11 Best Exterior Caulk for Wood (Siding & Joints)

In the world of home improvement, the search for the perfect exterior caulk for wood can be a daunting task. With countless options available, making the right choice is crucial.

After testing 11 different products, one clear winner emerged. The Red Devil Premium Elastomeric Acrylic is the go-to choice for a multitude of outdoor applications.

With years of experience in home improvement, I understand the importance of finding the best solutions for your outdoor applications. In this article, I’ll share my insights and expertise to help you make an informed decision in matters caulk.

Keep reading to unlock the secrets of selecting the perfect exterior caulk for wood.

Our Top Picks

Top Wood Exterior Caulk Options

1. Best Overall Exterior Caulk – Red Devil Premium Elastomeric Acrylic
2. Best Bang for the Buck – DAP Dynaflex 230 Sealant
3. Best Multipurpose Caulk – Gorilla 100 Percent Silicone Sealant Caulk
4. Best for Freezing Temperatures – Red Devil 100 Percent Silicone Sealant
5. Best for Doors and Windows – GE Sealants & Adhesives Advanced Silicone 2
6. Best Sealant for Roofing – DAP Polyurethane Construction Adhesive and Sealant
7. Best for Exterior Wood Caulk for Trim and Soffits – Sashco Big Stretch Caulk
8. Best Exterior Paintable Caulk for Wood – Gorilla Silicone Sealant Caulk
9. Easiest to use Caulk for Wood – Flex Shot Rubber Adhesive Sealant Caulk
10. Best Non-Yellowing Waterproof Caulk – Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal 
11. Best All-Weather Outdoor Caulk for Wood – GE Sealants & Adhesives Max Shield

Recommended Exterior Caulks for Wooden Surfaces- Updated List

The deal caulk choices for wood in outdoor settings depends on the areas of your home that you intend to seal. The size of the wood or crack that needs filling will also influence the choice of exterior caulk you can use.

Some caulks are formulated for smaller seams, while others do better on larger gaps. That said, here are the leading options you may want to consider. 

1. Best Overall Exterior Caulk – Red Devil Premium Elastomeric Acrylic Latex Sealant

After extensive trials of different caulks, the Red Devil Premium Elastomeric Acrylic emerges as the undeniable champion.

Its supremacy lies in its outstanding features, backed by real-world performance. It is not just a caulk; it’s a commitment to the longevity and quality of your home’s exterior.

Formulated to last for the lifetime of your home, it comes with a lifetime durability guarantee.

Through thorough testing in diverse scenarios, this caulk showcased exceptional adhesion and flexibility. Regardless of the weather conditions, it maintained its superior performance. Even in the harshest of climates, it didn’t shrink or crack, which is a testament to its enduring quality.

While Red Devil Premium Elastomeric Acrylic may be pricier than some competitors, it is worth the buck. With this caulk, you’re investing in the best of the best, ensuring that your home remains well-protected and looking its finest for years to come.

It delivers a professional finish that enhances the visual appeal and adds to the value of your home.

Now you know what to go for when you need a preserving and beautifying caulk for your home’s exterior. Its durability guarantee, impressive adhesion, and flexibility make it ideal.

Even though the price may be on the higher side, you are assured of a professional and long-lasting finish. Don’t compromise on the integrity of your home; choose Red Devil for the ultimate exterior caulk for wood.

What I Liked Most

• Superior weather resistance ensures there is no cracking or shrinking.
• It protects against stain-causing mildew and molds.
• It provides a durable seal for exterior projects.
• The exterior caulk dries quickly, in 30 minutes, even though it will take 24 hours to cure fully. 

What Could Be Improved

• The caulk becomes less flexible when dry, which can make it less durable when used on doors and windows.

---

2. Best Bang for the Buck – DAP Dynaflex 230 Sealant

Where balancing quality and budget is crucial, the DAP Dynaflex 230 Sealant emerges as a clear winner. While it secures the second position, it offers a unique value proposition.

Even when compared to pricier competitors, the DAP Dynaflex 230 Sealant stands its ground. This means that it can protect your home’s exterior for an extended period, proving its worth in the long run.

Moreover, the sealant offers superior flexibility, ensuring that your exterior remains crack-proof. This flexibility also extends to its ability to seal joints, accommodating widths of up to 1 inch.

