Wood Glue

About Wood Glue

Wood glue is an essential adhesive for professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts working with timber and wood-based materials. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of wood adhesives from trusted brands including Everbuild, Evo-Stik, and Gorilla, designed to deliver strong, durable bonds across diverse applications. Whether you're constructing furniture, installing joinery, or carrying out general carpentry repairs, selecting the right wood glue ensures professional results that stand the test of time.

Our wood glue selection includes several adhesive types formulated for specific working conditions. PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) glues remain the most popular choice for internal woodworking, offering excellent bonding strength and easy cleanup. For external projects or moisture-prone environments, weatherproof wood adhesives provide superior water resistance with D3/D4 ratings. Polyurethane wood adhesives deliver exceptional strength and gap-filling properties, making them ideal for structural applications and demanding professional use. Products are available in various setting times, from fast 5-minute formulations for rapid repairs to longer 30-45 minute versions allowing more assembly time.

Applications

• Joiners and Carpenters: Manufacturing and installing furniture, doors, staircases, and structural timber work
• Cabinet Makers: Constructing fine furniture, kitchen units, and bespoke cabinetry requiring precision joints
• General Builders: Fixing architraves, skirting boards, and timber elements during construction and renovation
• Flooring Specialists: Installing parquet, engineered wood flooring, and repairing wooden floors
• Shop Fitters: Installing retail fixtures, display units, and commercial joinery
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvements, furniture repairs, and hobby woodworking projects
• Boat Builders: Working with timber in marine environments requiring waterproof bonds

Choosing 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 require weatherproof or D3/D4-rated adhesives. Polyurethane formulations from the Everbuild Lumberjack range offer the highest water resistance for outdoor furniture and marine applications.

Setting Time Requirements: 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. Consider your working method and project complexity when selecting setting times.

Bond Strength and Gap-Filling: General joinery works well with standard PVA glues from MyToolShed.co.uk. Structural timber work and load-bearing joints benefit from polyurethane adhesives which develop bonds stronger than the timber itself. If working with rough-sawn timber or imperfect joints, polyurethane adhesives expand to fill gaps up to several millimetres, ensuring solid bonds despite less-than-perfect fits.

Safety Information

Always work in well-ventilated areas when using wood adhesives, particularly with polyurethane formulations. Wear appropriate PPE including safety gloves, as polyurethane products can be difficult to remove from skin and may cause irritation. PVA adhesives are generally low-hazard but should still be kept away from eyes. 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. Store products in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and keep away from children.

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 requires more careful handling and expands during curing.

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 are specifically formulated for outdoor applications.

How long should I clamp wood after gluing?

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.