What does splining mean?
Splining is a specialized woodworking term for work involving a spline, a narrow strip of wood fitted into a matching groove to join or strengthen wooden pieces. It may also describe bending thin wood strips into decorative curves. The technique is valued because a spline can create a strong joint while remaining relatively unobtrusive, and curved splines can add flexible, flowing forms to furniture and other objects. Although the word is principally used by cabinetmakers, woodworkers, and people discussing fine woodworking, it is recognizable beyond that context because it describes a practical method of working wood in two distinct ways. In ordinary writing, splining is usually replaced by more general expressions such as joining wood or reinforcing a joint unless the particular technique is important.
The woodworking process of cutting and fitting a narrow wooden strip into a groove to join or reinforce wood.
"Careful splining made the frame noticeably stronger."
This is the most common specialized sense and is normally used in woodworking contexts.
The process of bending thin strips of wood into curves for use in furniture or decoration.
"The chair's curved back was made by splining narrow strips of ash."
Less common than the joinery sense and associated especially with traditional furniture making.
Rare; splining is ordinarily treated as an uncountable process or craft term.
"The workshop displayed examples of delicate splinings."
Splining turns a narrow strip of wood into a hidden structural joint, making a delicate craft out of strength in disguise.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does splining come from?
The word splining derives from spline, a term for a narrow strip of wood used in joinery and sometimes for a curved wooden element. Spline itself developed from the earlier woodworking sense of a thin piece of wood or metal, related to splinter. The suffix -ing in splining forms a noun denoting the activity or process.
Related word forms
How splining is actually used
Splining is specialized woodworking terminology and is uncommon in general conversation. The term can refer either to the joining technique or to the process of forming curved wooden strips.