Whether you’re dealing with narrow or wider joints, DAP Dynaflex 230 is a versatile solution that adapts to your needs.

One of its standout features is the ease of use. Not only is it a breeze to apply, but it’s also paintable, allowing you to match your exterior’s color scheme. Cleanup is a simple affair, as water is all you need to get the job done.

While the DAP Dynaflex 230 might not come with the same lifetime durability guarantee, it provides exceptional value for its cost.

So, if you’re seeking the best bang for the buck in exterior wood caulk, DAP Dynaflex 230 Sealant is the top choice. Its affordability, durability, flexibility, and ease of use make it a cost-effective alternative.

What I Liked Most

• This bundle is cost-effective
• You can have the caulk in white or brown colors, whichever matches your home’s theme
• This latex caulk is versatile and can work for exterior wood projects, including siding, molding, trim, and more
• The caulk is mold and mildew-resistant, preventing discoloration
• It boasts superior flexibility and is crack-proof
• The caulk is paintable and cleans up with water

What Could Be Improved

• Some customers complain of receiving only one tube instead of the dozen in the bundle. 

---

3. Best Multipurpose Caulk – Gorilla 100 Percent Silicone Sealant Caulk

When it comes to versatility and reliability in caulk, the Gorilla 100 Percent Silicone Sealant takes the spotlight. This sealant goes above and beyond to seal out water, air, and moisture, making it a go-to choice for a wide range of applications.

What sets Gorilla Silicone Sealant apart is its impressive 30-minute water-ready feature. In just half an hour, it can be exposed to water, making it ideal for quick fixes and projects.

The 30-minute cure time is based on a 3/16″ bead at 70°F (21°C) and 50% humidity. In other conditions, waiting for a mere 24 hours ensures a reliable and durable seal.

This long-lasting sealant is also resistant to mold and mildew. What’s even more remarkable is that it won’t yellow, shrink, or crack with age. This caulk is a true testament to durability.

The Gorilla Silicone Sealant is truly an all-weather companion, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It’s the Swiss Army knife of caulk, ready to tackle any project with ease.

Say goodbye to water leaks, air gaps, and mold issues with this exceptional sealant.

What I Liked Most

• The caulk is highly versatile; you can use it to fix holes in your wooden door, seal up seams in your siding, and much more. 
• It creates an effective seal against water. 
• It fully cures quickly, within 24 hours.
• It consists of 100 percent silicone, making it highly durable. 
• This product does not yellow over time. It cures into a translucent white sealant and remains so over time.
• It is flexible, so it does not crack to leave your home vulnerable.

What Could Be Improved

• This silicone caulk is not paintable 

---

4. Best for Freezing Temperatures – Red Devil 100 Percent Silicone Sealant

Living in an area with cold winters, I found the Red Devil silicone sealant to be an absolute lifesaver for my wooden gazebo. Those freezing temperatures never stopped me from applying this caulk to prevent water damage.

This outdoor wood caulk is designed to tackle freezing conditions. So, I didn’t have to wait for the weather to cooperate before fixing leaks. It’s a game-changer for those icy winter days.

What’s even better is its fast drying time; it fully cures in just 24 hours. The fact that it’s made of silicone means it remains flexible even when fully cured. Those extreme temperature fluctuations won’t cause it to crack and reopen sealed leaks.

I also appreciate its compatibility with various materials, including ceramic and glass, making it perfect for joining exterior wood to other materials when needed.

This versatility has made it my go-to choice for sealing connections in my gazebo, ensuring it’s weatherproof year-round.

What I Liked Most

• This Red Devil caulk is highly durable, thanks to its 100-percent silicone rubber makeup. 
• It stays flexible even after it is fully cured, preventing cracks and shrinkages from occurring. 
• The caulk is water-resistant 
• It comes with a whopping 50-year limited warranty

What Could Be Improved

• The caul requires a solvent such as paint thinner to remove from a surface. You cannot just pry it off the material. 

---

5. Best for Doors and Windows – GE Sealants & Adhesives Advanced Silicone 2 

I also got curious and used this sealant on my mother’s windows and doors. You know that ensuring that these openings are sealed is crucial for maintaining an airtight and comfortable home.

