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 Glues
1. Gorilla 6206005 Wood Glue Natural Wood Color
While checking for the best wood glues, our experts found this Gorilla 6206005 Wood Glue. It has everything you need for a great product, including a strong initial tack, quick dry time, and inexpensive price. The glue only needs 30 minutes to dry before clamps can be removed, and it’ll be fully cured in less than 24 hours.
Additionally, we found that this glue is water resistant and dries to a natural color. You can also stain it, which is great. You can use the same glue for both indoor and outdoor woodworking projects, and compatibility-wise, it works well with hardwoods, softwoods, and even natural composite.
If you want a product that can create a stronger bond for wood projects and other applications, Gorilla is the one wood glue you should have in your arsenal.
What We Like
- High strength PVA glue
- Low application temperature
- Works on different materials such as wood, plastic, ceramics, leather, and rubber
- Water resistant
- Dries fast and fully cures in less than a day
- You can stain it
What We Don't Like
- Bottle dispenser can be troublesome to use
- Not beginner-friendly
2. Titebond Ultimate Wood Glue
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is undoubtedly one of the best glues out there. It’s waterproof even though it can be cleaned with water before setting. This product also retains its strength and bond regardless of wood finish. In addition, the glue takes some time to dry, so there’s some open time for assembly.
Our experts appreciate that the Titebond Ultimate Wood Glue is approved for indirect contact with food. Thus, it is ideal when you want to create a woodworking project like a dining table or coffee table. This PVA glue has a tan color when dry, which is no problem if you’re using it for joints.
What We Like
- Waterproof
- Forms bonds that are tough to break
- Approved for indirect food contact
- Reliable wood glue for woodworking
- Stronger than most PVA glues
What We Don't Like
- 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 woodworking 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 low viscosity wood glue is also versatile and can be used on shoes. It has great water resistance as well. Our team didn’t like that this CA glue isn’t FDA approved for indirect food contact, meaning you can’t use it for kitchen items such as cutting boards. Also, you can only use it in well-ventilated areas.
What We Like
- Creates a solid bond
- Natural wood color when dry
- Great carpenter’s glue
- High strength cyanoacrylate (CA) glue
- Water resistant after it has cured
- Quick setting
What We Don't Like
- 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 bottle of glue because it is waterproof, yet any residue is easy to clean with water. It is one of the perfect and strongest wood glues for professionals and amateurs alike. The Gorilla Ultimate Waterproof Wood Glue can bond in 30 minutes which is plenty of assembly time for a glue-up.
Our team also found that Gorilla Ultimate Wood Glue is perfect for outdoor furniture. It is sandable, paintable, and the glue dries in a natural looking color. We also loved the fact that this is a good wood glue that can be used in temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
What We Like
- Waterproof and reliable wood glue
- You can sand it and paint it
- Long shelf life
- Can be used outdoors
- Dries to a natural looking color that blends with your project
What We Don't Like
- Lacks non-toxic rating
- Nozzle requires specialized handling
5. Elmer’s E7010 Carpenter's Wood Glue
Elmer’s wood glue is another impressive product in our list of best wood glues. 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 Elmer’s wood glue even bonds stronger than some woods. Plus, it can be used on hardwood, softwood, particleboard, or porous materials. While it has a yellow color, it dries to a light tan — great for stained wood.
The Elmer’s E7010 Carpenter’s Wood Glue is great for any woodworking project you may have around the house. It is recommended for heavy duty use as well, and just takes 30 minutes of clamping. While it can’t be cleaned with water, it can be scraped off when wet. Finally, this polyvinyl acetate superglue can be sanded and painted.
What We Like
- High strength PVA superglue for hardwoods, softwoods, or porous material
- Bond wood together in less than 30 minutes
- Formula uses real wood fibers
- Works on a wide range of DIY projects
- No harmful fumes
- You can paint it or sand it
What We Don't Like
- 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 of your glue-ups. We also loved the glue’s fast-drying nature. We had no issues using the Lineco PVA glue to join two pieces of wood for all kinds of applications. Not many wood glues can achieve this.
Our team was 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. However, this glue dries clear, so that’s another plus point and warrants this product a spot on our top picks.
What We Like
- Works on wood, paper and fabric
- More versatile than most wood glues
- Unaffected by wood finish
- Doubles as a sealant
- You can easily clean it with water
What We Don't Like
- Unsuitable for use with paint brushes because it dries quickly
- Not as strong as other PVA glues
7. Titebond Liquid Hide Glue
The Titebond Liquid Hide Glue is a great carpenter’s wood glue. It bonds superbly for all kinds of wood and furniture repair. The hide glue is also perfect for achieving the crackling process when applied over latex paint, which gives boards and furniture an antique appearance.
