Choosing between pocket screws and dowels for a big built-in

Had a client in Boise who wanted a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, and I debated using pocket screws for speed or dowels for strength. Went with dowels and spent an extra day on it, but the thing feels rock solid now. Anyone have a rule of thumb for when you switch from one method to the other?

2 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

2 Comments

kellyl325mo ago

Honestly, I'd also think about wood movement on a piece that size. Dowels can handle that stress a lot better than pocket screws.

4

nora_coleman695mo ago

Yeah, that's a solid point from @kellyl32 about wood stress.

6