Will Evo stick interior wood glue hold up to occasional outdoor use?

Question

I’m making a pine wood box that will be used outdoors from time to time, not all year round but may be exposed to some rain/moisture. I've used simple butt joints for the corners as it’s getting painted so wasn’t too worried about anything too fancy. I've placed two screws in each joint and by mistake picked up the wrong glue and ended up using Evo stick interior wood glue. Do you guys think it’ll still hold up? It’s to carry a few tools in, I don’t want it breaking apart first use! Cheers!

Answer 1

I think it will hold up as long as the screws are holding for sure. The glue will fail if your paint allows moisture through, but should last plenty of time as long as you keep a decent coat of paint on it.

Answer 2

I largely agree with you and UnhandledExcepSean, but... Make sure you paint the underside and entire inside as well. Even humidity or minor water intrusions can kill the glue's ability and longevity.

Answer 3

A note I see none of the other answers mention - while PVA glue is water soluble, it will also re-cure as it once again dries. If the joints are strong and tight, water intrusion is difficult (often in lutherie one must use steam because water just won't creep into the joints well if you've made your joinery perfect), couple that with a coat of paint, and the fact that you are probably strong enough with the screws alone, and I wouldn't be very concerned.

Also of note that if the box is a planter or something, you'll notice moisture creep through the paint from the constant exposure to moisture on the inside, and it will cause the sides to bow outwards, possibly destructively. Dovetails/joinery can help with this, but when wood wants to move, one way or another it will succeed in doing so.

Answer 4

For it to last longer, joints using motrice and tenon or dovetail were invented.

Much better at dealing with odd bits of moisture etc Those joints rely on the strength of the wood, not just a few screw threads.