If your DIY project involves gluing wood to concrete, this article is a must read. Don’t take chances by guessing which adhesive to use. Get the facts below for optimum results.
When attaching wood to concrete, don’t settle for ordinary glue. Use a high-quality construction adhesive that is formulated for this purpose. While most construction adhesives easily bond to wood, make sure to choose one that also lists concrete on the label.
Some types of construction adhesive are recommended for indoor applications and others for general purposes, including outdoors. If you are framing the walls of a new building, for example, use an exterior-grade adhesive that stands up to the weather and moisture that will be encountered until the building is closed in.
If the concrete surface is uneven, resulting in large gaps between the concrete and the wood, using an epoxy is a good option. Epoxy is a two-part adhesive. When the resin and hardener are mixed, the epoxy hardens into an extremely strong and rigid material. It will fill gaps better than ordinary adhesives and bonds to many materials.
Need the super strength and gap-filling properties of an epoxy? In this case we suggest Loctite Epoxy Instant Mix 5 Minute. Once the two components are mixed, this super adhesive will form a rigid bond in about 5 minutes. Epoxy Instant Mix 5 Minute bonds to wood, concrete, metal, fiberglass, and many rigid plastics. The epoxy won’t crack or shrink and is resistant to water and most solvents.
For small repairs, such as a piece of wood trim that has come loose from a concrete wall, reach for Loctite Extreme Glue No Drip Gel. This high-viscosity adhesive bonds to almost any material and is stout enough to fill gaps and handle harsh conditions. Perfect for repairs indoors or out. Extreme Gel is water and UV-light resistant and dries clear.
Gluing wood to concrete is a simple task once you have selected the right adhesive. Here are some tips for a successful bond:
- All surfaces should be clean. Scrape away any old adhesive, mortar, or other obstructions, and brush away any debris or dust.
- Make sure the pieces fit together correctly before applying the glue.
- Insert the glue cartridge into your sealant gun, cut the plastic nozzle, and puncture the foil seal inside.
- Apply a continuous bead of glue to one surface. Try to stay to the centre of the board being glued to achieve the strongest bond.
- Press the board firmly to the concrete surface. Ensure that it is positioned correctly.
- Allow the adhesive to fully cure. Brace the board if needed to keep it in solid contact with the concrete.
Follow the same process listed above to glue wood to a concrete floor. In this case, make sure to choose a water-resistant adhesive, since moisture can slowly penetrate concrete floors from the soil underneath. It may not be enough to notice, but a moisture-resistant product is recommended for greater durability and a longer-lasting bond.
If you are applying wood flooring to a concrete surface, use the adhesive recommended by the manufacturer and follow all directions.
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