UK Construction Adhesive Types Guide

For interior wood-to-wood joints, PVA wood glue (white or yellow) is the standard choice — it is cheap, strong when clamped, and dries clear. For exterior or high-moisture joints, use D3 or D4 rated PVA (water-resistant) or polyurethane wood glue (e.g. Gorilla Glue). For structural timber connections, use a structural adhesive like an epoxy or polyurethane that meets the required British Standard.

Grab adhesive (e.g. Gripfill, No More Nails, Sticks Like) is a thick, gap-filling adhesive that provides instant "grab" — it holds materials in place without clamping. Use it for fixing skirting boards, dado rails, coving, panels, worktop upstands, and light fixtures to walls. It is not a structural adhesive and should not be relied upon for load-bearing connections without mechanical fixings.

Epoxy (two-part resin + hardener) provides the strongest bond and fills gaps well. Use it for: bonding different materials (metal to wood, concrete to metal), repairing broken stone or concrete, structural bonding, bonding in wet or underwater conditions (with marine epoxy), and high-strength applications. Standard 5-minute epoxy is convenient but weaker; slow-cure (24-hour) epoxy gives the strongest bond.

Most construction adhesives require a minimum of 5°C for application and curing. Below this, cure times extend dramatically and bond strength may be compromised. PVA should not be used below 5°C — it can freeze and the bond will fail. Epoxy also slows significantly in cold conditions. Some grab adhesives and polyurethane adhesives can work down to 0°C. Always check the product datasheet.