Bonding is used to "build" large sections of wood from several smaller pieces. There are four basic types of bonding:
- Wide boards for table and cabinet tops may be cut into narrow sections and then "bonded" or fitted back together in the width or shape that is needed. The bonding process can make the finished section stronger and less liable to warpor split.
- Blocks of wood may be glued together to create a single section of a piece of furniture which is to be carved or "turned" to form a rounded shape.
- Wood chips or particles may be mixed with a gluing agent and then processed to make strong, warp-resistant panels used as backing for cabinets and chests of drawers. These man-made panels are called "chipboard," "particleboard" or "fiberboard" and are durable and long-wearing.
- Several "layers" of solid wood or particleboard may be bonded one on the other in 3 to 7 layers to make a "ply" construction wood product used to reinforce various types of furniture. Plywood panels are strong and rugged in everyday use.