Glue wood to concrete: Adhesives for a permanent bond

You may have wondered if wood can be glued to concrete. The answer is yes, but you must use a suitable adhesive to avoid the possibility of the bond failing. Wood and concrete each have unique properties, and bonding the two takes the right type of glue.

A professional-grade construction adhesive that lists wood and concrete compatibility on the label is your best bet. LePage PL Premium Max is an excellent go-to when you must glue wood to concrete. Premium Max is one of the strongest construction adhesives available and is ideal for interior and exterior applications.  

Choosing the best adhesive to glue wood to concrete also involves considering the conditions and load the joint must stand up to. Look for adhesives designed for your specific project.

For example, if you want to glue wood to a concrete floor, the adhesive should be designed for a wide temperature range, and it must also be resistant to moisture. LePage PL 400 Subfloor & Deck Adhesive is just such an adhesive, designed for wood, plywood, concrete, and all types of weather.

In another case, a very strong, gap-filling adhesive may be required to attach wood to a concrete wall. This can be challenging if the surfaces do not meet tightly. LePage Epoxy Gel would be the choice here. This two-part adhesive forms a high-strength bond in just 6 minutes. It won’t shrink and is resistant to moisture and most solvents.

When selecting a glue, be sure to read the adhesive product labels to find the best match.

Once you have decided on a particular adhesive, it’s time to get to work. Here are the steps to successfully attach wood to concrete using adhesive.

1. Clean the area and materials to be bonded of any dirt, dust, or residue.
2. Pre-fit pieces and make sure you know exactly how to place them.
3. Cover finished surfaces to protect them from the glue if necessary.
4. Insert the adhesive tube into a caulk gun, cut the tip at a 45° angle, and puncture the foil seal inside the tube.
5. Dispense adhesive to one surface in even “strips”. Avoid placing adhesive too close to the edge; you don’t want it to squeeze out when the parts are joined.
6. Press the wood to the concrete and brace if necessary to ensure solid contact. You should have between 15–20 minutes to adjust if needed.
7. Allow the adhesive to fully cure before using the item or putting it under stress. See the product label for detailed curing times and conditions.