I'm currently working on a mission style couch and plan on having several crosspieces connecting the front and back lower rails. I'm not sure what joinery technique would be best. A traditional mortise and tenon would weaken the rails too much and I'd prefer not to use metal angle brackets. I thought about making the crosspieces a little taller and using horizontal stub mortises at the top and bottom and pinning them with a dowel, but am not sure if that will weaken the front & rear rail too much as well. Suggestions will be welcome. The front and back rails will be 1" thick and 6" tall in white Q-sawn Oak.
pic.jpg