Woodworking is most enjoyable when you have tools that get the job done. It’s critical to get the best wood glue because the wrong one can be weak, toxic, or too viscous to use. Or worse, it can spoil your projects and be an utter waste of money. To find a wood glue that delivers, our experts tried and tested the best in the market today.
Reviews of the Best Wood Glue
1. Gorilla 6206005 Wood Glue Natural Wood Color
While checking for the best wood glue, our experts found this Gorilla 6206005 Wood Glue. It has everything you need for a great product, including a quick dry time and affordability. The wood glue gorilla only needs 30 minutes to dry, and it’ll be fully cured in less than 24 hours.
Additionally, we found that the gorilla wood glue is water resistant and dries in the wood’s natural color. This PVA glue is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use, and works well with hard, soft, and even natural woods composite. We were also impressed by the fact that this gorilla glue was approved for indirect food contact.
Pros
- High strength PVA glue
- Low application temperature
- Works on most pieces of wood
- Water resistant
Cons
- Bottle dispenser can be troublesome to use
- May not be suitable for amateurs
2. Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is undoubtedly one of the best glues out there. It has a water resistance rating even though it can be cleaned with water before setting. The Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue also retains its strength and bond regardless of wood finish.
Our experts appreciate that the Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is approved for indirect contact with food. Thus, it is suitable for a project like a dining table or coffee table. Our experts found that the Titebond III has a tan color when dry, which is no problem if you’re using it for joints.
Pros
- High water resistance
- Approved for indirect food contact
- Glue is designed for woodworkers
- Stronger than most PVA glues
Cons
- Has a tan color when dry
- Requires overnight drying in some conditions
3. Glue Masters Shoe & Wood Adhesive
Glue Masters Shoe & Wood Adhesive is one of the most impressive wood glues we’ve ever come across. It is an industrial-strength cyanoacrylate wood glue capable of bonding most woodwork projects. As one of the strongest wood glues on the market, it can bond almost any piece of wood and has a remarkable set time of 15 seconds.
The wood glue is also versatile and can be used on shoes. Our team didn’t like that this wood glue isn’t FDA approved for indirect food contact. Also, you can only use it in well-ventilated areas.
Pros
- Natural wood color when dry
- Great carpenter’s glue
- High strength cyanoacrylate glue
- Water resistant after curing
Cons
- Not FDA approved for indirect food contact
- Needs refrigeration for prolonged shelf life
4. Gorilla 18 Ounce Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue
Our team of experts love this polyurethane glue because it is water resistant, yet, easy to clean with water. It is the perfect wood glue for professionals and amateurs alike. The Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue can bond in 30 minutes which is plenty of time for assembly.
Our team also found that Gorilla Ultimate Wood Glue is perfect for outdoor uses. It is sandable, paintable, and dries in the wood’s natural color. We also loved the fact that this gorilla can be used in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pros
- Sandable and paintable
- Long shelf life
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Built for heavy duty projects
Cons
- Lacks non-toxic rating
- Nozzle requires specialized handling
5. Elmer’s E7010 Carpenter's Wood Glue
Elmer’s product is a carpenter’s wood glue. Its ease of cleaning and non-toxic nature is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. It is also highly resistant to heat, mold and mildew. During our wood glue reviews, we found that it even bonds stronger than some woods.
The Elmer’s E7010 Carpenter’s Wood Glue is suitable for any project you may have around the house. It is recommended for heavy duty use, as well. While it can’t be cleaned with water, it can be scraped off when wet. Finally, this polyvinyl acetate super glue is sandable and paintable.
Pros
- High strength PVA super glue
- Bond wood together in less than 30 minutes
- Formula uses real wood fibers
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor projects
Cons
- May take 24 hours to fully set
- Woodworkers need to clean surfaces before use
6. Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive
The Lineco Neutral pH Adhesive is great for any wood and paper project. It is water-soluble when wet, making it easier to clean or extend the drying time. We also loved the glue’s fast-drying nature. We could use the Lineco glue for all kinds of projects without issues. Not many wood glues can achieve this.
Our team was particularly impressed with this wood glue’s versatility because it also works wonders on fabric. Unfortunately, the glue came out of the bottle thick, and we had to mix it with water to achieve our desired viscosity.
Pros
- Suitable for wood, paper and fabric
- More versatile than most wood glues
- Unaffected by wood finish
- Doubles as a sealant
Cons
- Unsuitable for use with paint brushes because it dries quickly
- Not as strong as other PVA based glue
7. Titebond Liquid Hide Glue
The Titebond Liquid Hide Glue is a great carpenter’s wood glue. It is suitable for all kinds of wood and furniture repair. The hide glue is also perfect for achieving the crackling process, which gives the furniture an antique appearance. Our team loved that this glue sets slowly, giving us the time to complete precise assembly.
The hide glue is great for sandability and is resistant to wood finish. This type of wood glue is perfect for hobbyists and crafters looking to create original furniture. This Titebond hide glue has a translucent light brown color when dry.
