Glue Consumption Calculator

Professional adhesive calculator for woodworking and construction projects. Calculate PVA, polyurethane, epoxy, hide glue, CA glue, and construction adhesive requirements with joint analysis and application guidance.

Multiple Adhesives Joint Analysis Coverage Calculator Cost Estimation

⚠️ ADHESIVE APPLICATION SAFETY NOTICE

Adhesive application requires proper ventilation, protective equipment, and controlled environmental conditions. Always follow manufacturer's safety guidelines and ensure adequate workspace preparation for optimal bonding results.

Project Specifications

Joint Dimensions

Adhesive Specifications

sq ft/gal
%

Environmental Conditions

°F
%

Additional Joints

Cost Analysis

$ per qt
$ per project

Adhesive Results

Enter joint dimensions and adhesive specifications to calculate your glue consumption requirements and application timeline.

Adhesive Types Guide

PVA glue for general woodworking, polyurethane for outdoor projects, epoxy for gap-filling, hide glue for traditional work, CA glue for quick repairs, and construction adhesive for heavy-duty applications.

Joint Types

Different joints require different glue amounts. Edge joints need thin application, mortise & tenon require gap-filling, and dovetails need precise application for clean appearance.

Environmental Factors

Temperature and humidity affect curing time and bond strength. Ideal conditions are 65-75°F with 40-50% humidity for most adhesives.

Curing & Working Time

Open time varies by adhesive type. PVA has 10-15 minutes, polyurethane 20-30 minutes, epoxy varies by formulation. Plan accordingly for complex assemblies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculate the total glue line area (length × width of each joint), consider the joint type and adhesive coverage rate, and add 15-20% for waste. Different adhesives have varying coverage rates and application requirements.

PVA glue is water-based, dries clear, and is easy to clean up but not waterproof. Polyurethane glue is waterproof, expands slightly while curing, and bonds to more materials but requires moisture to cure and is harder to clean.

Apply enough glue to cover the entire surface with a thin, even layer. You should see slight squeeze-out when clamped - too little won't bond properly, too much creates mess and weak joints from thick glue lines.

High humidity slows PVA curing but helps polyurethane. Low humidity speeds PVA but may prevent polyurethane from curing. High temperature speeds curing but reduces open time. Ideal conditions are 65-75°F with 40-50% humidity.

Brush for PVA and hide glue, squeeze bottle for precise application, roller for large surfaces, caulk gun for construction adhesive, and spreader for even coverage on panels. Choose based on viscosity and project requirements.

PVA glue: 30 minutes to 1 hour, Polyurethane: 1-2 hours, Epoxy: varies by formulation (15 minutes to 24 hours), Hide glue: 1-2 hours, CA glue: seconds to minutes. Always check manufacturer recommendations.