I'm building some Adirondack chairs using treated lumber, but I'm concerned about how to glue it effectively since it feels damp. Has anyone here experience with gluing treated lumber? What type of glue do you recommend—maybe a basic exterior wood glue or something else?
3 Answers
You need to remember that treated lumber is typically wet because of the chemicals used in the treatment process. If you insist on gluing, make sure it's completely dry first. Otherwise, I'd suggest opting for regular wood and then treating it yourself. It will be much lighter and easier to handle for chairs.
For gluing treated lumber, Titebond III is what I usually use. Just a heads up, it's important to let the boards dry out for a few days if they're damp before you glue them. Treating the lumber yourself can also be a good idea since treated wood tends to be heavier. And don’t forget to leave some gaps for expansion when assembling your chairs!
Honestly, using treated lumber for furniture isn't the best idea. It's designed for outdoor use and has chemicals like copper azole that can stain and are toxic to some extent. Personally, I wouldn't go for it for something that's going to come into regular contact with people.
I was thinking of going with a CNC for some precise cuts due to the design. The need for wide pieces is mainly to accommodate those designs. But I don’t want them to fall apart after a few uses!