The paper presents the development of numerical modeling for a traditional dovetail timber joint. The objective is to find the influence of its geometrical properties on the mechanical stiffness of the joint as well as to assess the main problems and limitations faced during the numerical modeling of the structure. An experiment with a replicated timber joint was used to validate the model. Material properties were ascertained and contact adjustment was made. Parametric study was performed: two angles of the joint beams were varied. Suitable ranges of the angles for each type of loading were found. Main limitations and problems present in the modeling are depicted in the discussion.