Do you have some DIY carpentry tasks to complete around your home? Are you a crafts enthusiast or do you love to create your own jewelry? If so, then you need some super strength wood glue. As well as being the best type of adhesive for bonding two pieces of wood together, wood glue is a very versatile liquid as you can use to glue together a lot of different materials from wood to plastic to porcelain.
However, choosing the right type of wood glue that is perfectly suited to your home maintenance task or hobby will depend on the type of material you will be working with. It also depends on whether you will be using the glue for indoor or outdoor applications. Not all glue products can be used for the same purpose.
Some are specially designed for indoor applications like hobby-related tasks or fixing a kitchen cupboard. While other glues are designed for outdoor projects like fixing outdoor furniture or a cedar deck, or building a birdbath, while others can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.
The 6 Best Wood Glues
- Gorilla Wood Glue
- Titebond 5004 II Premium Wood Glue (Our Top Pick)
- Titebond 1413 III Ultimate Wood Glue
- Elmer’s E7010 Carpenter’s Wood Glue
- GLUE MASTERS Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate “Super Glue”
- FastCap 2P-10 Super Glue Adhesive
Our Top Pick for the Best Wood Glue
Our top pick for the best wood glue is the Titebond 5004 II Premium Wood Glue.
This premium glue is the perfect choice for fixing outdoor furniture or completing indoor DIY repairs. There is a lot to love about this high-quality glue. It is very easy to apply and can be used for bonding all types of wood. It also has an outstanding bonding strength and it comes at a very affordable price.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Right Wood Glue
The first thing to consider is what the wood glue consists of, like the different chemical variants or bonding agents that make up the glue’s bonding system. Also, the glue could be white or yellow in color which can make a difference to the appearance of the wood grain. Wood glues come in different adhesive strengths and different thickness or viscosity.
In your search for the right type of wood glue for your project, the first thing you need to consider is the chemical bonding agents that make up the glue’s bonding system.
5 Types of Wood Glue
1. PVA Glue
PVA glue, also known as Polyvinyl Acetate, is the most common type of glue that can be found in the home. It is also an inexpensive and highly effectively bonding agent for basic indoor woodworking projects. It is non-toxic and can easily clean up with water. Some glues, like the Titebond-II Premium Wood Glue, contains a cross-linking polyvinyl acetate that gives the glue a higher level of water-resistance. So you can also use it for most outdoor woodworking applications.
Although PVA glue can leave behind dried bits which can spoil the overall aesthetic appeal of furniture or a hobby-related project, this can be easily fixed by making sure that you do not apply too much of the glue, or wipe off any excess glue before it dries.
2. Cyanoacrylate (CA) Wood Glue
Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue, also called “super glue”, is used to bond two hard pieces of material together. It is the best choice for quick and easy repairs as it cures or sets in a very short period of time. When the glue dries, it forms a hard plastic-like bond. However, when you apply it, the glue can be runny and messy. Its industrial strength bonding power means you have to be extra careful that you do not get the glue on your fingers or hands as it can bond to your skin instantly!
3. Epoxy-Based Glue
Epoxy-based glue uses a two-part bonding system: a resin and a hardener and it is specially formulated for filling gaps in softwoods and hardwood. It also works very well at bonding two pieces of wood together. However, it takes a while to bond. You will also need to clamp the wood down to create a stronger bond.
Although some epoxy wood glues are designed for indoor use only, some glues like the Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is water-resistant so it can be used for indoor and outdoor woodworking applications.
4. Polyurethane Wood Glue
Polyurethane glue is one of the strongest and most durable types of wood glue. It is very versatile as it can be used for a lot of different materials like wood, plastic, stone, metal, ceramic, foam, glass, and concrete. Gorilla Wood Glue is one of the most popular polyurethane-based glue products available. Its high level of waterproofing makes it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor applications.
It can also be used for softwoods and natural wood composites as it dries a natural-looking color, which will maintain the integrity of the wood grain.
