A joining element includes at least two joint holes for pin joints as well as a first plane surface and a second plane surface and an inclined surface slanting towards an outer edge of the joining element and arranged at an angle with respect to at least one said plane surface. A method includes joining two wood structures to one another by using the joining element.

A furniture unit includes at least one substrate having an upper surface, a lower surface, a proximal peripheral surface, a distal peripheral surface, a first seam, and a second seam. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface. The proximal peripheral surface extends from the upper surface to the lower surface. The distal peripheral surface is opposite the proximal peripheral surface and extends from the upper surface to the lower surface. The second seam is spaced apart from the first seam. The first and second seams extend in a direction parallel to the proximal peripheral surface. The proximal peripheral surface engages the lower surface such that the substrate defines a first hollow support.