What is stick and cope?

Stick and cope are two terms that are commonly used in the field of woodworking and carpentry, particularly in the making of moldings for cabinetry, furniture, and architectural details.

Stick, also known as the stile, is the vertical dimension of a frame or molding. This is the long piece of wood that is placed vertically in a frame or molding. Sticks are usually straight pieces of wood that are cut to length and then matched together with another stick in a horizontal position.

Cope refers to the horizontal portion of a frame or molding that intersects with the sticks (vertical portions) at a right angle. Coping is the process of cutting the end of a molding (usually at a 45-degree angle) so that it fits snugly against the adjacent piece of molding.

Together, stick and cope form what is called a cope-and-stick joint, a type of joint used to join two pieces of wood at a right angle. It is a common joint used in cabinetry and furniture making because it is strong and visually appealing, and it allows for customization and flexibility in design.