Thanks to both Tim and Will.I appreciate your input and now I'm feeling better about tenon sizing.I do agree with you Will,about full width being easier to cut. That's what I'll be doing in this case. Just so you guys know I'm not the fly by the seat of your pants type of guy.Even though I don't consider myself a carpenter I do have a lot of experience in building of all aspects of residential homes.My brother is a contractor down in Sudbury Ma. area and also a very meticulous Master carpenter [some would say anal ] He's got an associate builder/engineer looking at my plans to make sure I am doing things right. Therefore floor loading,snow loading and all that voodoo I don't know about. At no cost to me,I like that part !!! To answer your question Tim, I'm in The Sebago Lakes Region of Maine.Thanks to all of you once again. JAR