Windows and doors, being high-traffic areas, demand a caulking product that can flex without damage when they’re constantly opened and closed. This outdoor wood caulk fits the bill perfectly.

It does an exceptional job sealing those gaps, safeguarding against moisture, temperature fluctuations, and drafts. It keeps the interior space cozy and comfortable, just the way you want it.

What I particularly love is that it dries completely clear, blending well with the wood. No eyesores or noticeable streaks, which is a big win when you want a clean, unobtrusive finish.

And the best part? This silicone formula is 100 percent weatherproof. It’s like a shield against water damage, precisely where you need it most outdoors. It’s been a savior for areas exposed to consistent water and sun.

Plus, its superior UV resistance ensures it won’t turn yellow over time. It remains clear and inconspicuous in those areas where you don’t want any added color. It’s a perfect match for my mother’s windows and doors, keeping them looking great and well-protected.

What I Liked Most

• Superior weather resistance ensures there is no cracking or shrinking.
• It protects against stain-causing mildew and molds.
• It provides a durable seal for exterior projects. 
• The exterior caulk dries quickly, in 3o minutes, even though it will take 24 hours to cure fully. 

What Could Be Improved

• This sealant is not paintable 

---

6. Best Sealant for Roofing – DAP Polyurethane Construction Adhesive and Sealant

This DAP polyurethane construction adhesive is industrial grade, meaning it is top-of-the-range and provides the ultimate protection for your wooden project outdoors. 

Its superior flexibility and ultimate durability make it ideal for sealing roofing materials. Use it to fix any gaping holes forming between your roofing woodwork and shingles because it is versatile and adheres perfectly to various materials. 

The roof receives the hottest beating from the sun and falling snow, so it requires an exterior caulk that can withstand such extreme temperature changes.

This polyurethane construction adhesive is highly flexible and will excel in sealing the woodwork on your roof. It consists of a polyurethane formula that makes it one of the best materials for outdoor applications out there. 

Even though this caulk takes longer than most exterior sealers to cure (anywhere from 4 to 7 days), you will be happy you waited that long. Once it cures, it forms a completely waterproof seal protecting your home from moisture damage. 

What I Liked Most

• The seal remains pliable until you remove it from the wood
• It comes in a black color that is paintable to match your wood color
• It is incredibly durable, with a commercial-grade formulation. The caulk is formulated to provide a permanent seal on exterior joints, cracks, and gaps
• It is a high-performance sealant that meets and exceeds the accepted federal quality specification
• It boasts a 50-year durability guarantee

What Could Be Improved

• You must apply more than one coat when painting over this sealant

---

7. Best for Exterior Wood Caulk for Trim and Soffits – Sashco Big Stretch Caulk

If you are sealing big gaps in your exterior wood, such as cracks in the siding, you will need a sealer designed to offer the required structural support. Sashco Big Stretch is one such product that is recommended as the best trim caulk designed specifically for a big project.

It is a highly durable sealer that dries to form a flexible material, holding your wood together for ages. The stretchy property helps keep the caulk from cracking or shrinking.

Once applied to wood, you can count on it to maintain its shape and structural integrity. If you want to make your home soundproof, this caulk can help you do just that.

Apply this caulk for trim to the large spaces in your doors and windows to give your home some long-term soundproofing and air sealing. Removing caulk from windows, especially old and deteriorated ones, is necessary to ensure a clean and effective resealing process.

This material is paintable. This means you should not worry about buying the perfect color. If you match to match colors, you can just paint it up. 

What I Liked Most

• Suitable for sealing large seams or gaps in the wood.  
• It is highly stretchy, keeping it from forming cracks on the sealed area. 
• The caulk is UV resistant, so prolonged sun exposure will not discolor it.
• It is perfect for long-term soundproofing and air sealing. 

What Could Be Improved

• The product does not hold up well to foot or vehicle traffic. 
• It is not waterproof, so you should not use it in areas where frequent or prolonged puddles occur.

---

8. Best Exterior Paintable Caulk for Wood – Gorilla Silicone Sealant Caulk

While most silicone caulks do not support painting, this silicone sealant from Gorilla changes that rule. It is completely paintable, so you can blend it with the rest of your exterior theme to create a cohesive, consistent look. 

Just let it cure fully, then scuff it up with sandpaper and apply your selected paint to create the look you want. It is perfect for sealing and soundproofing your home due to its incredible flexibility.

