Wood Glue

About Wood Glue

Wood glue is an essential adhesive for any professional tradesperson or DIY enthusiast working with timber. Whether you're constructing furniture, installing joinery, or carrying out general carpentry repairs, selecting the right wood adhesive ensures strong, durable bonds that stand the test of time. At TooledUp.com, we stock a comprehensive range of wood glues from trusted brands including Everbuild, Evo-stik, and Gorilla, designed to meet the demands of both site work and workshop applications.

Our wood glue category features several adhesive types, each formulated for specific applications and working conditions. PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) glues remain the most popular choice for internal joinery and general woodworking, offering excellent bonding strength and ease of use. For external projects or moisture-prone environments, weatherproof wood adhesives provide superior water resistance. Polyurethane wood adhesives deliver exceptional strength and gap-filling properties, making them ideal for structural applications and working with difficult timbers. Many of our products are available in different setting times, from quick-setting 5-minute formulations for rapid repairs to longer 45-minute versions that allow more time for assembly and adjustment.

Understanding the differences between these adhesive types helps you select the most appropriate product for your specific project requirements, ensuring professional results every time. Whether you need a fast-grab adhesive for time-sensitive site work or a versatile all-purpose glue for your workshop, our range covers all applications from general DIY tasks to demanding professional carpentry.

Jargon Buster

• PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate): A white water-based adhesive that dries clear, commonly used for internal woodworking. Standard PVA is not waterproof, though modified versions offer improved moisture resistance.
• Polyurethane Adhesive: A single-component adhesive that cures through reaction with moisture, creating extremely strong, waterproof bonds. Expands slightly during curing to fill gaps effectively.
• Open Time: The working period after application during which you can position and clamp components before the adhesive begins to set. This varies from 5 to 45 minutes depending on the formulation.
• D Rating: A European classification system (D1-D4) indicating the moisture resistance of wood adhesives. D1 suits internal dry conditions, whilst D3 and D4 are suitable for external or high-moisture environments.
• Gap-Filling: The adhesive's ability to bond surfaces that don't fit perfectly together. Polyurethane glues excel at this due to their expansion properties.
• Grab Strength: How quickly the adhesive develops sufficient hold to support the workpiece, reducing the need for extended clamping times on certain applications.

Who Uses Wood Glue?

• Joiners and Carpenters: For manufacturing and installing furniture, doors, staircases, and structural timber work
• Cabinet Makers: Constructing fine furniture, kitchen units, and bespoke cabinetry requiring precision joints
• Shop Fitters: Installing retail fixtures, display units, and commercial joinery
• General Builders: Fixing architraves, skirting boards, and other timber elements during construction and renovation
• Flooring Specialists: Installing parquet, engineered wood flooring, and repairing wooden floors
• Set Designers and Theatre Technicians: Constructing props, scenery, and stage elements
• Boat Builders and Marine Craftspeople: Working with timber in marine environments requiring waterproof bonds
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvements, furniture repairs, and hobby woodworking projects
• Model Makers: Precision assembly of wooden models and architectural maquettes

How to Choose the Right Wood Glue

Internal or External Use: For indoor projects in dry conditions, standard PVA adhesives provide excellent results. External applications or moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms and kitchens require weatherproof or D3/D4-rated adhesives. Polyurethane formulations offer the highest water resistance for outdoor furniture, decking accessories, and marine applications.

Setting Time Requirements: Consider your working method and project complexity. Fast-setting 5-minute adhesives suit quick repairs and small assemblies where speed is essential. Longer 30-45 minute open times benefit complex assemblies with multiple components, allowing proper alignment before the glue sets. Professional site work often demands faster setting times to maintain productivity.

Bond Strength Needed: General joinery and non-structural applications work well with standard PVA glues. Structural timber work, load-bearing joints, and demanding applications benefit from polyurethane adhesives which often develop stronger bonds than the timber itself. The Everbuild Lumberjack range offers professional-grade strength for heavy-duty applications.

