To stick furniture together, you typically use adhesives specifically designed for wood and furniture construction, such as hide glue or marine grade epoxy resin glue.
Sticking furniture together usually involves applying an appropriate adhesive to the surfaces being joined and then holding them together until the glue cures. The choice of adhesive is crucial for a strong and lasting bond.
Popular Adhesives for Furniture
Several types of glue are suitable for furniture, each with its own properties and uses. Based on common practices and expert opinions:
- Hide Glue: This is a traditional animal-based glue. Enough people agree that hide glue is a good choice for their furniture that about half of the re-gluing we do is done with hide glue. Its popularity stems from its strong bond, ability to be reversed with heat and moisture (useful for repairs), and compatibility with wood finishes.
- Marine Grade Epoxy Resin Glue: This is a highly durable and water-resistant adhesive. Marine grade epoxy resin glue is also an excellent adhesive with a very long life expectancy. It provides a very strong, rigid bond and is suitable for applications where moisture resistance or extreme durability is needed.
Comparing Common Furniture Glues
Here's a quick look at the glues mentioned:
| Adhesive Type | Key Characteristics | Common Use Cases | Benefit Mentioned in Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hide Glue | Traditional, reversible with heat/moisture | New builds, repairs, re-gluing | Good choice for furniture; ~50% of re-gluing |
| Marine Grade Epoxy Resin | Strong, rigid, water-resistant, durable | High-stress joints, outdoor furniture | Excellent adhesive with very long life expectancy |
General Steps for Gluing Furniture
Regardless of the adhesive chosen, proper preparation and technique are essential:
- Prepare Surfaces: Ensure the surfaces to be joined are clean, dry, and fit together well. Remove old glue residue, dirt, or finish.
- Apply Adhesive: Apply the glue evenly to one or both surfaces according to the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid applying too much, as excess squeeze-out can be messy.
- Join Parts: Bring the furniture parts together immediately or within the adhesive's open time (the time before it starts to set).
- Clamp: Use clamps to hold the parts tightly and securely while the glue dries and cures. Proper clamping pressure ensures a strong bond.
- Clean Up: Wipe away any excess glue squeeze-out before it fully hardens.
- Cure: Allow the glue to cure completely according to the manufacturer's recommended time before removing clamps or putting stress on the joint.
Using the correct adhesive and following best practices for surface preparation and clamping are key to successfully sticking furniture together for lasting stability and strength.
