Material pair

Wood to Wood

Best bet

Wood glue (PVA)

Squeezes into the grain and cures stronger than the wood itself — on snug joints.

Preparation

Prep each side differently

Wood

Sand both faces to fresh fibers and brush off the dust; joints should fit snugly.

Wood

Sand both faces to fresh fibers and brush off the dust; joints should fit snugly.

Conditions

When the answer changes

Outdoors or anywhere damp, stay with PVA but step up to a waterproof formula like Titebond III — interior PVA re-softens. For gappy joints, switch to epoxy. Oily teak needs a solvent wipe before any glue.