What’s The Best Wood Glue?

If you're working on a DIY project involving wood then the chances are you're most likely going to be using glue. Unfortunately, choosing the right glue isn't as simple as nipping to your local hardware store and buying the bottle that says 'wood'. There's plenty of choice when it comes to 'wood glues' and it's imperative you pick the one that best suits your project. That's why we've created this convenient guide for choosing the right wood glue, because at Gorilla we want less head-scratching and more wood-working.  

PVA

You will have definitely heard of polyvinyl acetate glue, although probably under its more common street name ‘PVA’. Generally referred to as 'wood glue', polymer acetate is a colourless substance that can be found in adhesives. 

Doesn't sound like the most exciting of substances but what it may lack in sparkle it makes up for in effectiveness. Simply put, PVA is a go-to glue for all types of DIY projects. It's simple to apply, versatile so it can be used on hardwoods, softwoods and wood composites and is also water resistant meaning it's just as dependable outdoors as it is indoors. It also tends to dry a natural colour ensuring the bond remains less obvious to the naked eye. PVA glue is a must for all tool boxes. 

Polyurethane Glue

Another glue, another poly-something. At Gorilla we call this our Gorilla Glue Original. Easier for you to remember and easily one of the most versatile glues on the market. Polyurethane glues are activated by moisture and so require the wood to be slightly wet before application. Due to its fondness for moisture, it excels on outdoor projects. Polyurethanes also expand while setting making it ideal for irregular surfaces and those challenging end-grain to end-grain joints. 

Another big advantage polyurethane glue is the versatility we mentioned. Wood to wood; no problem. Wood to a lengthy list of other materials; no problem either. 

Epoxy

If you're looking for an incredibly strong wood to wood bond then epoxy glue is definitely worth considering. The two-part formula creates a heavy duty bond that is also renowned for being an excellent gap filler when dealing with soft and hardwoods.  A full cure will take up to 24 hours, so make sure you have the time to spare. 

Cyanoacrylate

Super glue is probably not the first glue you would necessarily think of when it comes to projects involving wood. However, it can actually prove quite handy for the smaller quick fix tasks such as repairing the edge of a side board for instance.