Gap-Filling Properties: Precision-cut joints with tight tolerances suit standard PVA glues. If working with rough-sawn timber, recycled wood, or less-than-perfect joints, polyurethane adhesives expand to fill gaps up to several millimetres, ensuring solid bonds despite imperfect fits.

Application Format: Wood adhesives come in various formats including squeeze bottles for precise application, larger containers for high-volume use, and gel formulations that won't run on vertical surfaces. Consider your typical project scale and application method when selecting container sizes.

Popular Accessories

• Sash Clamps and G-Clamps: Essential for holding glued assemblies firmly whilst the adhesive cures
• Applicator Brushes and Spreaders: For even distribution of adhesive across large surface areas
• Mixing Containers: When working with two-part adhesives or diluting PVA for sealing
• Clamping Blocks: Protect timber surfaces from clamp marks and distribute pressure evenly
• Wax Paper or Polythene Sheet: Prevents glue squeeze-out from bonding to workbenches or clamps
• Damp Cloths and Scrapers: For removing excess adhesive before it fully cures
• Safety Gloves: Particularly important when handling polyurethane adhesives
• Dust Masks: For sanding operations after glue has cured

Safety Information

Always work in well-ventilated areas when using wood adhesives, particularly with polyurethane formulations which may release vapours during curing. Wear appropriate PPE including safety gloves when handling adhesives, as polyurethane products can be difficult to remove from skin and may cause irritation. Keep products away from children and store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.

PVA adhesives are generally low-hazard but should still be kept away from eyes and mouth. If contact occurs, rinse immediately with clean water. Follow COSHH guidelines when using wood adhesives in professional settings, and consult product safety data sheets for specific handling requirements. Ensure adequate clamping pressure to prevent workpieces from shifting during the curing period, which could create hazardous structural weaknesses in load-bearing applications.

Dispose of empty containers responsibly according to local authority guidelines. Avoid pouring excess adhesive down drains, as it may cause blockages once cured. Most wood glues have a limited shelf life once opened, so check expiry dates and storage recommendations to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between PVA and polyurethane wood glue?

PVA is a water-based adhesive ideal for internal woodworking, offering easy cleanup and good strength for non-structural applications. Polyurethane adhesive is waterproof, develops stronger bonds, and fills gaps better, making it suitable for external use and structural applications. However, polyurethane is harder to clean up and expands during curing, which may require experience to use effectively.

Can I use wood glue outdoors?

Only if it's specifically rated for exterior use. Look for products labelled as "weatherproof" or with D3/D4 moisture resistance ratings. Standard interior PVA will break down when exposed to moisture and weather. The Everbuild weatherproof range and polyurethane adhesives like the Lumberjack series are specifically formulated for outdoor applications.

How long should I clamp wood after gluing?

This depends on the adhesive type and ambient conditions. Most PVA glues require 30-60 minutes of clamping for initial strength, with full cure taking 24 hours. Fast-setting polyurethane adhesives may achieve handling strength in 30 minutes but still benefit from longer clamping for optimal results. Always check the manufacturer's instructions, as temperature and humidity affect curing times.

Why does my wood glue bottle clog up?

Adhesive residue around the nozzle dries and blocks the opening. Always wipe the nozzle clean after use and ensure the cap is tightly sealed. Store bottles upright to prevent adhesive from settling in the dispensing area. If a nozzle becomes blocked, remove it and soak in warm water (for PVA) or replace with a spare nozzle if available.

Can wood glue be sanded once dry?

Yes, most wood glues can be sanded after fully curing, though polyurethane adhesives may clog sandpaper more quickly than PVA. Remove any squeeze-out with a damp cloth before it fully cures for easier cleanup. When sanding glue lines, ensure the adhesive is completely cured (typically 24 hours) to achieve the best finish without gumming up your abrasive paper.