the Cricut
    How to make a Cupid's Arrow Valentine's Day Wall Hanging
  • Our Tropical Oasis - A backyard Hammock area - Charleston Crafted
    Our Tropical Oasis

Recent Posts

  • home amazon prime day deals
    All of the best Amazon Prime Day Home Deals (updated list!)
  • easy patriotic diy decor
    Easy Patriotic DIY Decor: Budget-Friendly Projects for Summer Celebrations
  • Front porch refresh for summer
    10 Budget-Friendly Ways to Refresh Your Front Porch for Summer
  • pool noodle fireworks
    How to make Pool Noodle Fireworks for yard decor

Privacy Policy

Footer

↑ back to top

Navigation

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclaimer

Newsletter

  • Sign up for emails and updates
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Work with Us

Browse by Category

  • Woodworking
  • Home Projects
  • Paint Colors
  • Room Reveals

© 2025 The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC DBA “Charleston Crafted” and “CharlestonCrafted” (also known as N/A) / All Rights Reserved.
Official Website: (Charleston Crafted)
Registered in USA (Co. Reg. No.: 565586)
Address: Charleston, USA 29414, South Carolina
Contact Phone: Not applicable — contact is via email: sean@charlestoncrafted.com

DISCLAIMER: The content on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC and The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC make no representations or warranties—express or implied—regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information contained herein. Any reliance you place on this information is strictly at your own risk. In no event shall The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC or The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC be liable for any loss or damage, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, arising from the use or inability to use this website. This website is the official website of The Charleston Crafted Blog LLC.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This website contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Site Editor: Morgan Smith McBride

Copyright © 2025 Charleston Crafted