Concrete is one of the strongest construction materials available, but bonding to it isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re repairing cracked concrete, fixing metal brackets to a concrete wall, installing expansion joints, or attaching timber, choosing the best adhesive for concrete is essential for a durable, long-lasting bond.
Some applications require a rigid structural adhesive capable of carrying heavy loads, while others need a flexible product that can absorb movement without cracking. Using the wrong adhesive can lead to joint failure, water ingress or costly repairs. If your project involves bonding concrete to metal, our guide on the strongest glue for metal explains which structural adhesives perform best under heavy loads.
In this guide, we’ll compare the best adhesives for concrete, explain when to use each product, and help you choose the right solution for your project.
For further guidance on concrete durability and repair, the Concrete Society provides excellent technical information on concrete performance, maintenance and construction best practices.
Quick Answer: Best Adhesive for Concrete
Choosing the best adhesive for concrete depends on whether you need structural strength, flexibility or weather resistance. The best adhesive will vary depending on the materials being bonded and the conditions the joint will face.
| Application | Recommended Product |
|---|---|
| Expansion joints | Arbothane 1245 |
| Concrete movement joints | Arbomeric MP20 |
| Bonding metal to concrete | Permabond ET500 |
| Concrete to timber | HB42 Ultimate |
| Concrete to plastic | HB42 or Plexus MA310 |
| Heavy-duty structural fixing | Plexus MA310 |
| Fast structural bonding | Plexus MA300 |
| Industrial concrete assemblies | Permabond TA4204 / TA4205 |
Concrete Adhesive Comparison Chart
| Product | Type | Flexible | Structural | Exterior Use | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arbothane 1245 | Polyurethane Sealant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | ✅ | Expansion joints, precast panels, concrete movement joints |
| Arbomeric MP20 | Acrylic Joint Sealant | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ | ✅ | Concrete floors, masonry joints, brickwork |
| HB42 Ultimate | Hybrid Polymer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Concrete to timber, metal, plastics, signs |
| Permabond ET500 | Epoxy | ⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Concrete to metal, structural repairs |
| Plexus MA300 | MMA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Fast structural bonding to metal |
| Plexus MA310 | MMA | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Heavy-duty concrete assemblies to metal |
| Permabond TA4204 / TA4205 | Structural Acrylic | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ | Industrial assemblies and brackets (concrete to metal) |
What Makes a Good Concrete Adhesive?
Concrete is porous, alkaline and often retains moisture long after appearing dry. Because of this, the best adhesive depends entirely on the application.
Consider:
- Indoor or outdoor use
- Movement within the joint
- Load requirements
- Moisture exposure
- Gap size
- Materials being bonded to the concrete
For example, repairing an expansion joint requires a completely different product from fixing a steel bracket onto a concrete wall. Where concrete needs to be bonded to PVC, ABS or polypropylene components, our best adhesive for metal to plastic guide explains which products work best with engineering plastics.
1. Arbothane 1245: Best for Expansion Joints
Arbothane 1245 is a one-part polyurethane sealant and adhesive designed for movement joints in concrete and masonry. For movement joints, Arbothane 1245 is often considered one of the best adhesives for concrete thanks to its flexibility and weather resistance.
Best for
- Expansion joints
- Concrete slabs
- Driveways
- Warehouse floors
- Precast concrete panels
- External concrete
Advantages
- Excellent flexibility
- Waterproof
- UV resistant
- Excellent weather resistance
- Accommodates continuous movement
Avoid using it for
- Heavy structural bonding
- Load-bearing steel fixings
- Large mechanical repairs
If the concrete needs to expand and contract naturally, Arbothane 1245 is one of the best options available.
2. Arbomeric MP20: Best for Concrete Joint Sealing
Arbomeric MP20 is a high-performance acrylic sealant designed specifically for movement joints in concrete, brick and masonry.
Best for
- Concrete movement joints
- Brickwork
- Masonry
- Internal floors
- External façades
- Wall joints
Advantages
- Excellent movement capability
- Easy to tool
- Long service life
- Paintable after curing
Avoid using it for
- Structural bonding
- Fixing brackets
- Bonding different materials together
MP20 is designed to seal joints rather than carry structural loads.
3. HB42 Ultimate Adhesive: Best All-Round Adhesive
HB42 Ultimate is an excellent choice when concrete needs bonding to another material while still allowing slight movement. For everyday bonding jobs involving multiple materials, HB42 is a versatile best adhesive for concrete solution. If your project involves flexible rubber or EPDM movement joints alongside concrete, our best adhesive for EPDM rubber guide explains which adhesives and sealants provide the best long-term flexibility.
