Adhesives for Outdoors

As spring approaches, I am getting the most common question...what adhesive do I use for my outdoor projects??? You really have to know the answer to this or your project will get ruined.

First of all, it doesn't matter what glue you use if you use the wrong base. Remember that when wood gets wet, it can warp. Once it warps, your tiles will pop right off. Your best surfaces for outdoors include cement board (hardibacker), glass, and concrete. I have used wood outdoors with good results though. You have to make sure to completely seal it (that includes the bottom) and don't put it directly in the weather.

Now for adhesives...
Thin set mortar is by far the best adhesive for outdoors. It is basically concrete. You don't have to worry about water getting to your glue and causing it to loosen. Once thin set is dry it is hard as a rock. The bad thing is that thin set won't adhere to glass. It has to be applied to a porous material such as concrete. This is by far the best adhesive for your stepping stones!

If you want to do a glass vase (or even a terra cotta pot), then I recommend Liquid Nails. This stuff can stick to almost anything but works especially well on glass. I do not recommend the clear Liquid Nails. The only kind that I have good experience with is Liquid Nails for Small Household Projects. It is a putty color so you don't want to use it with clear tiles. The great thing about this stuff is that it sets up quickly so you don't have to deal with your tiles sliding down the side of your vase.

If your heart is set on using transparent tiles then you will have to try silicone. Just look for the kind that is good for use in a shower or bath. I don't like using silicone since it is so stringy but it might work well for you.