Does Wood Glue Work On MDF?

It’s likely we all began working with wood glue when we were kids.  Crafts time in school and woodworking time in shop class were all glue times for us.

When we created our own woodworking shop, we continued to use wood glues and probably maintain an inventory of a few kinds of glues at all times.  Each project has its own needs, so a variety of glues is good to have around.

The same is true when it comes to wood.  If your shop is like ours, you probably have some pine, perhaps some oak, plywood, and MDF.  In other words, less expensive woods, maybe a hardwood for a few extra dollars, and versatile plywood and MDF pieces.

Assembly, no matter what the project might be with these woods and wood products, always includes the use of a glue of one kind or another – yellow glue, white glue, or some other type of wood glue, depending on the project and it’s whereabouts.

Today we want to take an expansive look at wood glues while we focus on their uses with MDF.

What is MDF?

MDF, or medium-density fiberboard, is a type of engineered wood product that is made from wood fibers that have been compressed and bonded together with a resin. MDF boards are a versatile material that can be used for a variety of projects, including furniture, cabinetry, and molding.

MDF has a number of advantages over other types of wood, including:

• It has a uniform and smooth surface, which makes it easy to paint or stain.
• It is dense and strong, which makes it durable and resistant to warping.
• It is lightweight, which makes it easy to work with and transport.
• It is relatively inexpensive, which makes it a cost-effective option for many projects.

However, MDF also has some disadvantages, including:

• It is not as strong as solid wood, so it can be damaged more easily.
• It has no wood grain since it’s composition is wood fiber compressed with a resin to bind.
• It is not as moisture-resistant as other types of wood, so it is not ideal for use in humid or wet environments.
• It can release formaldehyde fumes, which can be harmful to human health.

The standard size of MDF boards across most brands is 8 ft x 4 ft. MDF sheets come in thicknesses from 1/4 to 1 inch, and full sheets are typically 4 x 8 ft. in size. MDF can also be cut to size.

MDF is used as a building material in residential and commercial buildings and in cabinetry and furniture-making, as we mention in more detail below. MDF is a softer material than plywood and tends to sag or split under pressure. That’s why it’s important to reinforce it if you’re going to use it to build shelves or other weight-bearing furniture.

Overall, MDF is a versatile and cost-effective material that can be used for a variety of projects. However, it is important to be aware of its limitations before using it.

What Are Some Common Uses For MDF?

• Furniture: MDF is a popular material for making furniture, such as cabinets, desks, and tables. It is easy to work with and can be finished to look like a variety of different types of wood.
• Cabinetry: MDF is also a popular material for making cabinetry, such as kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. It is durable and moisture-resistant, which makes it ideal for use in these applications.
• Molding: MDF is often used to make molding, such as baseboards, crown molding, and chair rails. It is easy to cut and shape, and it can be painted or stained to match any décor.
• Other uses: MDF can also be used for a variety of other projects, such as bookcases, shelving, and signs. It is a versatile material that can be used for a variety of purposes.

Can MDF Be Used For Outdoor Projects?

No, MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) should not be used for outdoor projects. MDF is a composite material made from wood fibers and resin, and it is not water-resistant. When exposed to moisture, MDF will swell and warp, and it can eventually rot.

If you are looking for a material to use for outdoor projects, there are many better options available. Some good choices include pressure-treated wood, cedar, redwood, and composite decking. These materials are all naturally resistant to water and the elements, and they will last for many years with proper care.

Here are some of the reasons why MDF should not be used for outdoor projects:

• It is not water-resistant: MDF will swell and warp when exposed to moisture.
• It is not durable: MDF is not as strong as other materials, such as wood or composite decking.
• It is not attractive: MDF is not a good-looking material, and it will not weather well.

If you are considering using MDF for an outdoor project, we recommend that you choose a different material. There are many better options available that will last longer and look better.

What Is Wood Glue?

Perhaps a silly question that you already know the answer to, but some readers may be new to woodworking and are not familiar with its use or the many types of wood glues to choose from for your project and for their shop inventory.

Wood glue is an adhesive used to tightly bond pieces of wood together. Many substances have been used as glue, including animal glue, vegetable glue, and synthetic glue.

Each creates a bond in a different way, and some should not be used for outdoor projects; on the other side, though, there are wood glues that are specifically designed for outdoor project use.

Types of Glue

There are many different types of wood glue available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types of wood glue include:

• Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue: PVA glue is the most common type of wood glue. It is water-based, easy to use, and dries clear. PVA glue is not as strong as some other types of wood glue, but it is a good choice for most woodworking projects.
• Hide glue: Hide glue is a natural adhesive made from animal skins. It is very strong and durable, and it can be used to repair antique furniture. Hide glue is not water-resistant, so it is not a good choice for projects that will be exposed to moisture.
• Epoxy glue: Epoxy glue is a two-part adhesive that is very strong and durable. It is ideal for projects that will be exposed to moisture or high temperatures. Epoxy glue can be difficult to use, and it takes a long time to dry.
• Polyurethane glue: Polyurethane glue is a clear, water-resistant adhesive that is ideal for use on MDF. It is also a good choice for projects that will be stained or painted. Polyurethane glue is easy to use, and it dries quickly.
• Aliphatic resin:  A synthetic adhesive with that familiar yellow color and creamy consistency we associate with wood glue. Its ultimate strength is similar to that of PVA, as is its chemical composition, but it is modified for added strength and waterproof quality.