Our team loved that this glue sets slowly, giving us the time to complete precise assembly of the material. Some clamping time is needed to keep the items glued together, but the bond is strong after.
The hide glue is great for sandability and is resistant to wood finish. This type of glue is perfect for hobbyists and crafters looking to create original furniture or just join a few pieces of wood together for a project. With a translucent light brown color when dry, this is the best hide glue we can recommend for woodworkers.
What We Like
- Strong glue for carpentry
- Resistant to wood finish
- Great for the woodworker crackling effect
- High quality hide glue
- Short clamp time
What We Don't Like
- 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 you can use to join pieces of wood together. While it’s not as strong as our top choice from the same brand, it is still one of the most effective wood glues on the market. This Titebond wood glue can bond most wooden surfaces regardless of wood grain orientation and is an excellent choice for woodworkers.
Titebond II is specially formulated with a cross-linking polyvinyl acetate (PVA), which makes it more water-resistant than traditional wood glue. PVA is an adhesive used for most wood projects.
Our team was impressed with this glue’s versatility, since you can use it to create items from softwood, medium woods, and hardwood. You can mix it with sawdust to fill gaps in the flooring, and it still retains its original strength. Unfortunately, Titebond II takes a few hours to set completely.
What We Like
- This PVA wood glue is easy to use
- Forms a strong bond when dry
- Can be mixed with water to adjust its viscosity
- Indoor and outdoor applications
- Works with soft or hardwoods
What We Don't Like
- Takes several hours to fully dry
- Has a brown translucent color when fully dried
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. This super glue can be used for all types of wood projects; it even bonds glass.
One thing we didn’t like about this wood glue is that because of its thick viscosity, 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 applications and DIY projects.
What We Like
- Tougher than most types of wood glue
- Bond plastic, fiberglass, and metal
- Retains the wood’s original color when dry
- Can handle large surface areas
- A small amount goes a long way
What We Don't Like
- Takes some time to set
- Gums up the bottle dispenser tip due to thick viscosity
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, stone, ceramic, glass, concrete, and even metal. We also found that the glue leaves a natural wood color when the glue used for the wood dries, and sanding it was easy-peasy. 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 applications. Unfortunately, our team found that it’s not waterproof, so be mindful of the project you’re using it for.
What We Like
- Works on glass, concrete, brick and metal
- Water resistance rating
- Can be used for sealing, pricing and dust proofing
- Becomes clear when dry
- Can accept stain when still wet
- No clamping required
What We Don't Like
- Not waterproof
- Not 100% effective in welding steel to steel
11. J-B Weld 50151 WoodWeld Epoxy Syringe
This two-part epoxy solution, J-B Weld 50151 WoodWeld, can be used to connect almost any kind of wood. The solution is made up of resin and a hardener, which creates a solid bond when mixed together.The tube’s resealable cap is great since it allows you to use what you need for your glue-up without wasting any product.
And because of its watertight bond, you can use it even on rotten wood. As an epoxy, you may use it in conditions as low as 40°F. And unlike PVA wood glue, it won’t shrink or foam.
The J-B Weld glue sets after six minutes and can cure between one to three hours, making it ideal for oddly shaped goods. Overall, it’s one of the best epoxy glues we’ve tested.
What We Like
- Fast-setting, fast cure time
- Creates an extremely strong bond
- It does not shrink
- It does not foam
- Water resistance
What We Don't Like
- Requires you to work quickly
- You might have to exert effort removing the cap
Wood Glue Buyer’s Guide
Ditching the screws and nails for adhesion? Finding the right wood glue may not be as easy as you think, mostly because the chemical makeup of each is different. Some glues can work with almost anything, but some might not be ideal for outdoor furniture or other materials. So, while we’ve combed the market for the top wood glues in this review, here’s a handy buying guide to help you determine the best choice for your glue-ups.
Durability
Whether you’re building cabinets or creating crafts, durability is a crucial factor. 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, and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
If you’re filling holes or you need something that doesn’t shrink or foam, epoxy is your best bet. It’s a great option if you’re gluing irregularly-shaped items, since epoxy works fast and you don’t need clamps. The disadvantage with epoxy, however, is the short assembly time since it bonds so fast. You also need to sand the surface for best results.
Safety/Toxicity
Everybody knows that adhesives aren’t safe for ingestion. But some glues are safe if they come in secondary contact with food. These glues can be used for kitchen items like cutting boards.
Glues that are not toxic, like the original formula of Titebond, are also safer for indoor use.
