If you want to secure a board, you need something to hold it there. Nails are the traditional choice, but what if you don’t want to deal with sharp nails and hammers or don’t have the tools? Can you glue baseboards instead?
You can glue baseboards instead of nailing them. Depending on the project, it may even be better than using a hammer and nails. Whether it’s the best decision depends on what you’re trying to do and how you want to do it. Sometimes, both nails and glue are used.
In this article, I will discuss when it is appropriate to use glue on baseboards, how to properly glue baseboards, and some other information that you may find helpful. If you have a project planned and need to know what tools to use or how to properly go through the process, you’ve come to the right place.
Contents
Use Industrial Strength Glue on Baseboards
You can’t use just any arts and crafts glue for this. You need something tailored to your needs.
Even the strongest glue may have trouble adhering to some surfaces, and there is a possibility that the seal may deteriorate over time. When choosing a adhesive for any task, consider the environment in which you will be using it.
The most important thing is to find an industrial-grade adhesive that is specifically designed for the task and works well with the material you’re trying to hold. If you plan on installing something in a bathroom or another area that may be exposed to moisture, make sure the glue is also waterproof.
I would recommend Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive (available on Amazon.com) because it is affordable, waterproof, and works on many common household surfaces, including wood.
What Are the Drawbacks of Gluing a Baseboard?
When trying to glue something to an adhesive-resistant surface, it may not stay in place or may fall off later, so be cautious in such environments. Read the label of your adhesive to make sure you don’t need to know anything that could break it down, such as moisture or chemicals it may be exposed to. An unavoidable problem with these products is that they can do their job too well.
The main drawback of gluing a baseboard is how difficult it becomes to remove it if needed. This is usually not a problem as baseboards are meant to stay where they are attached, but if you’re concerned about removal, you should consider using nails.
This is not to say that you can’t use adhesive for something that may need to be removed in the future. Just be cautious that you may need a solvent to dissolve the adhesive seal, which means you may need to be able to access it.
Safety Risks of Gluing a Baseboard
Sharp nails and heavy hammers may seem more dangerous, but glue is not an entirely safe alternative. Practical risks are not the only things you need to consider, as safety is also a concern. Keep in mind that you’re not just dealing with school glue; this is industrial-grade and durable.
Here are some tips for handling glue safely:
- Read the label for ingredients and health risks before using. The adhesive is likely a chemical mixture; although it is usually harmless when used as intended, it’s still important to be aware of the ingredients in any chemical formula you use.
- Be careful not to get glue on yourself. If you get any on you, it’s likely not coming off for a while. Avoid touching anything with dried glue on it as you may get stuck and even injure yourself.
- Avoid using glue in confined spaces and take frequent breaks. This is necessary if your adhesive has strong fumes, so you don’t inhale too much of it. Similar to paint, it’s unlikely to hurt you in small amounts, but it could make you sick with too much exposure.
How to Glue a Baseboard
If you’ve read this far and glue is still your preferred choice, it’s a fairly straightforward process.
Consider wearing gloves to avoid getting glue on your hands and follow these tips:
- Break the seal when you’re ready to start. The glue container likely has a seal that needs to be broken open; this is to prevent it from drying out before you use it.
- Avoid using too much or too little glue on each board. Too much, and you may find it very difficult to ever remove the board later if necessary. On the other hand, it may not adhere properly if you use too little.
- Apply glue around the edges and in the middle of the baseboard. This is to ensure an even hold without weak spots.
- Apply glue to one baseboard at a time and place it in position immediately. Some industrial adhesives start drying within seconds, so you need to quickly apply the board after gluing. Be mindful of proper placement, as you likely won’t be able to move it anymore once it sets.
Other Ways to Secure a Baseboard
Glue is fast, convenient, and easy to use. However, it doesn’t work for everything and has some drawbacks. If you feel that industrial glue is not what you need or if you can’t find one that suits your project, you may be tempted to try something else.
Wood-safe caulk
Caulking is a decent alternative, but make sure the caulk is safe for use on wood and other surfaces you may need to adhere it to. Note that caulk may degrade faster than glue and may not create as durable a bond if used alone.
Nail gun or drill
If it’s the whole process of trying to hold a tiny nail in place while hammering that you object to, you might use a nail gun to remove the effort from the process. A drill could also work if you’re okay with using screws instead of nails. It’s also an option to use both glue and nails together if you want to be absolutely sure a board stays in place for as long as possible.
Conclusion
If you want to glue a baseboard, it is a perfectly acceptable alternative to nailing in many cases. You can even use both if you’re looking for extra security. Just remember that industrial glue is still a high-performance tool and should be respected just like anything else in your toolbox.
Sources
- SFGate: Attaching Baseboards to Walls With Nails & Adhesive
- DIYchatroom.com: Gluing New Baseboards to Walls?
- MedlinePlus: Household Glue Poisoning
- Home Depot: How to Install Baseboards