There’s a lot of discussion on woodworking forums about how much weight wood glue can hold.
Some people say glue is very strong and can hold a lot of weight, while others claim that it’s not as durable and shouldn’t be used for projects that require a lot of strength.
So, what’s the truth? How much weight can wood glue hold? Well, let’s take a look at some of the research to find out.
How much weight can wood glue hold?
Wood glue is incredibly strong and can hold weights of up to 3,600 and 4,000 pounds per square inch. This makes it ideal for use in several applications where high strength is required, such as carpentry and joinery work.
It’s important to note that while wood glue is very strong, it is not designed to be used as a standalone structural element – it should always be used in conjunction with other materials to give you the best results.
Wood Strength Table
| Wood Name | Type | Strength (Shear parallel to grain) |
| Cedar (Nothern White) | Softwood | 850 psi |
| Pine (Sugar) | Softwood | 900 psi |
| Fir (Grand) | Softwood | 900 psi |
| Cedar (Western Red) | Softwood | 990 psi |
| Fir (California Red) | Softwood | 1040 psi |
| Pine (Western white) | Softwood | 1040 psi |
| Fir (Noble) | Softwood | 1050 psi |
| Helmock (Eastern) | Softwood | 1060 psi |
| Pine (Sugar) | Soft wood | 1130 psi |
| Pine (Penderosa) | Softwood | 1130 psi |
| Hemlock (Eastern) | Softwood | 1290 psi |
| Mahogany (African) | Hardwood | 1500 psi |
| Elm (American) | Hardwood | 1510 psi |
| Hemlock (Mountain) | Softwood | 1540 psi |
| Elm (Slippery) | Hardwood | 1630 psi |
| Maple (Bigleaf) | Hardwood | 1730 psi |
| Oak (Nothern Red) | Hardwood | 1780 psi |
| Maple (Red) | Hardwood | 1850 psi |
| Elm (Rock) | Hardwood | 1920 psi |
| Maple (Sugar) | Hardwood | 2330 psi |
| Hickory (Shagbark) | Hardwood | 2430 psi |
The Shagbark Hickory, with a maximum strength of 2,430 psi, is the most powerful or the strongest wood listed in the table. This timber is commonly used for axe handles and associated tools owing to its exceptional strength.
Northern White Cedar is the weakest of the cedars, with a maximum strength of 850 psi.
In general, we can conclude that softwoods appear weaker than hardwoods since hardwoods are generally denser than softwoods.
Type of Glues
Different types of glue are available for use, but it’s good to know the best wood glue for your specific project. This section explores different types of wood glues and their benefits and drawbacks.
Polyurethane Glue
Polyurethane glue is one of the strongest wood glues on the market.
It is waterproof and has high heat resistance, making it ideal for outdoor projects or projects often exposed to high temperatures.
However, polyurethane glue can be difficult to work with and can cause skin irritation.
Natural Protein Solutions
Natural protein solutions, such as hide glue or casein glue, are traditional woodworking adhesives.
They are not as strong as synthetic glues but are easier to use and less likely to cause skin irritation.
Two-part Epoxies
Two-part epoxies are extremely strong and durable, making them ideal for heavy-duty projects. However, they are also very difficult to use and can be very messy.
PVA
PVA, or polyvinyl acetate, is the most common type of wood glue. It is easy to use, clean up, and relatively strong.
However, PVA is not waterproof and is not as heat resistant as other types of glues.
When choosing wood glue, it is important to consider the strength, durability, and ease of use that you need for your project.
Glue Strength Table
| Name | Type | Strength |
| Gorilla all purpose epoxy stick | 2 Part Epoxy | 1550 psi |
| Titebond Quick and Thick | PVA | 3000 psi |
| Gorilla Epoxy | 2 Part Epoxy | 3300 psi |
| Titebond polyurethane | Polyurethane | 3510 psi |
| Titebond liquid hide | Natural protein solution | 3590 psi |
| Titebond Original | PVA | 3600 psi |
| Titebond II Premium | PVA | 3750 psi |
| Titebond II Premium Dark | PVA | 3750 psi |
| Titebond II Ultimate | PVA | 4000 psi |
| Gorillawaled | 2 Part Epoxy | 4250 psi |
Factors That Affect Wood Glue Strength
Several factors go into determining the strength of wood glue. Let’s look at some things that affect wood glue strength and discuss ways to get around them.
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Surface area of the glue joint
The surface area of the glue joint is a factor that affects the strength of the wood glue. The glue will have a stronger bond if the surface area is large.