Apply it to the windows and door generously to achieve long-term air sealing and soundproofing. Its great flexibility means it can withstand extreme temperature changes without cracking.

Once applied, it will protect your home all year long, for years. 

What I Liked Most

• The product is versatile; you can use it to seal windows, doors, gutters, siding, and trim. 
• Once applied, the caulk becomes paintable in just 30 minutes.
• The sealant remains flexible after it is cured.
• It is mold and mildew resistant, helping to prevent discoloration.
• It is waterproof, so you can use it in areas where prolonged or frequent puddles occur.

What Could Be Improved

• Some customers complain of finding the product solidified when they buy it.  

---

9. Easiest to use Caulk for Wood – Flex Shot Rubber Adhesive Sealant Caulk

If you are not comfortable handling a caulking gun, the Flex Shot rubber adhesive may be the ideal option for you. It is designed for easy use without requiring a calking gun.

The tube comes with an easy trigger nozzle that lets you put a perfect bead effortlessly. The product has a thick consistency, so you will not experience any running or dripping.

More importantly, it never shrinks or cracks when dry. The free extension tube that comes with this product makes it easy to repair even those hard-to-reach areas. 

You should be happy to know that this caulk is available in four different colors. With that variety, you have the option of buying the color that best complements your home’s exterior color theme. 

What I Liked Most

• This product is waterproof to withstand rain, snow, precipitation, and the humidity outdoors. 
• It is thick, so you will not experience any running or dripping when using it
• It comes in multiple colors to choose from
• The caulk does not crack or shrink when dry.
• It is mold and mildew-resistant to avoid discoloration.

What Could Be Improved

• Some buyers feel the tube should carry a little more caulk than currently offered. 

---

10. Best Non-Yellowing Waterproof Caulk – Gorilla Waterproof Caulk & Seal 

This waterproof caulk from Gorilla is excellent for indoor and outdoor use. It creates a permanent seal on your project that does not give in to rain, precipitation, snow, or spills. 

It is pretty versatile, you can use it on practically any outdoor woodwork, and it will give perfect results each time. The product boasts significant UV resistance, so the sun’s ultraviolet radiation will not cause it to change color.

It retains its color over time, ensuring your project remains looking good for years. Its weatherproof quality also means it will create a dependable seal that remains airtight and watertight throughout the seasons.

Thanks to a strong and stretchy formula, it won’t crack or shrink and will not give in to a physical impact.

What I Liked Most

• It is waterproof  
• The product is non-yellowing
• It is mold and mildew-resistant.
• Designed for use outdoors and indoors, making it a one-size-fits-all kind of solution 

What Could Be Improved

• This caulk is not primarily designed to be painted.

---

11. Best All-Weather Outdoor Caulk for Wood – GE Sealants & Adhesives Max Shield Caulk

The Max Shield caulk from GE Sealants and Adhesives is designed to provide the best results in any weather. This quality makes it ideal for those places that experience all four seasons of the year. 

The extreme chilly winters or scorching summers will not affect its effectiveness. It is durable and robust, formulated to offer maximum protection throughout the year. 

While this product may not come in your preferred shade, it is paintable to let you color it your way. Once applied, you can follow through with a coat of paint in as little as 45 minutes.

What I Liked Most

• It is 100 percent waterproof, keeping your home safe from water damage. 
• It is flexible and hence can withstand extreme weather changes. The product can stretch over 800 percent.
• It is the best exterior caulk for large gaps – sealing gaps up to 3 inches wide.
• Its pliability supports up to 35 percent joint movement. It won’t shrink or crack under extreme environmental conditions.  

What Could Be Improved

• Some users find the brown color to be rather dark, especially when dry, instead of light brown, as indicated in the product description. 

---

Exterior Caulk Wood Buying Guide

What is Exterior Caulk?

It is a thick, gluey solution for filling and sealing gaps and seams in various exterior surfaces, including wood, concrete, metal, brick, etc. The product is sold in a tube designed to be applied to these substrates using a caulking gun.

Exterior caulk can be used to fix holes and seams in siding, windows, doors, concrete, brick, roofing tiles, and gutters to keep the home waterproof and prevent moisture damage.

