With various types of wood glue available, it’s important to choose the right one for your specific needs.
This guide will cover the top 5 wood glues and when to use them (product links to Amazon are affiliates).
Understanding Different Types of Wood Glue
PVA Glue (most Common Type)
- Common Uses: General woodworking, furniture assembly, crafts
- Pros: Easy to use, strong bond, non-toxic, easy cleanup with water
- Cons: Not waterproof, longer drying time
Epoxy Glue
- Common Uses: Repair work, gap filling, high-strength applications
- Pros: Extremely strong, waterproof, gap-filling properties
- Cons: Longer curing time, can be messy, requires mixing
Polyurethane Glue
- Common Uses: Outdoor projects, high moisture environments, general woodworking
- Pros: Waterproof, expands to fill gaps, strong bond
- Cons: Requires moisture to activate, can foam and create a mess, longer curing time
Hide Glue
- Common Uses: Antique furniture repair, musical instrument construction
- Pros: Reversible bond, easy to sand, good for traditional woodworking
- Cons: Not waterproof, shorter shelf life, requires heating for application
CA (Cyanoacrylate) Glue
- Common Uses: Quick repairs, small projects, temporary holding
- Pros: Fast setting, strong bond, easy to apply
- Cons: Brittle bond, not suitable for large projects, can be expensive
Top 5 Wood Glues
1. Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue
- Features and Benefits: Waterproof, strong initial tack, long open assembly time
- Best Use Cases: Outdoor furniture, cutting boards, kitchenware
2. Gorilla Wood Glue
- Features and Benefits: Water-resistant, strong bond, versatile
- Best Use Cases: Indoor and outdoor projects, general woodworking
3. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Glue Max
- Features and Benefits: Strong bond, stainable, sandable
- Best Use Cases: Furniture assembly, woodworking crafts, cabinetry
4. J-B Weld WoodWeld
- Features and Benefits: High-strength bond, fast-setting, easy to use
- Best Use Cases: Repair work, structural projects, gap filling
5. Loctite Liquid Professional Super Glue
- Features and Benefits: Fast setting, strong bond, precise application
- Best Use Cases: Small repairs, intricate woodworking, craft projects
When to Use Each Type of Glue
Indoor Projects
- Recommended Glues: Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue, Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Glue Max
- Tips for Application: Ensure surfaces are clean and dry, apply evenly, clamp until dry
Outdoor Projects
- Recommended Glues: Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue, Gorilla Wood Glue
- Tips for Application: Use waterproof glue, allow extra drying time in humid conditions, clamp securely
Furniture Repair
- Recommended Glues: Epoxy Glue, Hide Glue
- Tips for Application: Use glue that matches the furniture’s needs, consider reversibility for antiques, clamp tightly
Craft Projects
- Recommended Glues: CA Glue, Loctite Liquid Professional Super Glue
- Tips for Application: Use fast-setting glue for quick projects, apply sparingly to avoid excess
Selecting the right wood glue is crucial for the success of your woodworking projects.