I'm building portable mini golf courses and currently, I use screws to attach the sides, but I want a cleaner look. I'm considering switching to wood glue instead. I want to know if applying wood glue to the sides of 2x3s and attaching them to the edges of 3/4 inch plywood would be strong enough given that these get transported stacked on top of each other every week. Any insights on the strength of wood glue for this application would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
I’ve had good luck with Titebond Ultimate glue and would pair it with some trim head screws. They’re discreet and work well for things like this!
I also find Gorilla Ultimate glue works really well for durable projects.
If you're new to this kind of work, I'd suggest trying a technique where you create a small rabbet in the 2x3s. That way, you'll have more surface area to apply the glue, making the bond stronger. It's different from what most suggest, but worth considering!
I’ve used that method for cornhole boards, and it really helps hide the plywood edges.
That's a good idea! Plus, you can hide screws by coming up through the plywood.
Generally, a good glue joint on side grain is stronger than the wood itself. Just ensure you're not relying heavily on end grain for this type of bond. If you do decide to add screws later for extra strength, just make sure they’re countersunk so they sit flush!
You can also use dowels to reinforce your joints—just drill them in!
Attaching glue to the edge of plywood might not be the best long-term solution. If you can make the plywood a bit wider or adjust the design, it would allow you to glue the 2x3s on top. This would create a stronger joint, and any screws would be easier to install later.
You could definitely do a test mock-up to see how well the glue holds. It’s helpful to try it out before committing to the whole project!
I often forget that I can do this. This is a good reminder.
Thanks for that suggestion and link!