There’s plenty of choice when it comes to wood glue. They all come in varying price ranges with different features and benefits, respectively. But what is the best wood glue for furniture? You want your projects to stay in one piece for years to come (and be safe!), so it’s important to make the right choice.
There are so many things you have to take into consideration when getting one of these. Such things will most relevantly be its ability to withstand wear and breakage. This is because you don’t want a piece of glue that will break down suddenly. Other factors to consider are the weight bearing capacity and ability to withstand harsh weather elements.
In this buyer’s guide, we have done the research for you while putting these factors into consideration, so you can find the best wood glue for your project here. I will break down the features and benefits of each of these and include a detailed buying guide section and FAQ at the end of this post. Take a look!
The following are a summary of the different choices and options you can choose from. All these have been great durability and customers review. So, go ahead and take a pick from these.
What is the best wood glue for furniture? 6 popular choices.
1. Gorilla Wood Glue, 4-ounce Bottle
1. Gorilla Wood Glue, 4-ounce Bottle
They are popular for the excellent strength they display and their ability to hold wood composites and materials made of concrete and stone. What great strength right?
Some other benefits it portrays are the ability to cure super-fast and water resistance (water proof). This makes it more ideal for outdoor woodworking projects also.
Standard Features
- Dimension: 1.1*2.5*6 inches (1 pack bottle)
- Weight: 5.3 ounces
- Clamping time: 20-30 minutes
- Curing time: 24 hours
- ANSI/HPA: Passed (type ii water resistance)
Pros
- It is suitable for outdoor and indoor use.
- It completes its project super-fast and efficiently, 20 – 30 minutes to clamp and 24 to cure fully.
- It is very easy to use and can be used for DIY projects.
- It is versatile as it can be used on a variety of wood types such as hardwood, softwood, and natural wood composite. It can also be used on concrete and stones.
- Dries naturally leaving off a natural bond line.
- It is waterproof/ water-based resistant.
- It is affordable / budget-friendly.
Cons
- The temperature must be above 550F as clamping time is dependent on the temperature.
2. Titebond 5006 II Premium Wood Glue – Gallon
Some unique features that this titebond premium bond shows include FDA approved features (safe for indirect food contact) and also ideal for radio frequency (R-F) gluing systems. It also passed the ANSI/ HPVA Type II water resistance.
Standard Features
- Dimension: 12.5*6.1*12 inches
- Weight: 9.08 pounds
- Size: 1 gal
- Volume: 3.8 liters
- Warranty Description: shelf life – 12 months.
- ANSI/HPA: Passed (type ii water resistance)
Pros
- It exhibits excellent sandability.
- It is FDA approved (for indirect food contact such as on cutting boards).
- It is easy to use.
- It cleans up easily with water.
- It is non-toxic and solvent-free.
- It is suitable for radio frequency (R-F) gluing systems.
- It is suitable for extension woodworking projects.
- It has outstanding bond strength.
- It is warranted with a shelf life of 12 months.
- It exhibits water resistance.
Cons
- It might take longer than the Gorilla glue to dry and cure.
- It costs more as it comes in the form of a gallon.
3. Darice 1096-61 Wood Glue for Craft Projects, 8 Ounce
The Darice craft glue is commonly used for DIY wood crafts and projects. It is very strong and holds firmly, sandable, fast-drying with a quick curing time.
So, if you want a glue younger people (kids) can use for their school DIY crafts or hobbies, you can get this one for them. It is easy to use and non-toxic.
Standard Features
- Dimension: 7*2*2 inches
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Size: 8 ounce
Pros
- It conforms to ASTMD4236.
- It is suitable for various wood craft projects.
- It is strong.
- It has a rapid setting time.
Cons
- It doesn’t work well on outdoor projects as it is more suited for light duty projects.
- It has a longer curing time than others.
4. Elmer’s Product Inc E7050LMR Carpenters Wood Glue Elmer’s 1 Gallon, Tan
It does not give off fumes, but a major setback of this glue is that it is best suited just for soft and hardwood and no other materials.
Standard Features
- Dimension: 5.88*6.5*12 inches
- Weight: 1 gallon
- Color: Tan, yellow when dried
- Clamping time: 20-30 minutes
- Curing time: 24 hours
Pros
- It is easy to clean just using soap and water.
- It dries super-fast and has a short period to cure.
- It bonds very strongly and is very sandable and paintable.
- It leaves off a perfect finish after every use.
- It has a light color that is well suited for light stained woods.
Cons
- Not advisable to use this for outdoor bonding.
- It holds only softwoods and hardwoods. It does not bond other materials well.
- A little bit too dense.
5. Glue Masters’ Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate (CA) “Super Glue” – Extra-large 8-OZ (226-Gram)
The glue masters’ professional grade cyanoacrylate is versatile glue that doesn’t just hold nonporous wood but also soles of shoes, plastics, and fabrics.
It settles in a very short period of time and is super easy to use; just a drop can result in a true and quick fix. Great specs, right? Let’s take a look.
Standard Features
- Dimension: 7*5.4*2.6 inches
- Weight: 4 ounces
- Size: 8 OZ (226 gram)
- Guarantee: 60days
- Clamping time: 15secs
- Curing time: less than 24 hours
Pros
- Extra versatility approved – can be used on broken china, shoe soles, plastics, wood and fabrics.
- Has a very short clamping time.
- It is guaranteed for 60 whole days after purchase.
- Has a great extended shelf-life.
- It is very easy to use.
Cons
- It must be used on a flat and non-porous surface.
