Gluing and joining wood

In short: Wood joints hold through glue, screws, dowels or tenons. Good glued joints are often stronger than the wood itself when the surfaces are clean and well clamped.

In more detail: White glue (PVAc) is the standard for indoor work; for outdoors there is waterproof D3 or D4 glue.

In detail

• Prepare surfaces: Flat, dust-free, grease-free.
• Apply glue: Thin and even on both surfaces.
• Clamps: Press with screw clamps until a small bead of glue squeezes out.
• Open time: Join quickly after applying, wait for drying (often overnight).
• Dowel joint: Wooden dowels in drilled holes, exactly aligned.
• Screws: Pre-drill and countersink, combine glue and screw (schrauben-arten-und-groessen).
• Excess glue: Remove with a damp cloth before it dries.
• Wood species: Take into account (holz-arten-und-eigenschaften).