![Finger Joint vs. Scarf Joint](https://www.woodworkersjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/How-To-Make-Scarf-Joint-Lead.jpg.jpg)
Will a finger joint stand up as well as a scarf joint in exterior marine use?
John Brock: No. It is unlikely that the two joined planks will have identical movement as moisture causes them to shrink and swell. A finger joint concentrates the bulk of this movement difference in the short length of the fingers. A scarf joint will be stronger in this application as the movement is distributed along its longer length.