I Tested 5 Wood Glues for Cabinets: Here are the Best (2024)
Wood glue is an essential for any woodworker or DIYer. And I’ve gone through just about every wood glue there is through the years.
When it comes to cabinetry, using the right wood glue can make a huge difference. That’s why I put together this quick list of the best wood glue for cabinets so you can make the right decision. Let’s dig in!
In a hurry? The best wood glue for cabinets is Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue because of how strong and durable it is.
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- 9+ applications and 5+ hours of testing and analysis
Best Wood Glue for Cabinets
1. Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue – #1 Best Overall
I’ve been using Titebond wood glues for years now, and their Ultimate Wood Glue is the strongest on the market.
This is the best wood glue for cabinets because of how strong it is. It does dry a slightly darker color, so you’ll want to wipe away any excess glue after clamping but it’s hands down the best for the job.
This wood glue is also extremely water resistant so you don’t have to worry about excessive moisture content if you’re working on kitchen cabinets.
If you’re searching for a PVA wood glue that offers superior strength, water resistance, and durability – this is the best option.
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2. Gorilla Wood Glue – Runner Up
Another solid choice is Gorilla’s Wood Glue. It’s a classic PVA wood glue that’s similar to others, except in my experience, it’s a little stronger than Elmer’s Wood Glue.
This wood glue dries quicker than the Titebond mentioned above, and it dries a slightly yellowed color so it won’t be as noticeable if there is some seepage.
It’s adhesive strength is solid compared to most wood glues and it’s pretty affordable – making it my second choice.
If you’re looking for a PVA glue that’s decently strong, dries quickly, and works great with cabinets – this is another great choice. You can read my full Gorilla Wood Glue review for more info! You can also check out my Titebond vs Gorilla Wood Glue comparison if you need more help.
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3. Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood Glue – Value Pick
If you want a cheap but effective wood glue, go with Elmer’s Carpenter’s wood glue. This PVA wood glue is strong enough for most jobs, and it’s the most affordable I’ve come across – making it a decent pick.
It’s not as strong as the two wood glues mentioned above, but it’s still relatively strong and should be enough for your cabinets. It’s made with real wood fibers which can add strength when compared to some other options.
This wood glue can be found at almost any popular retailer, including many superstores making it a more convenient option if you need your glue immediately.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for the cheapest wood glue that’ll get the job done, this Elmer’s Wood Glue is for you. Otherwise, I’d recommend the Titebond III glue for your cabinets.
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What to Consider When Purchasing Wood Glue for Cabinets
Adhesive Strength
Obviously, strength is one of the most important considerations when choosing the right wood glue for your project.
The best wood glues will be strong enough to bond wood (and other surfaces) together for years to come.
Adhesive strength is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch.
In terms of strength by type of glue, the best wood glues are:
- Epoxy wood glue (3,000 to 4,000 PSI)
- Polyurethane glue (3,500 to 4,000 PSI)
- PVA glue (3,000 to 4,000 PSI)
- Cyanoacrylate glue (2,600 to 3,600 PSI)
However, the brand will also play a part in determining which is strongest.
Moisture Resistance
If you’re working specifically on kitchen cabinets, moisture resistance will come into play. Because kitchens tend to higher moisture levels than other areas of a home, you need a wood glue that can withstand some moisture.
When it comes to water resistance, PVA glues usually aren’t your best option. Instead, you’ll want to opt for an epoxy based or polyurethane wood glue.
Need more help finding the right glue for your project? Check out these best glues for laminating wood!
Drying Color
Drying color is another important consideration when picking the best wood glue for your job.
Wood glues dry different colors depending on the type of glue and brand.
For example, most PVA wood glues will dry a slightly off white color. However, other types can dry darker.
It’s important to wipe away any excess wood glue so it doesn’t show up on your cabinets when they’re done.
Drying Time
While this isn’t the most important factor, it’s something to take a look at. How long it takes wood glue to dry will depend on the type of glue and the conditions in which it’s applied.
In most cases, wood glue will start to dry within 15 minutes. It can take over 24 hours for it to fully cure once applied.
If you’re using an epoxy based wood glue, this can take over 3 days to fully cure.
Toxicity
While this might not mean much to some people, the toxicity of some wood glues should be considered. Most PVA glues are relatively safe, however there are some other types of wood glues that are more toxic – like polyurethane and epoxy glues.
Final Thoughts
There’s certainly no shortage of wood glues you’ll find, but some are better than others – especially when it comes to cabinetry.
I highly recommend Titebond III wood glue when it comes to cabinetry. It’s a strong and durable wood glue that’s perfect for cabinetry.
My second pick is Gorilla wood glue. It’s stronger than Elmer’s but not as strong as Titebond. It dries closer to white, which can be helpful.
My budget pick is Elmer’s wood glue. It’s a decent glue that’s affordable and easy to find.