I had a similar problem with a butt joint between two pieces of hardwood. Titebond is not absorbed into the wood fibers of the hardwood. As a result the joint will fail. I identified this problem before covering a Kadet Senior. Even though all joints were reinforced using 1/64" ply gussets I pinned all of these joints with 1/8" dowels.

I won't be butt joining hardwood ticks again. A dado joint makes sense.

HTH,