Cedar is beautiful, smells amazing, and is naturally resistant to rot and insects. But even cedar can crack, split, or get damaged over time. When that happens, you need a good glue to make the repair. Not all glues are created equal, especially when it comes to cedar. Some don’t bond well, while others can damage the wood. I’ve used a bunch of different glues on my cedar projects over the years, and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Here are my top picks for the best glues to use when repairing cedar boards.
Product Overview: Quick Summary
- Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue: Best overall, waterproof, long open time.
- Gorilla Wood Glue: Great strength, fast setting, ideal for indoor use.
- Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive: Strongest hold, gap-filling, suitable for outdoor projects.
- West System G/5 Two-Part Epoxy: Excellent for filling gaps, structural repairs, marine environments.
- Starbond EM-150 Medium Premium Cyanoacrylate (CA) Glue: Quick repairs, fine woodworking, precise applications.
Top 5 Best Glue For Repairing Cedar Boards
1. Titebond III Ultimate Wood Glue
Titebond III is a fantastic all-around wood glue. It’s waterproof, so you can use it for both indoor and outdoor projects. Plus, it has a long open time, which means you have more time to position your pieces perfectly before the glue sets. I’ve used Titebond III on everything from cedar planters to outdoor furniture, and it’s never let me down.
Pros:
- ✅ Waterproof formula for indoor and outdoor use
- ✅ Long open time allows for precise adjustments
- ✅ Strong initial tack helps hold pieces in place
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit messy to work with
- ❌ Requires clamping for optimal strength
- ❌ Slightly longer curing time compared to some other glues
Verdict: Titebond III is the best overall choice for most cedar repairs. Its waterproof properties and long open time make it versatile and easy to use.
2. Gorilla Wood Glue
Gorilla Wood Glue is known for its incredible strength. It dries quickly and creates a really strong bond. I used it once to repair a cedar fence post that had split, and it held up like a champ. It’s primarily designed for indoor use, but it can tolerate some moisture exposure.
Pros:
- ✅ Provides a very strong and durable bond
- ✅ Dries quickly, speeding up project completion
- ✅ Easy to sand once cured
Cons:
- ❌ Not fully waterproof, so best for indoor projects
- ❌ Shorter open time, so you need to work quickly
- ❌ Can expand slightly as it dries, which might require extra cleanup
Verdict: Gorilla Wood Glue is a great option when you need a strong, fast-drying glue, especially for indoor cedar projects.
3. Loctite PL Premium Polyurethane Construction Adhesive
Loctite PL Premium is a construction adhesive that provides an incredibly strong and permanent bond. It’s a polyurethane-based adhesive, meaning it’s waterproof and can fill gaps. I used it to glue cedar trim to my house, and it’s held up through rain, snow, and sun. It expands slightly as it cures, so be sure to clamp your pieces tightly.
Pros:
- ✅ Extremely strong and durable bond
- ✅ Waterproof and suitable for outdoor use
- ✅ Can fill gaps and irregularities in the wood
Cons:
- ❌ Can be difficult to apply neatly
- ❌ Requires a longer curing time
- ❌ Can expand during curing, requiring careful clamping
Verdict: Loctite PL Premium is the best choice when you need the strongest possible bond, particularly for outdoor or structural cedar repairs.
4. West System G/5 Two-Part Epoxy
West System G/5 Epoxy is a two-part epoxy system that’s incredibly strong and durable. It’s also waterproof, making it perfect for marine environments or any cedar project that will be exposed to the elements. I’ve used it to repair cedar canoes, and it creates a bond that’s stronger than the wood itself. It’s a bit more involved to use since you have to mix the two parts, but the results are worth it.
Pros:
- ✅ Creates an exceptionally strong and waterproof bond
- ✅ Excellent for filling gaps and reinforcing joints
- ✅ Can be used in marine and other harsh environments
Cons:
- ❌ Requires precise mixing of two components
- ❌ Longer curing time compared to other glues
- ❌ Can be more expensive than other options
Verdict: West System G/5 Epoxy is the ideal choice for structural cedar repairs or projects that need to withstand extreme conditions.
5. Starbond EM-150 Medium Premium Cyanoacrylate (CA) Glue
Starbond EM-150 is a medium-viscosity CA glue, also known as super glue. It’s perfect for quick repairs and fine woodworking. I often use it for small cedar projects where I need a fast-setting glue. It’s not as strong as some of the other options, but it’s great for holding pieces together while other glues cure.
Pros:
- ✅ Dries almost instantly
- ✅ Ideal for small repairs and fine woodworking
- ✅ Available in various viscosities for different applications
Cons:
- ❌ Not as strong as other wood glues
- ❌ Can be brittle and prone to cracking under stress
- ❌ Bonds skin very quickly, so be careful
Verdict: Starbond EM-150 is best for quick fixes and small cedar projects where speed is more important than ultimate strength.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right glue for your cedar repair project depends on a few factors. Here are some things to consider:
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: If your project will be exposed to the elements, you need a waterproof glue like Titebond III, Loctite PL Premium, or West System G/5 Epoxy.
- Strength: For structural repairs or projects that need to withstand heavy use, choose a strong glue like Loctite PL Premium or West System G/5 Epoxy.
- Curing Time: If you need a quick fix, CA glue like Starbond EM-150 is your best bet. Otherwise, be prepared to wait for the glue to fully cure.
- Gap Filling: If you’re working with uneven surfaces, a gap-filling adhesive like Loctite PL Premium or West System G/5 Epoxy can be a lifesaver.
- Application: Consider how easy the glue is to apply. Some glues, like CA glue, are very thin and can be messy. Others, like construction adhesive, require a caulking gun.
FAQs
What is the best way to prepare cedar before gluing?
Make sure the cedar is clean, dry, and free of any dust or debris. You can lightly sand the surface to improve adhesion.
Can I use regular super glue on cedar?
Regular super glue (cyanoacrylate) can work for small, quick repairs. However, it’s not as strong or durable as wood-specific glues.
How long should I clamp cedar after gluing?
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for clamping time. Generally, 24 hours is sufficient for most wood glues.
Is epoxy better than wood glue for cedar?
Epoxy is generally stronger and more waterproof than wood glue, making it a good choice for structural repairs or outdoor projects. Wood glue is easier to work with and is suitable for most indoor applications.
Conclusion
Repairing cedar doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right glue, you can fix cracks, splits, and other damage with confidence. Whether you need a waterproof solution for outdoor furniture or a quick fix for a small project, there’s a glue on this list that will get the job done. I hope this guide helps you choose the best glue for your next cedar repair project!
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