Can You Use Gorilla Glue To Install Butcher Block Countertops?

Butcher block countertops are popular for their durability and affordability — not to mention the rustic warmth they bring to a kitchen. There are some things to know before you buy butcher block countertops, but the ease of installation is one of their major pros — you can even use common household materials like Gorilla Glue to install this material. This may be a DIY-friendly project, but Bob Beacham, House Digest's expert carpenter and remodeler, does have a few words of wisdom to help ensure your project goes smoothly.

The first thing to know is that not all Gorilla Glue is the same. "There are several Gorilla Glues, so be careful. The original polyurethane Gorilla Glue is a very good choice," said Beacham, in an exclusive interview with House Digest. It is strong, waterproof, and non-toxic when dry — all qualities you will want in an area that is likely to get wet and come into contact with food. On the other hand, he noted, "The fumes are unpleasant and can cause irritation to [the] eyes and nose." So be sure to work in a well-ventilated area if you go this route. Now that you know Gorilla Glue can work, let's get into Beacham's installation tips and his thoughts about alternative products that might be an even better choice for joining butcher block joints.

Let's be honest, glue is a pretty straight forward product that we learn how to use in kindergarten, but gluing two butcher blocks together is a bit more complex than glitter and construction paper. So, to get the best results, Bob Beacham reminds to follow a few key tips. For instance, Gorilla Glue is water-activated, so it's important to follow instructions and dampen the ends of the butcher block to be joined, and then apply the glue to both sides. Additionally, his exclusive advice for House Digest readers is that Gorilla Glue is "very difficult to clean off excess once dry, so do it while you work."

Another important step in joining your butcher block is clamping the butcher blocks together for several hours while the glue sets. Still, Beacham said, "Clamping isn't really practical when joining two long butcher blocks together. Who has clamps that long?" Instead, he suggests using pocket holes and screws under the countertop to hold the two pieces tight together while the glue dries. If you're new to pocket screws, learn how to make the perfect pocket holes for any DIY project.

Of course, Gorilla Glue is just one option. If you want another glue, Bob Beacham shared in his exclusive interview with House Digest that there's an option that will work just as well, if not better. "Titebond III is another good choice," he said. "Personally, my favorite wood glue." He says it has all the pros of Gorilla Glue, but he thinks it's easier to clean up as it does not dry as fast. "That could be a con, but also a pro, as it gives you longer to work," he added. The application is just as easy and does not require water to activate. And if you just spent a bunch of time learning how to seal your butcher block countertops to protect them, you may be hesitant to immediately dampen the wood.

Either of these glues will work to help seal the joint, but Beacham reiterates that it's important not to just rely on glue. "If you try to just glue two butcher blocks together without some kind of clamping pressure, the joint will be weak," he said. He adds that aligning them perfectly may be difficult without extra help, so he suggests biscuits, dowels, or the aforementioned pocket holes to add in more strength. He also recommends countertop fasteners like the Renugaley Countertop Fasteners, which he has used successfully in the past.