Caulks are typically inexpensive, even though their prices differ across different brands and models. In addition, they are easy to use and formulated to form permanent bonds with the surfaces used.

Their ease of use and permanent bonds make them ideal for fixing various cracks and breaks around your home’s outdoor space.

Why is Caulking Necessary?

Caulking is essential to maintain the integrity and functionality of buildings and structures. It seals gaps and joints in surfaces, preventing moisture, air, and pests from infiltrating.

This helps to maintain indoor comfort, improve energy efficiency, and safeguard against water damage, mold, and rot. Caulking also enhances structural durability by reducing wear and tear caused by environmental factors.

It’s crucial in various applications, including windows, doors, roofs, and bathrooms. This is because it ensures airtightness, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal.

Regular caulking maintenance prolongs the lifespan of structures, promotes sustainability, and lowers maintenance costs over time.

Types of Exterior Caulk for Wood 

Exterior wood caulking is available in different types formulated to work better for different applications. These include acrylic, latex, silicone, butyl rubber, and polyurethane exterior caulk.

Here are some essential details about each type. 

Latex wood caulking

This type of caulk is generally easy to use and is the least expensive of all types. It does not expand and contract once it has cured, which makes it ideal for use in places that experience fairly consistent temperatures all year long. 

This type of caulk is paintable, but you can expect some peeling paint to appear during extreme changes in temperature. 

Exterior latex caulk requires that you replace it more often than the other caulk types. This quality makes it among the least durable varieties. 

Acrylic latex caulk

Acrylic latex caulk is inexpensive but more durable than pure latex caulk. However, it also shrinks after it has fully cured and becomes inelastic, so it will not contract or expand as temperature changes—just like pure latex caulk.

It dries fast and works perfectly for many different applications due to its compatibility with various surfaces. You can use acrylic latex caulk on metal, tile, wood, and more. 

This type of caulk is also paintable and can maintain the paint without flaking or cracking issues as long as the paint covers the sealed surface completely. 

The caulk works best for filling small gaps and cracks in wooden trims. You can also use it to seal joints between wood parts you intend to paint.

For this reason, acrylic latex caulk is sometimes termed ‘painter’s caulk.’

Do not use this caulk in wet areas unless the sealed parts are painted. Even though it is significantly resistant to water, exposure to wetness can make it less durable. 

Polyurethane caulk

Polyurethane caulk consists of urethane resin, making it one of the best caulking products for exterior applications. 

It boasts significant UV resistance, so it will not yellow over time despite prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. 

This type of caulk is highly flexible, typically similar to silicone in flexibility. This quality allows it to contract and expand with temperature changes or absorb impact damage.

The exterior polyurethane caulk is paintable and gives excellent results when painted over. It also works with different materials, including wood, metal, and glass. 

Perhaps the only limitation of this type of exterior caulk is its thickness. This thick consistency typically makes it challenging to use, especially for users with limited experience handling a caulking gun. 

These superior qualities also come at a premium, as polyurethane caulk is among the most expensive types of caulk available.

Pure silicone caulk

Exterior silicone caulk is among the most flexible types of all. This malleability makes it incredibly durable and resistant to water. It remains flexible even after it has fully cured, expanding and contracting with changing temperatures.  

Silicone caulk is one of the most commonly used types for exterior applications due to its resilience. Its flexible quality makes it ideal for sealing drafty doors and windows.  

This type of caulk typically comes in different colors, which makes up for the fact that it cannot be painted. 

When working with silicone caulk, consider testing it out before going all-in to your project because it is usually more challenging to use than acrylic caulk or latex options.

It may also be difficult to remove after applying to a substrate.

Butyl rubber caulk

This type of caulk has superior UV resistance. This quality makes it used primarily in industrial and commercial applications. Direct sun exposure does not typically affect it, so it can retain its color and character outdoors for ages. 

Butyl rubber outdoor caulk is highly flexible, so it is ideal for sealing chimney flashings, gutters, and foundations for buildings that see lots of movement and moisture accumulation.

You can also apply this type of exterior caulk in extreme temperatures (hot and cold) without necessarily having to wait. It offers superior waterproofing to the exteriors of homes and stays reliable for long without requiring reapplication. 

Perhaps the only challenge to using this caulk is when removing it from a surface. It requires using a solvent such as paint thinner and not just prying it out. 

