The study investigated the use of dielectric barrier discharge for surface modification to improve adhesion properties of Shorea contorta (white lauan), Gmelina arborea (yemane) and Acacia mangium.Wood specimens were exposed to oxygen plasma at intensity levels ranging from 5.8 to 46.5 kW min/m2 to improve adhesion of phenol formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde resins and polyurethane coating. Work of adhesion was calculated based on contact angle measurements to determine thermodynamic changes on plasma modified wood.