UK Construction Adhesive Types Guide
PVA, grab adhesive, contact adhesive, epoxy, construction adhesive and tile adhesive with uses, cure times and working temperatures.
Construction Adhesive Types
| Type | Bond Strength | Gap Filling | Cure Time | Min. Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVA (white/yellow) | High (clamped) | Poor | 1–24 hours | 5°C |
| PVA (D3/D4 water-resistant) | High (clamped) | Poor | 1–24 hours | 5°C |
| Grab adhesive | Medium | Good (up to 10 mm) | 24–48 hours | 5°C |
| Contact adhesive | Medium | None (both surfaces) | Instant bond on contact | 15°C |
| Epoxy (5-minute) | High | Excellent | 5 min set, 1 hr cure | 10°C |
| Epoxy (slow cure) | Very high | Excellent | 4–24 hrs | 10°C |
| Polyurethane (PU glue) | High | Good (foams to fill) | 4–24 hours | 5°C |
| Construction adhesive (hybrid) | High | Good | 24–48 hours | 5°C |
| Spray adhesive | Low–medium | None | Seconds–minutes | 15°C |
Application Guide
| Application | Best Adhesive | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood-to-wood joinery | PVA wood glue | Clamp for 30-60 mins, full cure 24 hrs |
| Skirting / architrave to wall | Grab adhesive + pins | Grab holds while pins secure |
| Coving to wall/ceiling | Coving adhesive or grab | Purpose-made coving adhesive is best |
| Worktop laminate | Contact adhesive | Apply to both surfaces, let flash off, press together |
| Metal to concrete | Epoxy or hybrid | Surface must be clean, dry, dust-free |
| Polystyrene insulation to walls | Dot-and-dab adhesive or EWI adhesive | Solvent-based adhesives melt polystyrene |
| Plasterboard to wall (dot and dab) | Gyproc Dri-Wall adhesive | Purpose-made gypsum-based adhesive |
| Floor tiles | Flexible tile adhesive (C2 S1) | See Tile Adhesive Coverage guide |
| Exterior wood (wet conditions) | PU wood glue (D4) or epoxy | PU foams slightly — clamp firmly |
PVA Glue Classifications (BS EN 204)
| Class | Durability | Use |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Interior only | Furniture, interior joinery |
| D2 | Interior, occasional moisture | Kitchens, bathrooms (not submerged) |
| D3 | Interior, frequent moisture / exterior sheltered | Windows, exterior joinery (sheltered) |
| D4 | Exterior, fully exposed | External joinery, garden furniture |
Related Calculators
See the Sealant Types for sealing applications, or the Tile Adhesive Coverage for tiling adhesives.
How We Calculate This
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: April 2026
All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.