Interesting read: How to waterproof painted wood furniture for outdoors.

What You Need to Consider When Choosing the Best Exterior Caulk

If you intend to use a caulking product in your home, you first need to get that product. Not all caulk is equal. For instance, some caulk forms stronger bonds with concrete than wood, while others work equally well across different materials. 

Others also work better within certain temperature ranges, while some caulk work perfectly in any weather condition.

So, you need to understand your project to determine the best exterior caulk for your purposes. Here are some considerations to set you off on the right foot. 

Consider the color you need 

Some exterior caulk for wood is available in two to four or more colors. These give you the option to choose the best color to go with your home’s exterior color theme. 

However, the majority of exterior caulks you will find in the market come in white or clear shades. Clear would be fine for any project because it is unnoticeable anyways.

However, you want to research it to ensure it is non-yellowing and will not become amber and ugly with time. White may be a neutral color but will not match all applications.

A wrong color choice may create an eyesore. So ensure you decide the best color for your wood before buying one. 

Paintable vs. non-paintable caulks 

Manufacturers usually compensate for the limited number of colors available with their caulks by making them paintable. Still, some caulks are unpaintable and will cause the paint to crack or chip off if you attempt to paint them. 

If the caulk you want is unavailable in your preferred shade, find out if it is paintable. If it cannot be painted and does not come in the color you want, perhaps you would be better off looking elsewhere for a more fitting alternative. 

Go for durability

You probably will not want to repeat the same home improvement activities every other year. So you need to invest in a product that will get the job done once and keep your homes safe from water damage for the long haul. 

Polyurethane, butyl rubber, and silicone exterior caulk are the most durable of the bunch. They are flexible enough to weather extreme weather conditions and remain in place without shrinking or cracking for decades. 

In contrast, latex and acrylic latex options do not expand or contract with temperature changes once they have cured. For this reason, they are typically the least durable caulk. 

When choosing, keep these factors in mind and decide the level of durability you want for your project. 

Consider the drying and curing time

If you want to paint a caulk after its application, you will need to do that after it has dried. While some caulks are dry and ready for painting in as little as 30 minutes, others may take several hours. 

Panting is just one example of why you would want to go for a product with a shorter drying time. The other reason is to ensure you finish the caulk job sooner to move on to other things. 

So, always refer to the product label for information regarding caulk dry and cure time and decide from there. 

Think about usability

A product designed for indoor use may not be used outdoors. The chances are that it will not have the UV resistance or weatherproof qualities required outdoors.

Trying to use it there anyways will be akin to wastage as it will not hold up well to the environment. Alternatively, some products may be exterior grade but designed for surfaces such as concrete and bricks, whereas your project involves wood.

Using such a product meant for one type of surface on another surface type may also lead to suboptimal results. So always ensure that you are buying the right product formulated for the specific application you are working on. 

The other aspect of usability you may want to think about is the ease of using the chosen product. Some products have a thick consistency, making them more challenging to apply. 

More specifically, butyl rubber, silicone, and polyurethane products are dense, so you may find it harder to control their flow when applying the caulk.

On the other hand, acrylic latex and latex caulk flow relatively easily from their tubes. This means you can effortlessly apply them onto cracks and seams without facing any challenges.  

Any mistakes you make are also easier to fix because these products are easier to remove. 

Areas to Caulk

Here are some common areas where caulking is necessary:

• Windows
• Doors
• Baseboards
• Bathtubs and showers
• Kitchen and bathroom sinks
• Roof and flashing
• Exterior gaps
• Attic and crawl spaces
• Fireplace
• Garage

What You Should Never Caulk

While caulking is a versatile and useful sealing material, there are certain areas and situations where you should avoid using it. These include:

• Ventilation systems
• Weep Holes in brick or masonry
• Electrical outlets and junction boxes
• Gas lines and gas appliance connectors
• Structural movement joints
• Roof shingles
• Subfloors
• Drainage systems

FAQs

Optimal Exterior Caulking Products for Wood Summary

Choosing the best caulk for exterior wood is the Red Devil Premium Elastomeric Acrylic. However, butyl rubber and polyurethane options may be equally flexible, durable, and waterproof. 

When shopping for an exterior caulk, feel free to consult this detailed review and user guide to help you identify the most suitable product for your specific needs.