Gluing Dado Joint

[Ed Gibbons]

My project calls for the dado to be 1/4” deep. Should I make it bigger to account for the glue?

[Jim Becker]

I would not unless it would have zero impact on alignment/structure on the project. Just use the correct amount of glue spread evenly and thinly...it doesn't need to have an excess to do the job.

[Michael Burnside]

I agree with Jim. If you’re needing the dado itself for strength, and need the glue to achieve it, then there are better joinery methods. I’d use little or no glue, especially if it’s hardwood as you’ll need to account for movement.