Adhesives that bond, seal, and fill

Because exterior glues can't overcome poor workmanship, build your exterior projects with the same care as when building fine furniture. Make tight-fitting joints, work the glue while it's still wet, provide even clamping pressure over the entire joint, and allow adequate curing time. Most adhesive manufacturers recommend at least 24 hours of curing before putting stress on a joint. For a look at the latest outdoor adhesive in action, see the photo below.

No single glue can meet all your requirements, so determine how much moisture your project will be subjected to, the types of joinery you plan to use, and the level of bonding. Then consult the chart to pick a product suited to your needs. Note that adhesive sealants provide less bonding strength but offer great flexibility.