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Building elements

Notch

A notch is a recess cut into a piece of timber so that another member can sit in or over it.

Also known as notching, timber notch, housing, recess, birdsmouth

Notches let timber members interlock: a header seated into a stud, a rafter sitting on a wall plate (the birdsmouth), or a service run passing through a joist. A well-cut notch gives a positive bearing and keeps the frame flush and square.

Because a notch removes material, its depth and position are limited by the member’s strength, particularly in joists and beams. Accuracy matters: a notch that is too deep weakens the piece, one that is too shallow leaves the joint proud.

A square notch cut in a timber stud by a horizontal and a vertical saw blade
A square notch: the horizontal blade cuts the floor of the notch, the vertical blade the shoulder.
Related terms
Notching sawA notching saw is a dedicated saw for cutting notches and recesses in timber, typically with one horizontal and one vertical blade working together. LintelA lintel is a horizontal beam that spans the top of a window or door opening and carries the load of the wall, floor or roof above it. HeaderA header is the horizontal member that spans the top of a door or window opening in a framed wall and carries the load from above around the opening. Crosscut sawA crosscut saw cuts timber across the grain to length and angle, producing the individual members for trusses, walls and floors.
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