One thing to remember with polyurethane-based wood glues is that you need to wet the surface of the wood before you apply it. The moisture makes sure the glue expands as it cures or sets, which creates an extra solid bond. When the polyurethane glue dries, during the clamping process, you can sand down the wood and then paint or stain it once the glue has fully dried.
To clean any leftover glue, you will need to use mineral spirits while the glue is still wet.
5. Hide Glue
Hide glue is derived from animal hides, and while some hide glues come as a solid substance and have to be applied with a brush, some glues come in a liquid form in an applicator bottle. This type of glue can be used for antique furniture repair and can create an attractive “crackling” effect, as well as being a very effective adhesive agent for other materials like cloth, glass, and leather.
White Glue vs. Yellow Glue
White Glue is an all-purpose glue and is usually used for indoor projects like crafts and hobby-related tasks. It bonds by water evaporation, which means it can be easily cleaned up with water and dries within 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of material you are using.
Yellow glue is usually not water-resistant so it is not ideal for outdoor use. However, it cures quicker than white-colored glue and can be sanded down a lot easier. One of the downsides of using yellow glue is that it can show through the final finish or stain of the wood. So to maintain the overall wood grain, depending on the color of the wood, use a tan or natural wood colored glue.
Viscosity
The viscosity of the wood glue relates to the level of the liquid’s consistency. Some wood glue products have a low viscosity, which makes them ideal for filling in hairline cracks, re-bonding preassembled furniture repairs, and for hobbies-related tasks or making jewelry. However, the glue can be runny and messy. If you prefer a low-viscosity glue, which is a faster drying glue, use a damp cloth and quickly wipe up any leftover glue before it dries.
Wood glue that has a thicker viscosity works very well with more heavy-duty DIY tasks like bonding two pieces of wood together, while a medium-level or well balanced thick viscosity glue is designed for general purpose applications. So you can use it for bonding wood, leather and fiberglass, filling in medium-sized gaps, and larger-scale hobby-related projects.
5. Tips for Using Wood Glue
- Once you have purchased your new wood glue product, remember that most glues have a shelf life of 12 months and may start to lose their bonding potency after this time has elapsed. There are some glues that have a longer shelf life, up to 24 months. However, most last up to 12 months.
- To avoid the nozzle from clogging up with glue, clean the nozzle after use.
- Always wear gloves when working with polyurethane or “super-glue” type wood glues. If the glue gets on your fingers, it can be difficult to remove.
- Also, if you do get glue on your hands, consult the instructions on the back of the product on how to remove the glue. If it gets into your eyes, consult a medical professional immediately!
- If you are a DIY enthusiast or just love woodworking then have a look at this YouTube video for some helpful woodworking tips and techniques.
6 Best Wood Glues – Reviews
1. Gorilla Wood Glue
If you have some outdoor or indoor DIY woodworking tasks to perform, Gorilla Wood Glue is one of the strongest polyurethane wood glues available. As its name suggests, the proudly made in the US wood glue is super strong and outperforms any other wood glue. Its excellent adhesive strength means the Gorilla wood glue penetrates deep into the wood grain, at least 2-inches deep, to create a super-strong bond.
Gorilla wood glue is water-resistant and is compliant with ANSI/HPVA Type II water-resistance levels. So it is an excellent choice for any outdoor woodworking applications. However, you can also use it for indoor tasks like hobby-related or DIY projects. An incredibly versatile product, Gorilla glue can be used on hardwood, softwood, and natural wood composites and when you apply the glue it is an off-white color but it dries to a natural tan-looking color to maintain the integrity of the wood grain.
The glue can also be used for stone, metal, ceramic, foam, glass, and concrete. So whatever type of task you have that requires super strength glue, Gorilla will give you the bonding power you need.
The glue is easy to apply and requires only 20-30 minutes of clamp time. It also fully cures or sets in 24 hours. You can also use it in both hot and cold climates. Gorilla glue is available in a range of packs.
