What Is Bowtie Joinery?
Bowtie joints — also called butterfly joints — are a time-honored woodworking technique used to stabilize cracks in solid wood tabletops. A precisely routed hardwood inlay is fitted across the crack, locking it in place and preventing further movement. Done right, it's both a structural fix and a stunning design detail.
Is My Table a Good Candidate?
Bowtie joinery works best when the crack is stable and the wood is otherwise sound. It's ideal for:
- Live-edge slabs with natural checking
- Heirloom or antique tables with sentimental value
- Solid hardwood tops where the crack runs with the grain
A full-length crack on a 6-foot table is a significant repair — but it's exactly the kind of challenge we specialize in.
What's Involved
For a 6-foot tabletop with a full-length crack, we typically install 4–6 bowtie inlays spaced along the crack. Each one is:
- Hand-fitted to your specific crack geometry
- Routed flush with the surface
- Finished to blend seamlessly with the surrounding wood
We can use a contrasting species to make the bowties a feature, or match your existing wood for a more subtle repair — your choice.
Pricing
Bowtie joinery repair on a 6-foot tabletop with a full-length crack starts at $500 and typically ranges up to $750+ depending on:
- Wood species selected for the inlays
- Whether epoxy fill is needed along the crack
- Surface refinishing requirements
- Pickup, delivery, or on-site service
Every repair is quoted individually after we assess the piece in person or via photos.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us to discuss your table and get a custom quote. We take pride in repairs that honor the original craftsmanship of your piece — and make it stronger for the next generation.
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