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Type of wood
The type of wood can also affect the strength of the wood glue. Hardwoods will usually require a stronger bond than softwoods.
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Age of the wood
Older wood will typically be drier than newer wood, which can affect the strength of the wood glue.
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Condition of the wood
The condition of the wood can also affect how strong the wood glue bond is such that if the wood is cracked or splintered, it may not hold as well as if it were smooth.
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Temperature
In case the temperature is too cold, the glue will not set as well. Besides, the glue may become brittle and break if it is too hot.
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Humidity
For humidity, if the air is too dry, the glue will not set as well. If the air is too humid, the glue may become brittle and break.
7 Tips for working with wood glue
Wood glue is a powerful adhesive that can be used to bond together various materials. However, it’s important to use it correctly to get the best results.
Here are five tips for working with wood glue:
1. Choose the right type of glue.
The market is flooded with different wood glue, so choosing one that suits your specific project is important.
If you’re unsure which type of glue to use, ask a professional at your local hardware store for advice.
2. Read the instructions carefully.
Once you’ve selected the right type of glue, read the instructions carefully before using it. This will help you avoid any mistakes that could ruin your project.
3. Prepare the surface.
Before applying the glue, it’s important to prepare the surface by sanding it down and removing debris. This will help the glue adhere better and result in a stronger bond.
4. Apply the glue properly.
When applying the glue, use an even amount and spread it evenly over the surface. If you’re using a brush, dip it in water to avoid leaving streaks.
5. Allow enough time to dry.
Depending on the type of glue you’re using, it may take several hours or even overnight for it to completely dry.
It’s important to be patient and not try to hurry the process along, as this could weaken the bond or cause other problems.
FAQs
Should you use liquid nails or wood glue?
Comparing liquid nails vs wood glue, is not easy because they can both be used to join pieces of wood together. However, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Liquid nails are typically stronger than wood glue, making them ideal for joining wood pieces that will experience a lot of wear and tear. Liquid nails also cure quickly, so you won’t have to wait as long for your joint to dry. However, liquid nails can be more difficult to work with than wood glue, and they’re not as easily reversible if you make a mistake.
Wood glue, on the other hand, is much easier to use than liquid nails. It’s also more forgiving if you make a mistake, since you can simply soak the joint in water to break it.
When to use PVA wood glue?
PVA glue is a water-based adhesive that bonds paper and cardboard to wood and other craft projects. It dries clear and is non-toxic, making it a popular choice for many types of crafts.
When using PVA glue, always ensure the surfaces you are bonding are clean and dry. Apply the adhesive to both surfaces and press them together firmly. Hold the bond for a few seconds until the adhesive sets up. If needed, use clamps or weights to hold the bond in place while it dries.
Is Hot Melt Glue Strong Enough For Wooden Furniture?
Yes, hot melt glue guns can create strong joints on wooden furniture. While the initial bond may not be as strong as other adhesives, it will become stronger over time. Remember to roughen up the surface and use clamps to hold the pieces together while the glue dries.
Can Screws Make The Wood Joint Stronger?
No. While screws can help to hold two pieces of wood together, they aren’t necessarily the best option for making a strong joint. Wood glue is stronger than screws when it comes to joining wood. If you’re trying to create a strong joint, wood glue will be your best bet.
Is wood glue alone strong enough?
Under certain circumstances, wood glue can be strong enough without screws. Some woodworkers prefer to use wood glue as their only means of joining boards since screws can introduce weaknesses into the joint. It’s important to ensure that the mating surfaces are clean and free of sawdust or other debris.
How much weight does Gorilla Wood Glue hold?
Gorilla Wood Glue is an incredibly strong adhesive that can hold up to 30lbs. This makes it ideal for repairing furniture, crafts, and other woodworking projects. It is also water-resistant, so you can use it outdoors. Gorilla Wood Glue dries quickly and is easy to use, making it a great choice for any DIY project.
Is wood glue stronger than wood?
Wood glue does hold and, in most cases, will be stronger than the wood it joins together. The adhesive qualities of wood glue are due to polyvinyl acetate (PVA), a plastic mixed with a natural resin from trees. When the two substances are combined, they create a chemical reaction that forms a much harder bond than either substance could create on its own.
Conclusion
Wood glue is an incredibly versatile adhesive. It can be used to bond a wide variety of materials together, including wood, metal, and plastic.
In addition to its bonding capabilities, wood glue is also water-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use. Glue joints that are properly clamped and allowed to dry completely become strong and durable.
Comment below if you have any questions about using wood glue or share tips for getting the most out of this adhesive!