Glue holds the world together. Not really, but it does help when you mess up your wooden project and the only things preventing it from falling apart is a gallon of wood glue. However, it is very important to have the perfect wood glue for each unique project. What works for one project won’t necessarily work on another one.
Using a gorilla glue versus Elmer’s wood glue will get you a differing result. If you use a more heavy-duty wood on wood glue on a project that requires a more delicate touch, you can end up ruining it.
If you use a glue that takes more time to dry on a project that requires a shorter gluing time can also jeopardize your next woodworking project.
Best Wood Glues On the Market
In this buying guide, we will present you with six different wood glues, each will serve a different purpose and are helpful in their own way. At the same time, they could mess up your project so choose wisely.
You’ll find several types of wood glues listed and compared according to certain aspects they share like toxicity, gluing time, how much they stain, and the type of project it should be used for.
The point is that you use this as your guide to elect the one you need and be done with it. Here is the collection of the best glues for wood to wood available right now;
1. Gorilla Wood Glue
Gorilla glue only requires about 20-30 minutes of clamp time followed by a 24-hour period until it is finally ready. The glue is also water-resistant and it works on all hardwoods, softwoods, and natural wood composites and is completely safe per the FDA regulation.
There is a reason why Gorilla glue is the favorite among carpenters, woodworkers, and hobbyists.
Since the glue is a water-based adhesive specifically geared towards wood to wood gluing, you can easily slather the glue on some wood, wait 30 minutes, and set it. 24 hours later, nothing can tear them apart.
However, even though the glue is water-resistant, it is not waterproof, so you can splash a little water on it but not a lot. Also, the glue does stain.
Specifications
- Weight – 9.5 pounds
- Size – Gallon
- Color – Natural Wood Color
- Included Components – One Gallon Wood Glue
Pros
- Fast drying time.
- Water resistant.
- Dries in to a natural wooden color.
- Can be used indoors and outdoors.
- Only needs to be clamped for 20-30 minutes.
Cons
- Can only work on wood to wood surfaces.
- It is water resistant not waterproof.
- Has a short open period.
- Gorilla glue is stainable.
- Needs 24 hours for the glue to set.
2. Elmer’s Products, Inc Elmer’s E7300 Carpenter’s Wood
It has a full 8 ounces of Elmer’s classic non-toxic, non-harmful fumes glue that manages to bind wood together and resists heat, mold and mildew. Similar to the Gorilla glue all it takes is a short 20 to 30 minute clamp time followed by 24 hours to fully bond.
As per usual when Elmer’s glue dries up, it becomes clear but a little opaque. It’s water-based, meaning that it is easy to apply and due to its lack of toxicity it can be used indoors without any major problems.
This wood on wood glue is perfect for indoor and outdoor projects, mainly due to it being strong enough for big outdoor designs and since it has no harmful fumes, it can be used indoors without worrying about its toxicity.
This glue manufacturer also assures you that the wood will break before the adhesive does, thanks to its special formula which includes real wood fiber. It will also stain, sand and paint better than other wood glues.
Specifications
- Weight – 9.6 ounces
- Size – 8 Oz
- Color – Tan
Pros
- Non-toxic and non-harmful fumes.
- Waterproof and heat-resistant.
- When it dries it gets clear and opaque.
- Generally you won’t know where you fixed it.
- Water-based makes it easier to apply.
- Only needs to be clamped for 20-30 minutes.
Cons
- The lid gets glued on to the top.
- A little stainable when it dries.
- Needs at least 24 hours to be ready.
3. Titebond 5006 II Premium Wood Glue – Gallon
Now this one is a lot stronger than the other two, Titebond II Premium Wood Glue Gallon is designed for hardware and is ideal for external application and it is water-resistant.
This gallon of glue is ideal for outdoor wood gluing, for example large woodworking projects fixing birdhouses or simply using it to fix your outdoor wood deck.
Once the glue dries it adopts a honey cream color which can camouflage with whatever kind of wood you use it on.
The glue does have a slower setting time but that can be seen as a positive, the extra time can be beneficial if you are working on an ambitious project and need the extra time to properly adjust whatever you are gluing.
Specifications
- Weight – 9.08 pounds
- Size – 1 gal.
- Color – Honey Cream
- Volume – 3.8 Liters
- Shelf Life – 12 Months
Pros
- Ideal for external use.
