Titebond vs. Elmer’s Wood Glue: Which Is Better?


photo of a bottle of titebond PVA glue on its side next to a stick.

Wood glue is a workshop essential for woodworkers. Most projects you do will likely need to be glued up some. There are several brands and varieties on the market, but Titebond and Elmer’s are two of the most popular.

Titebond is arguably the better choice, although both Titebond and Elmer’s Wood Glue are tried and true. With its high waterproof rating, superior strength, and versatility, Titebond will be an ideal option for your woodworking projects.

In this article, we will further compare Titebond to Elmer’s Wood Glue. We will explain the pros and cons of both so you can feel confident in choosing the right adhesive for your next project.

At our Cucamonga Woodworking live online workshops we discuss bend and steaming wood at about the 5 minute mark of this video. You can also check out our other past workshops on Youtube Here(Link to Cucamonga Woodworking)

Titebond

When out looking for wood glue, one of the first things you will notice is the variety of adhesive types that the Titebond brand offers. This wide variety is perhaps one thing that sets Titebond apart from Elmer’s. You will be able to find a glue particular for whatever project you want to complete. 

If you choose to shop online, you will find a fun feature on Titebond’s website. When you get on to Titebond’s website and take a look through their product guide, you will quickly be asked many questions to determine which product will work best for your projects. The prompts will ask whether:

  • You are gluing wood-to-wood or wood to another material.
  • Your project is a workshop/craft or a professional project.
  • Your project is an interior or exterior project, and whether or not it will be exposed to water.
  • You will finally answer how long the set time for your project will be.

Depending on your answers, Titebond will recommend from their arsenal of products what specific glue will best suit your needs. From these questions alone, it is clear that there will be an option for most projects.

Pros of Using Titebond 

Below, find a list of other Titebond benefits. These benefits apply to nearly all of the products that will be recommended to you after filling out the prompts on the website that we discussed above.

Waterproof

Titebond wood glues are waterproof. And not only are these glues waterproof, but they have a special water-resistance rating that also declares them as able to handle high levels of humidity.

This sets Titebond apart significantly as most types of wood glue are water-resistant at best. Elmer’s does not have a high water-resistance rating, so this benefit alone may be enough to convince you that Titebond is the better option.

Low application temperature

A unique feature of Titebond wood glues is the low application temperature. This allows you to be able to use Titebond outside in cold, winter weather.

The ability to easily do work outdoors or in a setting where you can’t control the temperature and have the glue still perform just as effectively is a huge benefit. This benefit adds to the versatility of Titebond products.

FDA-approved

Titebond glues are FDA-Approved and non-toxic. This is another unique feature, as many types of wood glues on the market can not tout that they are non-toxic.

Being FDA-Approved means that Titebond is safe to use for any woodworking project with indirect food contacts like countertops, cutting boards, and knife holders. 

Extreme strength.

Perhaps the most important feature about Titebond glues is the superior strength. Titebond has always been well-known for its strong tack. This strength is tried and true, making Titebond a favorite for many craftsmen.

The resistance of the glue to water and other solvents and the ability to continue a stronghold after finishing make it a versatile glue, perfect for various woodworking projects.

Cons of Using Titebond

Most woodworkers are not going to find anything they dislike about Titebond. However, it is important to mention that the glue does not dry clear. Titebond is a yellowish color glue, and the color is still visible when dry.

Normally, wood glue is not visible when a project is finished between boards, which likely has a little negative effect.

When out shopping, you will notice that Titebond has a bit of a higher price tag. You will likely find yourself spending $4-$5 more than you would spend on Elmer’s. Many woodworkers are happy to pay this price for the higher quality glue. (You can check out the price on Amazon Here for Titebond products)

Elmer’s Wood Glue

When needing glue, Elmer’s is perhaps the first brand that comes to mind. Elmer’s Wood Glue is another good option, sharing some similar benefits to those of Titebond.

Elmer’s Wood Glue is a one-size-fits-all, and Elmer’s does not carry various types of wood glue for different types of projects. But this one-size-fits-all could perhaps be a benefit as you do not have to determine what specific glue is best.

Pros of Using Elmer’s Wood Glue

Below, find a list of the benefits of choosing Elmer’s Wood Glue. Some of the unique benefits you will read about include how Elmer’s dries are clear and the lower price point compared to other options on the market.

Extreme Strength

When needing glue with a stronghold, Elmer’s is a good option. It is designed to be stronger than wood and will work for most projects but does not necessarily have the same superior reputation as Titebond.

Nontoxic

Elmer’s Wood Glue is also a non-toxic option, setting it apart from other glues on the market. Being non-toxic means the glue is fume-free and easier to work with as you do not have to worry about wearing any gloves or protective face coverings. 

Dries clear

A unique benefit to Elmer’s is that it dries clear. Because of this, it is a favorite choice for hobbyists because it is easily paintable, allowing woodworkers and hobbyists to get creative and achieve their desired final product.

Affordable

Elmer’s Wood Glue has a lower price tag than Titebond and many other glue types you will find in the market. Perhaps a lower price tag will be enough for you to decide Elmer’s is the best option with many shared benefits. In addition to being affordable, Elmer’s is accessible, and with it being a large, well-known brand, it is very easy to find.

Cons of Using Elmer’s Wood Glue

Elmer’s Wood Glue does not have a high waterproof rating. If you are doing a project outdoors or coming in contact with water, it will be essential you choose a different wood glue. Also, if your project will be somewhere that is not climate-controlled and that could become humid, Elmer’s will likely not stand up well to the humidity.

Which Should You Choose?

Both Titebond and Elmer’s Wood Glue have several benefits. But the unique features of Titebond, including the superior strength, waterproof hold, and FDA-Approval, make it a favorite among most woodworkers(and Me).

Although Titebond remains a superior option if you are a hobbyist, it is important to note how easily sandable and paintable it is because of how the wood dries clear.

When doing a woodworking project, the wood glue is likely the lowest cost part of your project, so many woodworkers question why not spend a few extra dollars for higher performance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, both types of glue are tried and true. Carefully consider the glue’s application before your project and decide whether spending a bit more will be worth it for the quality of Titebond. Hopefully, this is helpful as you move forward with your woodworking projects.

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