gluing wet wood

[Donna Reece]

I'm building some planter boxes for my deck I'm using cedar used for fencing from the BORG. I would love to get these done this weekend, but the wood is slightly wet. Can you edge glue wet wood? I'm using Titebond lll. Thanks

[Brian Goulet]

You're not going to want to use Titebond, it won't bond to wet wood since it's a water-based (PVA) glue. It's not good to use wet wood in general, but if you must, Polyurethane glues are the best, since moisture helps to cure the glue. Poly glues are GorillaGlue, Sumo glue, for some brand names. They're expensive, and they expand into a foam-like state when cured (about 4-hour curing time), but they're perfect for outdoor use and water resistance.

[Donna Reece]

Thanks! I decided to let the wood dry for a few days.It's mostly wet on the surface so I think it should be ready to go by next weekend!

[Brian Goulet]

If you do want to use polyurethane glue, it's actually good to wipe down the wood (if it's dry) with water at the joint, because the moisture will help cure the glue.