- Strong wood to wood glue.
- Water-resistant.
- Color blends with wood.
- Sandable and paintable.
Cons
- Heavy use, needs to be used outdoors.
- Stains a lot and it is not easy to remove.
4. Elmer’s Liquid School Glue, Washable, 4 oz
It has a full 8 ounces of Elmer’s classic non-toxic, non-harmful fumes glue that manages to bind wood together and resists heat, mold and mildew. Similar to the Gorilla glue all it takes is a short 20 to 30 minute clamp time followed by 24 hours to fully bond.
As per usual when Elmer’s glue dries up, it becomes clear and is completely washable. It’s water-based, meaning that it is easy to apply and due to its lack of toxicity it can be used indoors without any major problems.
The only issue is that it, is completely washable thus anything you stick together with the classic formula means that once it comes in contact with water it will wash away. Also, it is not very strong, with it being very easy to break what it fixed. However, it is completely safe to use around and with children.
Specifications
- Weight – 1.6 ounces
- Size – 4 Oz.
- Color – Washable
Pros
- Non-toxic and non-harmful fumes.
- When it dries it gets clear and opaque.
- Generally you won’t know where you fixed it.
- Water-based makes it easier to apply.
- Only needs to be clamped for 20-30 minutes.
- Safe to use with children.
Cons
- The lid gets glued on to the top.
- A little stainable when it dries.
- It needs at least 24 hours to be ready.
- It is not water-resistant.
- Not very strong.
5. Elmer’s Liquid School Glue, Clear, Washable,
This glue basically exists so that kids can create the slime that they love so much, not very good for sticking things together.
Having said that, the glue can be applied to fabrics, papers, woods and ceramics with the glue managing to bond these materials together. Since designed and aimed at children, the glue is made to bond child school projects. It won’t help you with something more heavy-duty.
It’s completely washable and non-toxic meaning that it is easy to clean up, however, this also means that whatever you glue with Elmer’s Liquid School Glue will immediately fall apart if it comes in contact with water so beware.
Specifications
- Weight – 2.3 pounds
- Size – 1 Quart
- Material type – Adhesive
- Color – clear
Pros
- Washable.
- Non-toxic.
- Suitable for kids.
- Easy to use.
- No stains.
Cons
- Doesn’t glue anything very well.
- Completely washable so it is not water resistance
- The glue is aimed for children use.
- Of no use for bigger projects.
6. Titebond 4134 Extend Wood Glue Bottle,
Although the glue is only waterproof after it dries, if you try to apply it to a wet surface the glue will not stick and will leave a nasty stain behind.
Due to its thin texture, it has a long opening time that allows it to last a lot longer in the open without losing its texture and gluing power. However, its texture is more watery than other wood glues meaning that if you aren’t prepared for a more fluid product than beware because this one will stain.
Now, the long gluing time can be seen as a gift or a blessing, since the extra time could be useful if the project calls for intricate placements that need readjusting for it to be ready.
It is useful in case you need to fix an object that will be placed under extreme circumstances, as mentioned before, the Titebond 4134 is waterproof but it is also heat-resistant, after it properly dries up the glue can withstand serious heat, with some users claiming that they used it to fix ovens.
Specifications
- Weight – 1 pound
- Size – 16 Ounces
- Color – cream
- Product Dimensions – 2.41 x 2.41 x 8.94 inches
- Volume – 473 Milliliters
Pros
- Long opening time.
- Strong.
- Water-resistant.
- Heat Resistant
- Longer gluing time means more time to adjust what you are gluing.
Cons
- Long gluing time.
- Stains a lot.
- Not as thick as other glues.
- Needs to be applied to dry and clean area.
The Best Glues for Wood to Wood
Hopefully you found the suitable wood glue for you in the above article, sadly this is the end of our little trip into the marvelous worlds of glues. Hopefully what you learned during the article will be helpful. Whether you pick on the glues mentioned or find one at your local hardware store, you know have the knowledge to choose correctly.
Just make sure to choose the right glue for you since it could make or break whatever project you are working on and remember to take in to account the toxicity when you start on whatever you are building otherwise the project can get weird and fast.
If you want your project to hold, pick the right glue for your project. Each of the six glues mentioned can help you achieve success. We can’t wait to see what you have created. Good luck, and happy woodworking!