Pros
- Strong carpenter’s wood glue
- Resistant to wood finish
- Great for the woodworker crackling effect
- High quality hide glue
Cons
- Has to be applied with a brush
- Cannot hold all types of wood together
8. Titebond II Premium Wood Glue
The Titebond II is another great glue. While it’s not as strong as the Titebond III, it is still one of the most effective wood glues on the market. The Titebond II can bond most wooden surfaces regardless of grain orientation and is an excellent choice for woodworkers.
Titebond II is also made from PVA, a type of adhesive used for most wood projects. Our team was impressed with this glue’s versatility. You can mix it with sawdust to fill gaps in the flooring, and it still retains its original strength. Unfortunately, Titebond II takes a while to set completely.
Pros
- Glue is easy to use
- Forms a strong bond when dry
- Can be mixed with water to adjust its viscosity
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor projects
Cons
- Takes a long time to dry
- Has a brown translucent color when dry
9. Glue Masters Professional Grade CA Super Glue
This Glue Masters Professional Grade CA Super Glue is as tough as they come. We found that the wood glue can outlast the wood itself, staying tough after the furniture has fallen apart. It settles in under 60 seconds and dries with a translucent finish. The wood glue is suitable for all types of wood projects; it even bonds glass.
One thing we didn’t like about this wood glue is that it tends to gum up the inside tip. We had to constantly clear it with a pin to use the glue. Besides that, it’s a highly versatile cyanoacrylate glue that’s suitable for most projects.
Pros
- Tougher than most types of wood glue
- Bond glass and metal
- Retains the wood’s original color when dry
- Can handle large surface areas
Cons
- Takes some time to set
- Gums up the dispenser tip
10. Weldbond 8-50420 Multi-Purpose Adhesive Glue
As its name suggests, this glue bonds surfaces with the same strength as a metal weld. It is a type of glue that’s compatible with brick, glass, concrete, and even metal. We also found that the glue leaves a natural wood color when dry. It is suitable for sealing, priming, and dust proofing as well.
While reviewing wood glues, we were impressed to find that the Weldbond 8-50420 Multi-Purpose Adhesive Glue could be used as a bonding agent. The glue is not toxic and safe for both indoor and outdoor use. Unfortunately, our team found that it’s not waterproof.
Pros
- Works on glass, concrete, brick and metal
- Water resistance rating
- Can be used for sealing, pricing and dust proofing
- Becomes clear when dry
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not 100% effective in welding steel to steel
Wood Glue Buyer’s Guide
Durability
Durable wood glues tend to outlast the furniture itself. Once they set, they keep the joint strong for as long as you need. Some of the most durable glues are made of Polyurethane or PVA. A great example is the Titebond III ultimate glue.
Safety/Toxicity
Everybody knows that life isn’t safe for ingestion. But some glues are safe if they come in secondary contact with food. Glues that are not toxic are also safer for indoor use.
Type of Wood Glue
The types of glue include hide glue, ca glue, polyurethane glue, epoxy-based glue, and PVA glue. PVA [1] and CA are the most common kinds, and they tend to form the strongest bond forces.
Make sure to get one of these glue types if you want a durable project.
Compatibility with Wood
Most wood glue products will form a strong bond with wooden surfaces. However, the kind of wood also matters. There’s softwood, plywood, chipboard, and natural composites. The wood’s grain also has a part to play. These don’t all react to glue the same way. Your choice should be based on the type you’re working with.
Drying Time
Drying time can affect the pace of your work. We found some glues that dried in less than 30 minutes during our test, while others needed days. On average, most great products will set in less than an hour but will need longer to dry completely.
Tips in Applying Wood Glue
Make sure to find out the best way to preserve your glue. Most premium glues don’t last longer than 12 months. You may also need to refrigerate it for the best results. This information will be available on the manufacturer’s website.
It’s essential to clean your glue’s nozzle after use to prevent clogging. If it’s water-soluble, you have the choice of wiping it with a wet rag.
Finally, it’s always best to keep glue from your hands and other body parts while working. If you do get glue on your skin, acetone is one great choice for removing it. Others are nail polish removers and glue removers.
FAQ
What is the Strongest Glue for Wood?
Polyurethane glues are the strongest glues for wood. They can bind other items like plastic, glass, fabric, and even concrete. Gorilla glue is a great example of polyurethane glues.
Is Gorilla Glue better than wood glue?
Yes, Gorilla glue is better than most wood glues. It has an excellent drying time while still giving you enough room to adjust the pieces. Gorilla glue is also water resistant and suitable for outdoor and indoor use.
Is wood glue strong enough for furniture?
Wood glue is strong enough for furniture. It binds the pieces well that the joints outlast the furniture itself. Some kinds of glue, like Titebond’s liquid hide glue, can also be used for crackling.
Our Top Pick For a Wood Glue: Gorilla Wood Glue Natural Wood Color
Our experts have decided that Gorilla Wood Glue Natural Wood Color as the best wood glue. It has a natural color when dry, incredible bonding strength, and a quick set time. The glue is also non-toxic and suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects.
