A method for compacting a surface of a wooden workpiece (1), wherein the addition of a foreign material is to be avoided, is characterized in that the surface (17) of the wooden workpiece (1)—while preventing the entry of oxygen—is heated in at least partial areas by supplying energy to the surface (17) and under pressure until a thermoplastic adhesive substance (3) coming from the wooden workpiece (1) is formed, whereupon the surface (17) and a volume area beneath the surface (17) are compacted under application of pressure while being cooled.