Best for
- Concrete to timber
- Concrete to metal
- Concrete to plastic
- Signs
- Kerbs
- External fixtures
- Garden installations
Advantages
- Excellent initial grab
- Waterproof
- Flexible after cure
- Interior and exterior use
- Good gap filling
Avoid using it for
- Heavy structural engineering
- High-load machinery
- Precision industrial assemblies
4. Permabond ET500: Best for Structural Repairs
When maximum strength is required, Permabond ET500 offers exceptional performance.
Best for
- Steel brackets to concrete
- Concrete repairs
- Machinery bases
- Engineering repairs
- Chemical-resistant environments
Advantages
- Very high strength
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Excellent gap filling
- Long service life
Avoid using it for
- Expansion joints
- Flexible applications
- Areas with continuous movement
5. Plexus MA300: Best for Fast Structural Bonding
Plexus MA300 is a structural methacrylate adhesive designed where rapid handling strength is essential. For fibreglass and composite installations fixed onto concrete structures, you may also find our guide on how to glue fibreglass to metal useful, as many of the same structural adhesives are suitable for composite materials.
Best for
- Concrete to steel
- Composite panels
- Industrial fabrication
- Structural repairs
Advantages
- Fast fixture time
- Excellent impact resistance
- Bonds dissimilar materials
- Excellent fatigue resistance
Avoid using it for
- Expansion joints
- Cosmetic sealing
- Flexible movement joints
6. Plexus MA310: Best Overall Structural Adhesive
For demanding industrial applications, Plexus MA310 provides exceptional strength combined with excellent vibration resistance.
Best for
- Steel brackets
- Composite structures
- Machinery installations
- Concrete to metal
- Industrial construction
Advantages
- Extremely high strength
- Excellent fatigue resistance
- Superior impact resistance
- Outstanding durability
Avoid using it for
- Expansion joints
- Simple DIY repairs where a hybrid adhesive would be sufficient
7. Permabond TA4204 & TA4205: Best for Industrial Assemblies
These toughened structural acrylic adhesives are designed for demanding engineering applications.
Best for
- Industrial machinery
- Concrete to steel
- Composite installations
- Fabricated structures
- Heavy-duty brackets
Advantages
- High peel strength
- Excellent impact resistance
- Durable structural bonds
- Good vibration resistance
Avoid using them for
- Decorative sealing
- Concrete movement joints
- Small DIY repairs
Real-World Applications, Best Adhesive for Concrete Examples
Repairing Expansion Joints
Recommended: Arbothane 1245
Designed to remain flexible as concrete naturally expands and contracts throughout seasonal temperature changes.
Fixing Metal Brackets to Concrete
Recommended: Permabond ET500
Provides a rigid, high-strength bond capable of supporting substantial loads.
Installing Composite Panels
Recommended: Plexus MA310
Ideal where steel, aluminium or composite panels need permanently fixing to concrete structures.
Fixing Timber Battens to Concrete
Recommended: HB42 Ultimate
Provides excellent grab with enough flexibility to absorb slight movement between substrates.
Warehouse Floor Movement Joints
Recommended: Arbomeric MP20
Allows continual movement without cracking while maintaining a weather-resistant seal.
Which Concrete Adhesive Should You Choose?
| If you’re doing… | Best Product |
|---|---|
| Expansion joints | Arbothane 1245 |
| Concrete floor joints | Arbomeric MP20 |
| Concrete to timber | HB42 Ultimate |
| Concrete to steel | Permabond ET500 |
| Heavy structural fabrication | Plexus MA310 |
| Fast structural assembly | Plexus MA300 |
| Industrial engineering | Permabond TA4204 / TA4205 |
Tips for Achieving the Strongest Bond
- Remove dust, laitance and loose material before bonding.
- Degrease metal components with isopropyl alcohol where appropriate.
- Ensure concrete is fully cured and dry unless the product is specifically designed for damp substrates.
- Follow the recommended bond line thickness for structural adhesives.
- Allow the adhesive to reach full cure before applying heavy loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best adhesive for concrete?
For structural bonding, products such as Plexus MA310 and Permabond ET500 provide exceptional strength. For movement joints, Arbothane 1245 or Arbomeric MP20 are more appropriate.
Can I glue concrete to metal?
Yes. Structural adhesives such as Permabond ET500, Plexus MA300 and Plexus MA310 are commonly used for bonding steel or aluminium components to concrete.
What is the best adhesive for concrete outdoors?
Arbothane 1245, Arbomeric MP20 and HB42 Ultimate all provide excellent weather resistance for exterior applications.
Can I repair cracks in concrete with adhesive?
Hairline movement cracks are often better sealed with flexible polyurethane sealants such as Arbothane 1245, while structural repairs may require a high-strength epoxy such as Permabond ET500.
Is a sealant the same as a concrete adhesive?
No. Sealants such as Arbomeric MP20 and Arbothane 1245 are designed to seal and accommodate movement, whereas structural adhesives such as Plexus MA310 and Permabond ET500 are designed to carry loads and permanently bond materials together.