Type of Wood Glue
To give you a better idea about the different types of glue, we’ll discuss the main difference of each one here.
- PVA Glue.
As the most common type of glue, polyvinyl acetate or PVA glue can be used for indoor projects and other applications. It’s cheap and it’s one of the bonding agents you can use for most surfaces. It has a permanent bond as well. When using polyvinyl acetate (PVA), we recommend giving it a few minutes of clamp time to make sure it’s glued securely. You may find some residue once the glue dries. So, our tip is to only apply it in small amounts. That said, the excess glue can be easily cleaned.
- Polyurethane
A moisture-activated adhesive, this type is a synthetic plastic resin that’s great for bonding wood in humid conditions. Polyurethane works on stone, foam, glass, wood, metal, ceramic, and concrete. Wood fibers don’t dry out with this type of adhesive as well. It glides on nicely, but to remove any excess glue, sanding or using mineral spirits will do the job. Also keep in mind that since it relies on moisture, the glue expands if you don’t use clamps. In our books, the best polyurethane wood glue is the Titebond Polyurethane Glue. - Cyanoacrylate (CA) Wood Glue
CA glue is an excellent choice for joining two pieces of material together. It has an industrial adhesive strength and the cure time is short, making it great for small repairs and temporary bonds. You can break temporary adhesion with a hammer. CA glue can bond materials instantly, as opposed to other wood glues that take some time. This glue is also excellent for hairline cracks. - Epoxy Wood Glue
In contrast to other wood glues, which are in a runny liquid form, epoxy wood glues have a super thick viscosity and consistency that’s perfect for filling holes and doing boat repairs. Its formula has two parts that work through chemical reaction: a resin and a hardener. For best results with a two-part epoxy, use it on clean, sanded surfaces. It may take a while to fully dry, though, and it takes hours for it to be fully cured, so a bit of clamp time is essential. You can also use epoxy on rotted wood. Also resistant to temperature and chemicals, epoxy can form the strongest bond. - Hide Glue
Hide glues are adhesives that come from animal hides or animal collagen. They can be solid or liquid, and can be either applied with a brush or with an applicator, respectively. This is a good wood glue if you’re working on fine furniture repair, and it remains a traditional product that’s still used today in repairing antiques. It also works on glass, leather, and cloth. If you’re looking for the best hide glue, we can recommend the Titebond Genuine Hide Glue. - Hot Glue Sticks
This type is not often discussed, but if you don’t need maximum strength for bonding materials, hot glue sticks are a great choice. Convenience is the major benefit of this. Unlike other glues, you just need to load it into a hot glue gun and squeeze out by pressing the trigger. It sets quickly, dries to a natural tan color, and provides a better bond compared to typical hot glue products. While it won’t have that extremely strong adhesive strength, you can still use hot glue sticks for many applications, especially if you’re just working on basic interior projects.
Compatibility with Wood
Most glues will create a strong bond with wooden surfaces. However, the kind of wood also matters. There’s softwood, plywood, chipboard, and natural composites. The wood 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
A clamp time and a cure time are two things you might find on wood glue labels. To briefly explain, the clamp time is how long the pieces need to be held together until the product sets properly. On the other hand, cure time is how long you have to wait before the glue dries fully.
Drying time can affect the pace of your work. We found some glues that fully 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.
If you need instant bonding, something that dries fast like the Titebond Quick & Thick is a good option. The clamp time is just 15 minutes, which is faster than most other wood glues. However, this also means shorter assembly time.
Polishing wooden surfaces is easy peasy when you both have an excellent glue and reliable wooden fillers we listed here.
Tips in Applying Wood Glue
Make sure to find out the best way to preserve your glue. Most premium glue products don’t last longer than 12 months. This information will be available on the manufacturer’s website.
When you apply wood glue, be careful not use too much to avoid excessive squeeze out. It can be messy, so be ready to wipe it up. Take note of the clamp time and drying time as well. 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.
(Want to test the efficiency of using a wood glue? Why not try building wooden crates out of pallets using an effective wood glue)
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. They are also ideal for fixing a stripped screw holes at home. Gorilla glue is a great option among 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 applications 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
Following a series of tests, our woodworkers agreed that the Gorilla Wood Glue Natural Wood Color is the best wood glue today. It has incredible bonding strength and a quick set time. The glue is also non-toxic and suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects.
- What is the Best Wood Sealer for Cedar? (2023) - May 27, 2023
- Woodworking Statistics and Demographics - May 26, 2023
- What is the Best Paint Sprayer for Furniture? (2023) - May 25, 2023
