How to Glue Heat Treated Lumber
Treated lumber is injected with timber and contains chemical preservatives that prevent fungi decay, insects, microorganisms, and elements from weather destroying the surface. The chemicals lie deep in the cellular structure of the wood in a closed cylinder that is under pressure. However, gluing treated lumber can be a challenge because treated wood has moisture and it needs to be removed before gluing.
Supplies:
- Blow dryer
- Clamp
- Paper towels or rags
- Gorilla glue or two-part epoxy glue
- Sandpaper that is medium to fine grit
- Flat surface or workbench
- Gloves
- Waterproof wood sealant
- Face mask
- Put the treated lumber that needs to be glued in a garage or enclosed area. The area shouldn’t have any humidity and be dry. Don’t place wood outside unless it’s during the day and directly in sunlight.
- Use a blow dryer or another heat source and begin to dry the wood from one end to the next. Be sure to hold the heat source very close to the surface and move it slowly.
- Put the wood in an enclosed area and let the finish dry for at least three days.
- Sand the places where glue will be needed with a medium to fine sandpaper.
- Get rid of sand dust with a clean rag or towel after the sanding is done. Be sure the surface is smooth.
- Put the two pieces of wood you need to glue on a flat surface or a workbench.
- Take the Gorilla glue and open it up. Or if you are using two-part epoxy glue, mix it together according to the directions. Put the two-part epoxy glue on both ends of the wood. Be sure to press the wood together and wipe away any glue left over. For Gorilla glue, dampen the ends of the wood you are going to glue before applying it. You can use a paper towel and put on enough water to make the surface damp.
- Use a clamp and press the wood tightly. Wipe away any glue that is leftover. When using Gorilla glue, let the glue stand for a minimum of four hours for a small joint. For joining larger portions, let the glue stand for at least four days. To be safe, let the glued pieces cure for a minimum of four days. Wood will expand, so be sure the area around it is dry. The longer the glue cures, the better the bond will turn out.
- Do the same procedure to the other joints that need to be glued. You should glue all of the pieces at one time so the cure time is the same.
- Seal the areas that are glued with a waterproof sealer if you are going to put the wood outdoors.