Wood glue is one of the most important supplies in the shop. A strong glue joint often ends up stronger than the wood itself, and the type of glue you choose affects everything from open time to cleanup to long-term durability.
Whether you build furniture, trim work, cutting boards, or outdoor pieces, having the right glue makes your assemblies easier and your joints more reliable.
Before choosing a wood glue, consider where the project will be used. Indoor furniture, outdoor gates, cutting boards, and craft pieces all require different glue properties. Dry time, water resistance, and strength matter, but so does how forgiving the glue is while you position parts.
Top Wood Glues in 2025
1. Titebond Original Wood Glue
A standard yellow woodworking glue is ideal for indoor furniture and most general woodworking projects.
We use Titebond Original on a large portion of our shop builds. It sets fast enough to keep projects moving, but gives a comfortable open time for positioning joints.
The glue sands well once cured and does not gum up the paper, provided the squeeze-out is cleaned. We find it dependable for edge joints, casework, and frame construction.
It is not rated for outdoor exposure, but for indoor furniture, it creates strong, reliable bonds that hold up over years of use.
Pros
- Strong bonds for interior work
- Easy to sand
- Predictable set and cure time
Cons
- Not water resistant
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Open time is shorter in warm shops
Specifications
- Type 2 PVA
- Interior use
- Clamp time around 30 minutes
- Complete cure in about 24 hours
2. Titebond II Premium Wood Glue
A water-resistant glue suitable for kitchen items, cutting boards, and light outdoor exposure.
We choose Titebond II when we want added moisture protection without changing our workflow. It behaves much like Titebond Original, but the water resistance makes it better for cutting boards, serving trays, and kitchen furniture. The glue cleans up with water and sands smoothly once dry.
It gives slightly more working time than Titebond Original, which helps on larger assemblies where alignment takes longer.
Pros
- Water resistant
- Slightly longer working time
- Versatile for indoor and semi-outdoor work
Cons
- Not waterproof for long-term outdoor exposure
- Slightly thicker viscosity
Specifications
- Type 2 PVA
- Water-resistant;
- Clamp time: about 30 minutes
3. Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue
A waterproof PVA glue for outdoor projects, cutting boards, and long-lasting furniture.
Titebond III is our pick for outdoor projects and items that are repeatedly exposed to moisture. It is fully waterproof once cured and remains strong in changing temperatures.
We also appreciate the extended open time, which provides greater flexibility during panel glue-ups or large assemblies.
Despite its added durability, it sands cleanly and handles much like other Titebond formulas. We rely on it for exterior doors, outdoor tables, garden furniture, and any project that may be exposed to the elements.
Pros
- Waterproof once cured
- Long open time
- High strength for both indoor and outdoor work
Cons
- Slightly longer clamp time
- Higher cost than standard PVA glues
Specifications
- Type 1 waterproof PVA
- Long open time
4. Gorilla Wood Glue
A strong PVA glue for general woodworking with good water resistance and long open time.
We use Gorilla Wood Glue when we need greater flexibility in alignment. The glue has a longer working time than many PVA glues, which helps during tricky glue-ups where you need extra adjustments. Once cured, the glue line is tough and holds up well under stress.
It is not as common in cabinet shops as Titebond, but it performs well on hardwoods and softwoods and is easy to clean up.
Pros
- Long open time
- Strong bonds on hardwoods
- Water resistant
Cons
- The thick formula takes practice
-
Clamp time is slightly longer
Specifications
- PVA Type 2
- Water resistant
- Extended working time.
5. Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Glue Max
A strong indoor and outdoor glue with improved water resistance and clean sanding.
We like Carpenter's Wood Glue Max for craft projects, repairs, and small furniture builds. It spreads smoothly and sands well without leaving rubbery patches. In our experience, it outperforms standard Elmer's formulas and provides sufficient moisture protection for semi-outdoor pieces.
It is not a replacement for Titebond III on heavy-duty outdoor furniture, but for smaller builds, it works reliably.
Pros
- Good water resistance
- Smooth spreading
- Easy cleanup
Cons
- Not ideal for long outdoor exposure
-
Shorter open time than some PVA glues
Specifications
- PVA Type 2
- Water resistant
- Clamp time is about 30 minutes
6. Titebond Quick and Thick Multi Surface Glue
A thicker PVA glue that grabs fast and fills small gaps.
We use Quick and Thick when a joint has small imperfections or when we want fast tack. The glue thickens the bond quickly and helps keep parts from sliding. It also works on porous materials such as MDF and plywood, where a thinner glue might soak in too quickly.
It is not meant for major gap filling, but for drawer bottoms, trim pieces, or repairs; it simplifies the job.
Pros
- Very fast initial tack
- Useful for gap-prone joints
- Works well on MDF and porous materials
Cons
- Not suitable for large panel glue-ups
- Short working time
Specifications
- High viscosity PVA
- Interior use
- Fast setting
7. Epoxy Two-Part Adhesive
A two-part adhesive for the toughest jobs, including oily woods, large gaps, and repairs.
We reach for epoxy when other glues fail. It bonds oily woods like teak, fills large gaps, and holds repairs where structural support matters. Mixing requires additional steps, but the strength makes it worthwhile when joints require reinforcement. We also use it for inlay work, damaged mortises, and outdoor joints exposed to extreme conditions.
The downside is cleanup and cure time, but when a joint simply must not fail, epoxy delivers.
Pros
- Exceptional strength
- Bonds oily and exotic woods
- Fills large voids
Cons
- Longer cure time
- Mixing and cleanup require care
Specifications
- Two-part adhesive
- Cure time varies
- Interior and exterior capable
How to Choose the Right Wood Glue
1. Know the Project Environment
Indoor furniture: Titebond Original or Gorilla Wood Glue
Kitchen and cutting boards: Titebond II or III
Outdoor furniture: Titebond III or epoxy
2. Open Time
Extended open hours support large glue-ups or complex assemblies.
Shorter open times speed up production but require careful planning.
3. Water Resistance
-
Check the label for Type 1, Type 2, or interior only.
-
Type 1 is fully waterproof.
-
Type 2 is water-resistant.
- Interior only is for dry environments.
4. Cleanup and Sanding
-
Some glues sand cleaner than others.
-
Quick-thick and epoxy require more care.
- Standard PVA glues usually sand smooth.
5. Strength and Flexibility
-
Hardwoods benefit from stronger glues with longer open times.
- Crafts and small projects can use faster-setting formulas.
6. Application Tips
- Spread glue evenly to avoid starved joints.
- Clamp according to the glue's recommended pressure.
- Wipe squeeze out before it skins over.
- Allow full cure before stressing the joint.
Final Thoughts
Wood glue is as essential as any tool in your shop. With the right glue, your joinery becomes stronger, cleaner, and more predictable. For most woodworkers, Titebond Original, II, and III cover nearly every situation, while epoxy solves the specialty cases. Keep a few types on hand and choose based on the project, not habit.
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