Wood Joint Strength Testing

The mortise and tenon joints averaged 172 pounds, whereas the dowel joint averaged 135 pounds. My pocket hole joints failed at just 115 and 110 pounds, with the 2″ #7 screws pulling out of the post. Overall, the hardwood mortise and tenon and dowel joints showed a minimal amount of deflection before failure, whereas the spruce joints deflected a bit before the point of letting go.

Source: woodgears.ca