We have written about wood glues in many past articles, although not specifically in reference to their use and effectiveness with MDF.  You can find information about how strong wood glue is, how long wood glue takes to dry, how to thin wood glue, and more.

The magnifying glass icon in the upper right of the page is the search function to help you find even more articles about wood glues or any other subject we might already have written on, depending on your interest.

What Glues Are Best Used For Outdoor Projects?

While it is pretty safe to say that any wood glue can be used in any indoor project, the same can not be said for glues used for outdoor projects.

There are many good wood glues for outdoor projects. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is a waterproof wood glue that is strong and durable. It is ideal for projects that will be exposed to the elements, such as decks, furniture, and gazebos.  We favor this brand of wood glue generally, especially when using MDF in your project.
• Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Glue is another good option for outdoor projects. It is water-resistant and dries clear, making it a good choice for projects where the appearance of the MDF joints is important.
• Gorilla Wood Glue is a strong, polyurethane-based glue that is ideal for projects that will be subjected to a lot of wear and tear. It is also waterproof and dries clear.  Gorilla Glue and Gorilla Wood Glue are two different offerings from the company.  Gorilla Glue is a general, all-purpose glue polyurethane adhesive; Gorilla Wood Glue is a PVA glue, one that offers a water-based adhesive benefit but with Gorilla strength (their words, not ours).

When choosing a wood glue for outdoor projects, it is important to consider the type of wood you will be working with, the size of the project, and the level of exposure to the elements. If you are working with a porous wood, such as pine, you may want to choose a glue that is specifically designed for porous woods.

If you are working on a large project, you may want to choose a glue that is fast-drying and easy to spread. And if your project will be exposed to a lot of rain or sunlight, you will need to choose a glue that is waterproof and UV-resistant.

Is Wood Glue A Good Choice For MDF?

You can see what we have been building to (no pun intended) in this piece – MDF, wood glues, indoor and outdoor projects.  We’ve established that any wood glue can be used for an indoor project with MDF, and we’ve established that MDF is not a good choice for outdoor projects.

Since almost any wood glue can be used for indoor projects, and MDF can be a good and economical choice for indoor projects, we’re getting to the heart of the matter.

Yes, wood glue is a good choice for MDF. It is strong, durable, and easy to use. Wood glues come in a variety of types, so it is important to choose the right one for your project. For MDF, a PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue is a good choice. PVA glues are water-resistant and dries clear, making them ideal for projects where the appearance of the joints is important.

When using wood glue on MDF, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This will help ensure that your project is built to last.

Here are some tips for gluing MDF with wood glue:

• Make sure the MDF surfaces are clean and dry.  We want to create that strong bond that will last, and strong adhesive will give us that stronger bond.
• Apply a generous amount of glue to both surfaces.  It’s important to use glue on both wood surfaces generally, and that rule applies equally when using MDF for your project.  It’s important to mention that MDF is more porous than most solid woods, so your MDF boards will absorb more glue than hardwoods, for instance.  Be very generous in its application to both MDF surfaces.
• Clamp the pieces together tightly. Wipe away excess glue with a clean cloth.  It will be easier to wipe the excess glue away before it has dried.  Clamping time will depend on the glue chosen, and the container will tell you how that that should be to allow the glue to dry.
• Let the glue dry completely.  

With proper preparation and application, wood glue can create a durable and strong bond between MDF pieces.

There is no special glue, no ultimate wood glue, specifically designed for use with MDF. However, there are a few types of glue that work well with MDF.

• PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glues, as mentioned earlier, are a good choice for MDF because they are strong and water-resistant. PVA glues are also easy to use and relatively inexpensive.
• Epoxy glues are also a good choice for MDF. Epoxy glues are very strong and durable bond, but they can be more difficult to use and more expensive than PVA glues.
• Polyurethane glues are another good option for MDF. Polyurethane glues are water-resistant and very strong, but they can be more expensive than PVA glues.

Wood Glue and MDF Ranking

If we had to rank the various wood glue types mentioned here, if we really had to, it would be in this order:

PVA – since we all likely keep it in our glue inventory, it’s inexpensive, and it works.  It creates a fairly decent bond and dries quickly.  Excess glue is easily wiped away without the need for paint thinner – a clean cloth will do.  For most projects, this glue will be just fine.

Epoxy – more durable and longer lasting than PVA.  More expensive and takes longer to dry.  If durability and long-lasting are important considerations, this is a few cuts above PVA.

Plastic resin glues – plastic resin glues are very strong MDF glue, water-resistant, but very slow drying.

All of that, having been said, though, we would also recommend that you use mechanical connections along with glue for MDF projects.  Screws will be the “belt and suspenders” approach to keep the metaphorical MDF pants from falling down. 

Together, the right wood glue and screws will create an excellent joint with superior strength that should last you indoors for a long time.