Pros
- Super strong wood glue
- Excellent price
- Can use it indoors or outdoors
- Highly water-resistant
- Ideal for carpentry, hobbies, crafts, and building projects
- Can be used for hardwood, softwoods and natural wood composites
- Can also be used for stone, metal, ceramic, foam, glass, and concrete
- Fast drying
- Thick viscosity
- Dries to a natural tan color
Cons
- Dispenser nozzle is hard to clean
2. Titebond 5004 II Premium Wood Glue
For more than 65 years, Franklin has been the main industry leader in wood glue bonding products, and their dedication to creating a reliable wood glue is reflected in this premium superior strength Titebond 5004 II Premium Wood Glue.
A highly versatile one-part wood glue with good thick viscosity and it was one of the first cross-linking polyvinyl acetate wood glue to pass the ANSI/HPVA Type II water-resistance specification. So the Titebond wood glue is the perfect choice for all types of outdoor and indoor woodworking applications and can be used for softwood, medium woods, and hardwoods.
Whether you are constructing or fixing outdoor furniture, the Titebond wood glue creates a solid bond and it has a fast setting time in 60 minutes and it sets in 24 hours. The honey cream-colored wood glue, which dries to a translucent yellow color has an excellent sandability, and it is ideal for radio frequency (R-F) and Hot Press Gluing Systems.
And as it is FDA approved for indirect food contact, the glue can be used for culinary hardware applications like a cutting board.
Although the glue has a thick viscosity, it may be a little runny for some applications. So keep a sponge handy and immediately wipe off any excess glue after clamping, and to maintain the excellent level of sandability that the wood glue can provide, make sure that you do not over-apply the wood glue. Remember: Less is more!
The Franklin Titebond wood glue also comes in a very handy two-pack. The glue is designed to be used in temperatures above 55°F, and it has a storage life of 24 months.
Pros
- Great price
- Excellent wood glue
- Creates a superior solid bond
- Can be used for indoor and outdoor applications
- High water-resistance
- Excellent sandability
- Fast-drying
- Non-clogging nozzle
- Ideal for radio frequency (R-F) and Hot Press Gluing Systems
- Can be used for culinary hardware applications
- Storage life of 24 months
Cons
- Not ideal for low temperatures, under 55°F
- Not thick enough for some applications like hobby-related tasks
- Dries a translucent yellow
3. Titebond 1413 III Ultimate Wood Glue
For the ultimate adhesive in wood glue, the Titebond 1413 III Ultimate Wood Glue is an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor woodworking applications and it is fully waterproof! Whether you are designing and building your own furniture, fixing antique furniture, or redesigning a cedar deck, the Titebond epoxy-based tan-colored wood glue creates a super-strong bond and it has a high level of sandability and it dries quickly.
If you are using unstressed joints, you will need to clamp the wood from 30 minutes to an hour and for stressed joints, the wood needs to be clamped for 24 hours. The tan-colored glue passes the ANSI/HPVA Type I water-resistance test and as it is solvent-free and non-toxic, it is FDA approved for indirect food contact and it can be easily cleaned up with water.
Titebond also makes a hide glue that is specially designed for fine furniture repair and will create an excellent “crackling” effect. The hide glue can also be used for cloth, glass, and leather.
Pros
- Excellent price
- Superior adhesive strength
- Can be used for outdoors and indoors
- High level of sandability
- Fast-drying
- Waterproof
- Non-toxic and solvent-free
- FDA approved for indirect food contact
Cons
- Not very viscous and can be difficult to work with
- Dries to a light brown
4. Elmer’s E7010 Carpenter’s Wood Glue
For over 60 years Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Glue has been America’s favorite wood glue. As it is designed with carpenters in mind, Elmer’s Wood Epoxy Glue gives you a superior strength adhesive bond, so it is an excellent choice for all types of indoor woodworking projects and DIY repairs. It works best with soft and hardwoods, particleboard, and porous materials.
The glue is yellow in color but it dries to a light tan color so it can be used for natural-looking wood and lightly stained woods.
