Picking the right glue for cutting boards can quickly turn into a sticky situation. Glue can hold different materials together and even help reinforce weak wood that might break if not glued properly. However, not all glues are created equal. We’re here to keep you out of the woods when it comes to choosing the best glue for your cutting boards.
We took into account each glue’s bond strength, time, resistance, food safety, shelf-life, viscosity, flawless appearance, ease of use, water, mold and mildew resistance, strength, ease in cleaning, and toxic-free fumes.
Five of the best glues for five different categories were chosen: Editor’s Choice, Best Non-toxic Glue, Best Glue That is Safe for Food, Best Fast Dry, and Best Bond.
COMPARISON CHART
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1. Gorilla Wood Glue
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2. Elmer’s E7310 Carp Wood Glue Max
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3. TITEBOND 1 Gal Ultimate III Wood Glue
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4. DAP 00157 4 oz Rapid Fuse Fast Curing Wood Adhesive
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5. Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue, 8 oz
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1. Gorilla Wood Glue
Specification
| Item Volume | 8 fluid ounces |
| Full Cure Time | 24 hours |
| Color | White |
Gorilla wood glue is an easy-to-use, water-based adhesive. It requires a clamp time of only 20-30 minutes and fully cures in 24 hours, allowing you to complete projects quickly. This versatile glue passes ANSI/HPVA Type II water-resistance and is meant for indoor and outdoor use. You can also paint, sand or stain it.
Who is it for?
This glue works best for projects related to carpentry and indoor and outdoor woodworking. It’s ideal for use on hardwood, natural wood composite, and softwood.
WHAT WE LIKE
While this glue is meant to be used for wood, it can also be used for an MDF board, such as a dresser drawer. It’s also adaptable to extreme hot and cold temperatures, and it is great for indoor and outdoor use with several wood types.
PROS
- Strong wood bond.
- Indoor and outdoor use.
- Can paint, sand, and stain it.
CONS
- 24-hour curing time.
- Only works on wood.
- Clamping required.
2. Elmer’s E7310 Carp Wood Glue Max – Best Non-toxic Glue
Specification
| Item Volume | 1 fluid ounce |
| Full Cure Time | 24 hours |
| Color | Beige |
This beige wood glue is waterproof and stainable, meaning you can stain or paint it. It is weatherproof and best for indoor and outdoor use. With a cure time of 24 hours, this glue is built to last on any wood. It is also completely safe and non-toxic.
Who is it for?
Because of its non-toxicity, we recommend this wood glue for builders with pets and young children nearby.
WHAT WE LIKE
This glue is completely safe and non-toxic, which is why it made our list of the best non-toxic glue. It is also a simple clean-up with water and you can sand it. You can easily remove this product from your hands and clothes with thorough washing. And it has a quick clamping time.
The other cool thing about this glue is that it is resistant to moist environments and extreme hot or cold temperatures. It stops mildew, mold, and any other type of organism from growing.
PROS
- Easy water clean-up.
- Can paint, sand, and stain it.
- Non-toxic and safe.
CONS
- Only works on wood.
- Clamping required.
- Hard-to-use nozzle.
3. TITEBOND 1 Gal Ultimate III Wood Glue – Best Wood Glue That is Safe for Food
Specification
| Item Volume | 3784 Milliliters |
| Full Cure Time | 24 hours |
| Color | Tan |
This waterproof glue cleans up well with water. Its strength is unmatched and is great for indoor and outdoor use. No need to worry about stained, foamy hands, as this glue does neither of those things. It performs well on wood in temperatures as low as 47 degrees Fahrenheit.
Who is it for?
Because this glue can be used in lower temperatures, it is best for use by DIYers and tradesmen who work in cold conditions.
WHAT WE LIKE
The thing we like most about this glue is that it is safe for indirect food contact. Meaning, that you can use this kind of glue to craft items you would use in the kitchen or around your food, such as a knife holder or cutting boards.
PROS
- Water resistance.
- Can sand it.
- Non-toxic and safe for indirect food contact.
CONS
- Dries darker.
- Clamping required.
- Only works on wood.
4. DAP 00157 4 oz Rapid Fuse Fast Curing Wood Adhesive – Best Fast Dry
Specification
| Item Volume | 4 fluid ounces |
| Full Cure Time | 30 minutes |
| Color | Clear |
This versatile glue sets in 30 seconds and fully cures in 30 minutes. You’re given three minutes to reposition it before it starts to dry. It can be used on all wood types in addition to ceramics, concrete, fabric, glass, metal, porcelain, rubber, stone, and tile. It has a clear coat and doesn’t foam or drip.
Who is it for?
This product is best for anyone who wants to work on a glue project that doesn’t require only wood. It’s also best for those who want or need to work fast.
WHAT WE LIKE
Out of all of the glues we have reviewed in this article, this is the only one that completely cures in 30 minutes, which is why it gets our vote for best fast dry. It’s also the only glue that is meant to be used on most materials other than wood, which makes this glue a win in our book.
PROS
- Fast curing time.
- Can paint, sand, and stain it.
- Can reposition.
CONS
- Smelly adhesive.
- The glue hardens in the bottle over time.
- Limited quantity adhesive.
5. Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue, 8 oz. – Best Bond
Specification
| Item Volume | 237 Milliliters |
| Full Cure Time | 24 hours |
| Color | Tan |
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is a strong, safe, and easy-to-use wood glue and is water-resistant. It also offers an easy clean-up with water and it works great at 47 degrees Fahrenheit. Manufactured in the USA, Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue is also non-toxic and formaldehyde-free.
Who is it for?
This glue is best for anyone who wants to do indoor or outdoor woodworking.
WHAT WE LIKE
Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue tops our list as the best bond because of its durability. Another thing that makes it cool is that you can paint, sand, and stain it. The glue also passes the ANSI/HPVA Type II water resistance.
PROS
- Durable.
- Easy water clean-up.
- Water resistance.
CONS
- Clamping required.
- Dispenser clogs.
- Quick setting.
Conclusion
Gorilla wood glue is a very powerful adhesive that creates a strong bond. It’s even stronger than the traditional carpenter’s wood glue. So it’s no surprise that this versatile glue wins the best choice in our book. It’s easy to use, requires only 20-30 minutes of clamp time, and fully cures in 24 hours, allowing you to complete projects on the fly. It’s also waterproof, passing the ANSI/HPVA Type II water resistance. Use it indoors and outdoors and you can paint, sand, or stain it.
In addition to being flexible, this wood glue won’t crack or chip, which makes it a great choice for crafting items. It’s also long-lasting because unlike many other types of glue on the market, this one holds its strength over time and resists humidity.
Other Recommendations:
- Best Glue for MDF (Reviews and Comparison)
- Best Glue for Particle Board (Reviews and Comparison)
- Types of Burl Wood
- Best Wood Filler (Reviews and Comparison)
- Best Wood Burning Kits (Reviews and Comparison)
I am a woodworker with over 19 years of experience crafting everything from furniture to ornamental pieces. I take pride in my ability to bring out the beauty of the wood I work with, creating unique and lasting objects. My passion for woodworking has been a life-long pursuit and I strive to push myself further and further with each new project. I am dedicated to the craft and take great satisfaction in the final product that I create.Read More.
