Why Your Glue Joints Are Failing

Why Your Glue Joints Are Failing

Wood glue is stronger than the wood itself—when applied correctly. If your joints keep opening up, something’s wrong with your process.

Dirty Surfaces

Glue bonds to wood fibers, not dust or oil. Machine surfaces immediately before gluing. Old surfaces develop oxidation that weakens bonds. Fresh cuts glue best.

Not Enough Glue

Starved joints fail. Apply glue to both surfaces. You should see slight squeeze-out along the entire joint. No squeeze-out means insufficient coverage.

Too Much Clamping Pressure

Counter-intuitive, but true. Crushing the glue out leaves insufficient adhesive in the joint. Moderate pressure—just enough to close gaps—works better than maximum force.

Not Enough Time

Remove clamps too early, and joints fail under stress. PVA glue needs at least an hour clamped, longer in cold or humid conditions. Overnight is safer.

The Right Glue

Titebond Original handles most indoor projects. Titebond III for outdoor exposure. Epoxy fills gaps. Match the glue to the application.

Fix these issues and your joints will outlast the furniture around them.