The Best Wood Glues for 2022
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Best Wood Glue
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These versatile glues are a must-have for professional woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts alike. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best wood glues currently available.
UPDATED: March 14, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Gorilla 6200022 wood glue because it is a PVA Type II adhesive that makes it great for a variety of indoor or outdoor uses.
Application Time vs. Clamp Time vs. Cure Time
Most wood glues will provide a series of different times for the various stages of drying. For example, an application time of 10 minutes, a clamp time of two hours, and a cure time of 24 hours. The times will vary by glue type and formula as described below.
Application time or workability time is how long you have to work with the glue in its most liquid state. This is the time you have to get it in place before it starts to dry and become unworkable. This is also the best opportunity to remove any spills or drips as it will easily wipe off with a wet rag.
As the name implies, clamp time is simply how long a glue joint needs to be clamped for it to remain a firm adhesion even after the clamps are removed. If the clamps are removed too early this could result in the joint opening up and greatly reducing the final strength. There is little downside to just leaving the clamps on for the full cure time unless you need them for another workpiece.
The cure time is typically much longer than the clamp time, around 24 hours for most standard wood glues. This is the time it takes the chemical process to complete and the glue to harden completely and reach its maximum strength. At this point, the glue can be sanded, planed, or painted.
Note: the workability and cure times of all glues can be greatly affected by temperature and humidity. Check the manufacturer’s specific recommendations for use.
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Types of Wood Glue
There is a range of specific glue formulas that have advantages and disadvantages depending on your particular application.
Here are a few of the most common types with examples listed.
Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA)
PVA is an easy-to-use and non-toxic adhesive that has a clamp time of around one hour and a cure time of about 24 hours.
There are three types of PVA glues defined by the water resistance:
Type I: waterproof (exterior / interior use).
Examples: Titebond II and Elmer's E7310.
Type II: water-resistant (exterior / interior use).
Example: Gorilla 6200022.
Type III: not water-resistant (interior use).
Aliphatic Resin
Aliphatic resin is not suitable for outdoor use and is commonly known as simply “carpenters glue”. The strength and dry time are similar to PVA with full cure reached in around 24 hours.
Aliphatic resin has a thicker consistency so it is less likely than PVA to drip and slide during clamping.
Example: Titebond 5064 Original.
Epoxy
Epoxy resin typically comes in a two-part system that is mixed together. Once combined, it offers a fast set time of usually less than ten minutes and cures within a few hours.
One of the main advantages is that it offers excellent gap-filling abilities making it ideal for repairs and shaping.
Example: J-B Weld 8251.
See also: The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Wood Filler
Cyanoacrylate
Cyanoacrylate is typically used for small projects and repairs that need a quick bond time, usually within minutes.
Since it doesn’t offer the ability to fill gaps effectively the pieces being bonded should have a tight fit. The final cured result is brittle so it is subject to cracking if bent or twisted.
Examples: Krazy Glue and Super Glue.
Cleaning
If a standard PVA wood glue gets on a non-absorbent surface before it dries it can easily be wiped off with a wet cloth. If it gets on clothing or fabric is you should immediately wet it with water and wipe it off with a cloth.
For Cyanoacrylate and other dried glues, you can use acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove it. However, if the glue is allowed to dry on clothing it may be permanent. Check the recommended removal techniques for the specific glue type and manufacturer.
Now, on to the individual products. Each option included below has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Wood Glues for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Gorilla 6200022 Wood Glue
The Gorilla 6200022 is a PVA Type II water-resistant adhesive that makes for easy use and cleanup.
Works on softwoods, hardwoods, and natural wood composites.
Creates a natural color bond line when it dries.
Requires 20 to 30 minutes of clamp time.
Features a 24 hour to full cure time.
Works for either indoor or outdoor use.
Runner-up: Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue
Titebond III is a PVA Type I glue that offers a waterproof solution great for exterior or interior use.
Features a 10 minute application time and provides a strong initial tack.
