Photo: tarboxje / Flickr

Old wooden furniture can dry out with time due to a natural moisture loss in the wood as well as the drying effects of central heating. A split can begin as a hairline crack and if this is not seen to in time, it can slowly widen and deepen until it finally cracks the wood into two pieces. The good news is that if you do catch a split in time, it is not at all difficult to repair.

Repairing cracked and split wood

Repairing cracked and split wood is particularly easy if you’re dealing with tabletops or chair seats. Simply glue both sides of the cracks (using generous amounts of glue) before clamping the two pieces together in a tight vice. Check that the parts are in line by placing a level across the surface.

A split panel is a little more challenging as you will have to loosen the pieces from the side channels. Try using a flexible spatula by sliding it into the groove and working the glue away until the panel is loose and able to slide. That done, glue the edges of the split panel and push them together. Use masking tape to hold them in place until they are dry. Remember to wipe off the excess glue before it dries.

Should there be a gaping crack in a panel that is part of the permanent structure of a piece, you will have to adopt a different approach. Cut a thin sliver of wood to match the existing piece and force it into the gap. You will have to carefully finish and touch up such a repair so that it is hardly visible.

A thinner crack in a permanent structure will possibly require filling with wood dough or a similar coloured filler.

Tags: furniture