FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Drywall/wood to concrete glue

kyrral | Posted in Construction Techniques on September 16, 2016 05:10am

Basically what kind of big box glue will stick to concrete? I am building a ‘guest quarters’ in a basement in the mountains. We poured a stepped stemwall (2′ to about 6′) on three sides and then ran 2 x 4’s to the ceiling. Using greenboard can we glue the greenboard directly to the stemwall and finish off nailing to the 2/4’s?

On a separate problem I laid a small redwood walkway directly over concrete and glued it down with silicon a few years ago. Some boards are starting to detach. Can I reglue them using a different adhesive (wood to concrete)? Thanks ahead.

Reply

Replies

  1. DanH | Sep 16, 2016 05:31pm | #1

    "Liquid Nails" used to be the

    "Liquid Nails" used to be the go-to adhesive, if only because of the scantily-dressed gal on the label.  Haven't seen it around as much lately.  (Darn political correctness!)

    Basically, you want a "construction adhesive".  Something that comes in a caulk tube but isn't caulk.

    1. User avater
      coonass | Sep 18, 2016 02:11pm | #5

      Dan,

      The crew always called Liquid Nails "cowgirl". Even got the old guys at the yard calling it cowgirl. I miss the lady.

      KK

  2. calvin | Sep 17, 2016 07:09am | #2

    K

    My "go to" adhesive is PL Premium for most situations.  A quality urethane adhesive.

    Silicone has its purpose but I use it rarely as most everything else will have a problem sticking once it fails.

    For the drywall to concrete to just hold it firm, blobs of joint compound between dw and the concrete will work.

    1. DanH | Sep 17, 2016 08:00am | #3

      Yeah, Calvin makes a good point that silicone leaves a residue which makes it hard for other adhesives (or new silicone) to stick.  You must rough up the areas where the stuff was pretty well (simply scraping it off won't work), or apply the new glue to a different area.

  3. oops | Sep 17, 2016 01:15pm | #4

    DW compound?

    Calvin,  I would have thought that drywall compund would be at risk should there ever be a moisture problem on/thru the concrete.

    1. calvin | Sep 20, 2016 06:37pm | #6

      Oops

      Moisture that comes in from outside will most surely [JOBSITE WORD] up that drywall no matter the adhesive.  Even what used to be called MR or moisture resistant.

      as a remodeler I've had lasting luck with thick bag compound sticking for a long time on sound block or concrete.  I have seen squiggles of most any tube adhesive give up after a while on even dry interior masonry.

      funny, they don't mention proper adhesive applying on the tube.  If a person goes to the manufacturer site and digs, we find a whole lot more info.

      Still, an onsite look-see would be my first step for specific advice.  I gotta remember that........

  4. finefinish | Sep 20, 2016 11:08pm | #7

    Hi there,

          I agree with the other guys.  Construction adhesive for the board inside. Although I would recommend strapping those concrete walls first, then attaching the board to the strapping.  It is easier and leaves a little room for insulation and a wire chase.  Even better is a whole 2"x4" wall in front of the foundation wall.  If you must glue directly to the masonry, then PL is the way to go.  For outside 3M 5200 is unbelievable - totally permanent and waterproof. Good luck.  

    1. kyrral | Sep 26, 2016 04:10pm | #8

      PL Premium

      Is this a brand name thats available at big boxes?

      1. calvin | Sep 27, 2016 09:16am | #9

        K

        Yes, PL Premium urethane adhesiveis available at the boxes as well as many quality building supply stores.

        often in both large and small tubes.

        being urethane, not always easy to work with.  If on your hands you can count on a dark residue that may last for a couple washings.  Don't plan to go out to eat at a place with some ambiance that evening.

        also, often the tube will keep spewing after the trigger is released.  A spike stuffed into the end with a knob of paper towel on the head and propped against something will limit the loss and mess.  When the spike drys in the tube, you usually can pull it out with the claw of a hammer, but try to use soon after opening.

        Remove from caulk gun so any oozing out the back doesn't permanently glue the tube to the gun.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Putting Drywall Sanders to the Test: Power, Precision, and Dust Control

A pro painter evaluates a variety of drywall sanders and dust collection systems for quality of finish, user fatigue, and more.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • The Trump Administration Wants to Eliminate the Energy Star Program
  • Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Patching Drywall Near a Shower
  • The Unabashed Maximalist

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in