Approved by the FDA for indirect food contact, for example, use on cutting boards.
Works for both interior and exterior use.
Offers the ability to be easily cleaned up with water.
Required 24 hours to fully cure.
Features a 4,000 PSI tensile strength.
Best Value: Elmer's E7310 Wood Glue
Elmer's E7310 is a PVA Type I is a waterproof glue that uses real wood fibers in the formula.
Works for both exterior and interior projects since it is waterproof.
Can be both painted and sanded once it has fully cured.
Offers the ability to be easily cleaned up with water.
Features a non-toxic formula that is safe to use.
Resistant to heat, mold, and mildew.
Available in a range of volumes for small or large projects.
Must-have Accessory
Don't forget the helpful application brush.
Best Epoxy: J-B Weld 8251 Wood Glue
J-B Weld 8251 is a two-part epoxy system that offers a very quick cure time.
In addition to adhesion, it works well for repairs because it can be drilled, sanded, and filed.
Features a six to eight-minute set time.
After one to three hours it cures to a light tan color with uniform consistency.
Does not shrink, separate crack, foam, or expand.
Offers a mixing ratio of 1:1.
Features a tensile strength rated at 1,800 PSI.
Applicable for both interior and exterior use.
Best Clear Option: Gorilla 4572502 Wood Glue
Gorilla 4572502 is a PVA Type II water-resistant adhesive that dries clear.
Features versatile formula that in addition to wood, can bond non-porous surfaces (damp with water before bonding) such as metal and plastic.
Features a two-hour clamp time at room temperature.
Provides a full cure in 24 hours.
Works for both indoor and outdoor uses.
Features a non-foaming formula.
Best Budget Option: Titebond 5064 Original Wood Glue
Titebond 5064 is an aliphatic resin emulsion adhesive best suited for indoor use.
Works best on hardwoods and softwoods in addition to other porous materials.
Formula is heat, solvent, and mildew resistant.
Helps to reduce clamp time by providing a strong initial tack.
Easily cleans up with water before drying.
Non-toxic solution is solvent-free.
Best for Rough Carpentry and Construction: Gorilla 8010001 Heavy Duty Wood Glue
Gorilla 8010001 is a heavy-duty construction grade adhesive typically used for rough carpentry.
Waterproof formula allows for a range of uses including bathrooms and subfloors.
In addition to wood, it bonds a variety of unique materials including mirrors, stone, and drywall.
Offers a 10 minute work time.
Materials being bonded should be clamped or pressed together for 20-60 seconds.
Works for both exterior and interior projects.
Note: a cartridge gun is required for use.
Best Cyanoacrylate: Krazy Glue 2063184 Fast Dry Wood Glue
Krazy Glue 2063184 offers a very fast-drying solution for small wood projects.
Features a Cyanoacrylate formula that provides a strong wood bond in minutes.
Ideal for small projects in which clamps or applying pressure for hours would be difficult.
Great for projects and repairs where clamping would be difficult.
Creates a sandable surface for a range of applications.
Best for Porous Materials: Titebond 6123 Wood Glue
Titebond 6123 is designed for porous materials such as wood and particleboard.
Dries to a translucent color to minimize the visibility of the glue line.
Provides a strong initial tack to help with positioning individual pieces.
Offers an approximate assembly time of 10 to 15 minutes at 70°F with 50% humidity.
Features a recommended application temperature of above 50 degrees F.
Easily cleans up before drying with a wet cloth.
Best Multi-Surface: Elmer's E7502 ProBond Wood Glue
Elmer's E7502 ProBond is a multi-purpose adhesive that in addition to wood, bonds a range of materials.
In addition to wood, it works on many different materials including stone, ceramic, metal, and plastic.
Creates a translucent paintable surface when cured.
Equipped with a weatherproof formula that makes it great for indoor or outdoor uses.
Features properties that do not expand or foam.
Features a non-toxic formula and easily cleans up with just water.
I hope this list of the best wood glues was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
