Glue Calculator - Wood Glue Coverage & Cost Calculator

Free glue calculator for accurate wood glue coverage and cost estimation. Calculate adhesive needed for joints, panels, and projects. Compare PVA glue, polyurethane, epoxy, and hide glue coverage rates. Determine glue consumption, prevent waste, and save money. Includes application techniques and joint-specific recommendations for furniture making and woodworking.

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

Joint Length

Joint Width

Number of Joints

Joint Type

Adhesive Specifications

Adhesive Type

Application Method

Coverage Rate

sq ft/gal

Waste Percentage

Environmental Conditions

Temperature

°F

Humidity

Additional Joints

Cost Analysis

Adhesive Cost

$ per qt

Supply Cost

$ per project

Adhesive Results

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

Wood Glue Selection & Application Guide

Proper glue selection and coverage ensures strong joints while minimizing waste. This guide covers adhesive types, coverage rates, and application techniques. Use our glue consumption calculator for accurate material requirements.

Adhesive Types & Coverage Rates

PVA Wood Glue (Edge Joints): 150-200 sq ft per gallon

Polyurethane Glue: 200-250 sq ft per gallon (expands)

Epoxy (Gap-Filling): 20-50 sq ft per quart

Hide Glue: 100-150 sq ft per gallon

Application Guidelines

Edge Joints: Thin even coat one surface, spread with brush/finger
Face Gluing: Roller application for uniform coverage
Mortise & Tenon: Apply to mortise walls, light coat on tenon
Squeeze-Out: Small bead indicates proper coverage

Working Time & Conditions

Glue Application Tips:

Temperature: 65-75°F ideal, avoid below 50°F
PVA Open Time: 10-15 minutes (5-8 min in hot weather)
Clamp Time: 30-60 minutes minimum, 24 hrs full cure
Storage: Keep glue above freezing, sealed tight

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.