Besides its solid and secure bonding power, Elmer’s glue dries quickly in 15 minutes and the clamp time is 12 hours. Once you apply it with a paintbrush, the glue will not be visible, so all you see is solid wood, which is ready for sanding and polishing. The wood glue is non-toxic and it emits no harmful fumes and it is also easy to clean up with water. Elmer’s Wood glue is available in a variety of sizes.
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Excellent wood glue
- Ideal for carpentry and home repairs
- Creates a super strong and invisible bond
- Non-toxic and no harmful fumes
- Sandable and paintable
- Easy to clean up with water
- Glue is available in a variety of sizes
Cons
- Not suitable to use for outdoor applications
- Not stainable
5. GLUE MASTERS Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate “Super Glue”
If you are a crafts enthusiast or have some model cars that need repairing, then the GLUE MASTERS Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate “Super Glue” is the perfect choice for you as it is very strong and easy to use. From building model trains or classic toy cars to creating your own stunning range of jewelry, the industrial-strength Triple Distilled cyanoacrylate-resin which is contained in this amazing glue will create the strongest bond.
It also has a longer shelf life than other wood glue products. A little bit goes a long way. Just apply a small amount of the magic glue and watch it go to work in just under 60 seconds.
One of the highlights of this “super glue” is its well balanced thick viscosity that offers a very high level of gluing control to the user, by providing a nice even flow so that you can bring your antique model car or jewelry creation to life. The glue dries clear so it will not spoil the appearance of your final product. A highly versatile glue, the Professional Grade wood glue can be used for other materials such as porcelain, metal, and plastic.
Customer satisfaction is of the utmost importance to GLUE MASTERS and they offer you an unbeatable 60-day guarantee. If the “Superglue” does not meet up to your expectations, just send the bottle to the manufacturer and they will give you back your money.
As this glue has industrial strength bonding power, be very careful that you do not get any on your hands as it can bond to skin instantly! Although the glue has a thick viscosity, it may still be a little thin for some applications, so GLUE MASTERS also makes a wide range of glues that come in different levels of viscosity.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Triple Distilled industrial strength bonding power
- Ideal for hobby-related projects and DIY repairs
- Thick viscosity
- Fast-drying
- Versatile: can use it for wood, porcelain, metal, and plastic
- Dries clear and shiny
- Available in a large range of viscosity levels
Cons
- May not be thick enough for some applications
- Not ideal for large woodworking repairs
6. FastCap 2P-10 Super Glue Adhesive
This super combo adhesive and activator pack from FastCap is an excellent choice for carpentry and general bonding applications.
The pack contains a 12-ounce activator aerosol can and a 2.25-ounce thick viscosity adhesive spray bottle. So if you are planning a larger scale DIY project like redesigning your kitchen or just need an emergency glue to keep your glasses together, the powerful cyanoacrylate-based FastCap glue and activator spray will have the job done fast!
The adhesive glue can be used on other surfaces besides wood-like plastic and granite, and with FastCap’s innovative two-part bonding system, the bonding process only takes a mere 10 seconds to execute and a curing time of just 30 seconds and the products are very easy to use.
Simply apply the water-resistant adhesive to one surface and the spray activator on the other surface. Press the two sides together to create a firm, permanent bond, which will give your furniture or woodworking creation a professional finish.
The glue is a great choice for those circumstances where clamps are difficult to use or unavailable, and the caps on each product are non-clogging, so the spray and applicator bottle is always ready to use.
Pros
- High-quality wood glue
- Excellent value for money
- Two-in-one value pack: aerosol accelerator spray and adhesive applicator bottle
- Super strong wood glue
- Ideal for wood, granite, and plastic
- Fast-drying
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
Our Top Pick for the Best Wood Glue
Our top pick for the best wood glue is the Titebond 5004 II Premium Wood Glue.
This premium glue is the perfect choice for fixing outdoor furniture or completing indoor DIY repairs. There is a lot to love about this high-quality glue. It is very easy to apply and can be used for bonding all types of wood. It also has an outstanding bonding strength and it comes at a very affordable price.
Check the price on Amazon
