Synthesis of impregnating phenol-formaldehyde resins in which up to 30% (mass) of formula phenol is replaced by cardanol (plant product) has been studied. Obtained resins were used to produce impregnated paper intended for lamination of plywood and woodchip boards. Synthesis and the composition of cardanol-containing water-soluble resols were studied by the IR-spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance methods. The optimal ration of cardanol to phenol was determined in the resin structure. It has been found out that the addition of cardanol into the composition of phenol-formaldehyde resins decreases impregnating time of kraft paper, improves the surface quality and elasticity and the use of such paper allows one to reduce water absorption of laminated wood-board materials and emission of formaldehyde.