- It is not well suited for wood furniture.
6. Titebond 1416 III Ultimate Wood Glue – 1 Gallon
The titebond 1416 III ultimate Wood Glue is not so different from the titebond 5006 II premium wood glue in terms of strength and bonding power. The slight difference is that the former has a waterproof design that passes the ANSI/HPVA Type 1 water resistance whereas the latter passes the type II water resistance.
This glue is great for all types of wood and even plastics. It has a very short clamping and curing time and exhibits neat sandability.
Standard Features
- Dimension: 8*6.5*12 inches
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
- Size: 1 gallon
- Volume: 3.8 liters
- ANI/HPVA: type 1 water resistance
- Assembly time: 20-25 minutes
- Curing time: less than 24 hours
- Warranty: 12 months.
Pros
- Due to its type 1 water-resistance specification, it offers a superior bonding strength, longer open assembly time, and lesser application temperature.
- It is non-toxic and cleans up easily with water.
- It sands easily without softening for a smooth finish.
- It offers clamp free gluin
- Solvent resistance is also guaranteed.
- Warranted for a shelf life of 12months.
- It is a versatile glue that works well on all types of wood.
Cons
- Bonding time can be affected by temperature and pressure.
- Only works on wood.
With the above recommended, making a decision won’t be so difficult anymore. But before buying, here are a few things to consider when going for the right choice.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Wood Glue for Furniture
The following are specifications and standard features to compare and contrast when choosing the right wood glue for your project.
Type Of Glue
This is more or less the most important thing to look into before choosing wood glue for your furniture. Wood glue comes in different forms and types. Each has its specific strength and bond ability. This will affect the clamping and curing time, so, to know the various types, here;
PVA Glue
This is generally the most common type of wood glue you can get in the market today. It is also known as white glue.
For a project on a porous material such as paper, this glue would be best. But for metals, plastics, and some wood types, this might not be super smooth to use. It will leave a dry spot that will ruin the aesthetic value and ambiance of your furniture.
This is a versatile wood glue that works well on wood and other materials, including metals.
It is perfect for outdoor use as it blocks heat and water. It also has a very quick clamping time compared to other wood glues.
Cyanoacrylate (CA) Wood Glue
This is the best when it comes to drying time. This has a surprisingly fast drying duration. It works well on pieces of wood and sets them strong quickly.
The major disadvantage of this is that it is thinner and messier than the others.
Ability To Be Washed Off Easily
Sometimes, while working with glue, you might need your bare hands. Other times glue might accidentally stick to your skin in the process.
The wood glue you want to purchase must be specified to be washed off easily with water or with a soap solution.
This will make it easier to be scraped off floorings and wood surface that might be damaged while you were working.
Toxicity
When getting wood glue, safety is very important. You should not get glues that give off toxic fumes.
When getting glue, check the specifications and ensure it is stated that the glue is non-toxic. This will ensure that it is eco-friendly and safe to use around food and children.
Clamping / Curing Time
This is essential. You must put it on your checklist.
Clamping time refers to the initial time it takes the glue to set while curing time refers to the overall drying time for glue. Clamping time should be between 20 minutes to 40 minutes. Anything more is considered bad. Curing time is usually around 24 hours for all glue types.
So, check this because you might require the wood to clamp fast for your wood project so you can move on to another phase.
Buyers Guide
With all said and done, making a decision won’t be so difficult. Now I am going to recommend a glue for each specification.
Clamping And Curing Time
Our best choice for fast clamping and curing time is the Glue Masters’ Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate (CA) “Super Glue. It has a fast clamping time of 15 sec, which is super fast compared to the others. It dries within 20 to 30 minutes.
Water Resistance
When it comes to water resistance, the Titebond 1416 III Ultimate Wood Glue is the most superior. It is specified with the ANSI/HPVA Type 1 water resistance, which is one of the top types.
For Outdoor Use
For outdoor use, getting a wood glue can be difficult, but here it is solved. You should get polyurethane wood glue, and this wood glue on our list is the Gorilla Wood Glue. It is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.
Versatility
Versatility is also important. After using on wooden furniture, you might require to use it on other surfaces. Most wood glues cannot work on other surfaces asides wood, but the Gorilla Wood Glue and the Glue Masters’ Professional Grade Cyanoacrylate (CA) “Super Glue fits this spec. They can be used on wood, ceramics, fabrics, and even plastics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are wood glues safe for usage?
Yes, wood glues are safe for usage but this is dependent on if you’ve chosen good wood glue. Good wood glue will be specified to be non-toxic to food and children.
How long will it take wood glue to dry?
Normally, under normal circumstances, it takes wood glue 20 – 40 minutes to clamp (set) and about 24 hours to cure (dry). This can be influenced by extreme temperature and heat.
Can wood glue be used on other materials?
Yes! Wood glue might not necessarily mean it won’t work on other materials. Versatile wood glues can work on concrete, fabrics, plastics, and even ceramics.
Can wood glue be washed off skin?
If you have gotten wood glue on your skin, do not worry. It can be washed off when wet with water and sometimes soap solvent. Ensure this is done before the glue dries off.
Wrap-Up
Now, getting the wood must be much easier now considering the fact that a buyer’s guide was included in this review.
You should make a checklist of what you want your glue to have and do. When this is done, getting a perfect wood glue would be dependent on your requirements.
Here’s a tip for you as you walk away from this today, have in mind that all the glues in this post are all recommended by other customers. Hence, don’t be afraid to just pick one.