What Bookmatched Wood

Bookmatching wood slabs is the practice of matching two (or more) wood slabs, so that two adjoining surfaces mirror each other. This gives the impression of an opened book, hence the term bookmatched.

What does bookmatched wood mean?

Bookmatched wood slabs are two successive cuts from the same tree where the two adjoining surfaces give the impression of an “opened book.” There are different layouts that can be used for a bookmatched pair, opting for a direct mirror of each other or turning one slab 180 degrees.

How do you glue bookmatched wood?

Here’s the gluing order: First, put tape on the cauls. Next, apply glue to the two book-matched panels and butt them together. Clamp the cauls to the panel in opposing pairs. Finally, place clamps across the panels and squeeze the joint tight.