Home Garden

How to Glue Plywood Sheets

Plywood is constructed from cross-laminated sheets of veneer formed into sheets with the assistance of a hot press. This construction material is commonly used in walls, floors and roofs, along with boat-building. There are a number of reasons you may need to glue sheets of plywood, ranging from the need for a thicker material to installing an additional layer of subfloor.

Things You'll Need

  • Brush
  • Damp cloth
  • Shop vacuum
  • Polyurethane glue
  • Paint tray
  • Glue roller
  • J-roller
  • Dropcloth
  • Cinder blocks
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean the both sheets of plywood that you’ll be gluing, using a brush and a damp cloth to remove any wood debris or dirt. Vacuum up any excessive dirt or sawdust with a shop vacuum. If dirt remains, it can interfere with how well the glue bonds. Allow the plywood to thoroughly dry.

    • 2

      Pour any type of polyurethane glue into a paint tray. Base the amount of glue in the container on the number of plywood sheets you intend to glue. You can always add more during the process if necessary.

    • 3

      Apply the glue to a glue roller. Roll it in the glue, ensuring an even coat is established on the rubber surface.

    • 4

      Spread an even coat of glue onto one sheet of plywood rolling the glue roller back and forth. Apply more glue to the roller when needed. Cover the entire surface of the plywood sheet during this process.

    • 5

      Align the second sheet of plywood with the sheet that contains the glue and lay it on top.

    • 6

      Roll a J-roller over the top of the plywood surface to press the two sheets together. Apply this roller over the entire surface to ensure even contact between the sheets.

    • 7

      Cover the plywood with a dropcloth or other protective barrier. Place one cinder block in each of the corners and one in the middle. This pressure helps the glue set evenly during the drying process. Allow the glue to dry based on the recommended time on the package.

    • 8

      Remove the cinder blocks and dropcloth after the drying time has passed. Avoid handling the plywood until this time.