Last updated: 2026-02-27

Panel Glue-Up Calculator

Professional panel glue-up calculator for woodworking projects. Calculate board requirements, glue coverage, clamp spacing, and assembly time for perfect wood panel construction.

Board Planning Glue Coverage Clamp Spacing Assembly Time

Panel Specifications

Panel Type

Panel Dimensions

Board Specifications

Glue & Assembly

min

Assembly Analysis

Enter panel dimensions and board specifications to calculate material requirements, glue coverage, clamp spacing, and assembly guidelines for your panel glue-up.

Work in well-ventilated areas. Use proper clamp pressure. Have all materials ready before glue application. Work quickly during open time.
Glue times and clamp spacing vary by glue type, wood species, temperature, and humidity. Adjust based on your conditions.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. 1
    Select Panel Type Choose from 6 types: Tabletop, Cabinet Door, Shelf, Cutting Board, Panel Back, or Custom.
  2. 2
    Enter Panel Dimensions Input panel width, length, thickness, and number of panels needed.
  3. 3
    Set Board Specs Enter individual board width, thickness, wood species (10 options), and grain pattern (5 options).
  4. 4
    Choose Glue & Clamps Select glue type (6 options), clamp type (5 options), glue cost, and available assembly time.
  5. 5
    Review Assembly Plan Get board count, glue coverage, clamp spacing, assembly sequence, and timing.
Pro Tip: Always dry fit and clamp all boards before applying glue. This reveals alignment issues and lets you practice the sequence. During actual glue-up, work fast — PVA gives 10-15 minutes of open time.

Board Selection & Preparation

Grain Pattern Arrangement

  • Alternate Growth Rings: Cup direction alternates to minimize overall panel cupping
  • Color Match: Arrange boards for visual consistency
  • Grain Direction: Keep grain running same direction for sanding/planing

Edge Jointing Requirements

Edge Straightness: Maximum 0.003" gap over board length (check with straightedge)

  • Use jointer or hand plane for straight, square edges
  • Spring joint (slight hollow in center) helps ends stay tight
  • Test fit before glue — boards should mate with no gaps
Clamp Spacing & Assembly Reference
ParameterSoftwoodHardwood
Clamp SpacingEvery 8-12"Every 6-8"
Clamp Pressure150-200 psi150-200 psi
PVA Open Time10-15 min10-15 min
Min Clamp Time30 min30 min
Full Cure24 hours24 hours
Times vary by temperature and humidity. Extend in cold conditions (<60°F).

Clamping Technique

Proper clamping technique ensures flat, void-free panels with maximum glue bond strength.

Professional Glue-Up Process
  • Dry Fit First: Test clamp all boards, check alignment
  • Cauls: Use top/bottom cauls to prevent bowing
  • Alternate Clamps: Top, bottom, top pattern distributes pressure
  • Glue Application: Thin even coat on one edge only
  • Squeeze-Out: Small bead indicates good pressure (remove when rubbery)
Tabletop Panel: 24" × 48" × 1.5" Oak
  • Boards needed: 6 boards × 4" wide × 48" (+ 10% waste = 7 boards)
  • Glue joints: 5 joints × 48" = 240 linear inches
  • Clamps needed: 7 clamps (alternating top/bottom every 7")
  • Glue amount: ~4 oz PVA (thin coat on one edge per joint)
  • Assembly time: 10-12 min (work fast during open time)

Glossary of Terms

Panel Glue-Up

The process of joining multiple narrow boards edge-to-edge to create a wider panel. Requires flat edges, proper glue application, and even clamp pressure.

Edge Joint

A joint formed by gluing two board edges together. When properly done with PVA glue, the joint is stronger than the surrounding wood.

Spring Joint

A technique where the center of the edge is planed slightly concave. When clamped, the ends are pulled tight first, preventing end-gap as the panel dries.

Caul

A straight, stiff board placed across the panel during glue-up. Cauls distribute clamping pressure evenly and help keep the panel flat during cure.

Open Time

The working time after glue application before it begins to set. PVA: 10-15 min. Polyurethane: 20-30 min. Epoxy: 5-60 min (depends on formulation).

Squeeze-Out

Glue that is pressed out of the joint when clamps are tightened. A thin, even bead indicates proper glue amount and pressure. Clean when rubbery, not wet or dry.

Alternating Grain

Arranging boards so growth ring curves alternate direction (up/down). This minimizes overall panel cupping as individual boards cup in opposite directions.

Book Match

Opening two sequential boards like a book to create a mirrored grain pattern. Visually striking but may be less stable than alternating grain.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much glue should I use for panel glue-ups?

Apply a thin, even coat to one surface of each joint. You should see slight squeeze-out when clamped. Generally, 1-2 oz of glue per square foot of glue surface is sufficient.

What's the proper clamp spacing for panel glue-ups?

Space clamps 6-8 inches apart for most hardwoods, and 8-12 inches for softer woods. Alternate clamps above and below the panel. Use cauls across the panel to distribute pressure evenly.

How do I prevent panel bow during glue-up?

Alternate clamps above and below, use cauls, ensure boards are flat before gluing, and don't over-tighten clamps. Check for flatness during clamping and adjust as needed.

What's the best grain pattern for panel stability?

Alternating grain pattern provides the most stable panel. Book matching creates beautiful patterns but may be less stable. Quarter-sawn boards offer maximum stability.

How long should I leave clamps on after glue-up?

Leave clamps on at least 30 minutes for PVA glue, 1-2 hours for polyurethane. For full strength, wait 24 hours before heavy machining. Temperature and humidity affect cure time.

Can I glue up panels wider than my clamps?

Yes — glue up sections first, then join sections together. Or use creative clamping (rope/wedges, vacuum bags). Plan the sequence carefully and ensure adequate open time.