Wood is a durable and versatile material that has been used for centuries in furniture. However, even the strongest pieces of wood can break or crack over time. If you have a piece of furniture that is showing such damage, you can learn how to repair broken wood in this tutorial!

Whether you have a cherished family heirloom or just a piece of furniture that needs some TLC, repairing old furniture is possible and can save you money from having to buy a new piece.

Photo of repairing broken wood on furniture with text overlay

As much as we love our furniture, it’s inevitable that over time, it may start to show signs of wear and tear.

One common issue is broken wood, which can happen due to a variety of factors such as age, misuse, or even accidents. Thankfully, there are ways to fix this problem and save your furniture.

First, let’s cover the basics. Broken wood can present itself in different ways – it could be a small crack or chip, or even a larger piece that has completely snapped off.

No matter the size of the damage, repairing broken wood is similar and requires some simple techniques to get the job done.

When it comes to fixing broken wood, the most important thing to remember is to be patient and take your time.

Rushing through the process may lead to a subpar repair job that won’t last.

And if it’s an heirloom piece or something with sentimental value, you want to make sure it’s properly fixed for generations to come.

Table of Contents

Supplies Used to Repair Broken Wood

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Wood Glue
Clamps
Bondo or Kwikwood (for larger broken areas)
Wood Filler (for small cracks or chips)
Putty Knife
Sandpaper
Tack Cloth
Wood Stain
Old English
Topcoat

Assess Broken Wood Furniture

Before you start any repair work, it’s important to assess the damage and determine what type of repair is needed. Like if you have chipped paint on your furniture here’s how to repair chipped paint on wood for a detailed process on how to fix it.

If it’s a small crack or chip, wood filler will suffice, but for more extensive damage like missing pieces or large cracks, you may need something stronger like Bondo or Kwikwood filler.

These fillers are designed to rebuild and fill in missing or damaged parts of wood.

It’s also important to clean the area of damage before proceeding. This will guarantee that the glue or filler properly adheres to the surface without any dirt or debris getting in the way.

Here’s our post on how to clean furniture before painting to guide you.

Gluing and Clamping Broken Wood

It’s time to start putting the pieces back together. Gluing and clamping are two key steps in repairing broken wood.

Apply a generous amount of wood glue to both surfaces that need to be joined and then gently but firmly press them together. Make sure to align the pieces as accurately as possible.

Check out the best glue for repairing wood furniture here.

Photo of Gluing and Clamping Broken Wood

Once the pieces are joined, use clamps to hold them together until the glue dries completely. It’s best to leave it for about 48 hours, so patience is key.

The clamps help to make sure that the pieces stay in place and create a strong bond between the broken parts.

Remove the clamps once the glue is dry. Be careful not to apply too much force as it could potentially break the newly repaired wood.

This method works best for small pieces that have broken off, but it can also be used for larger cracks with some additional steps.

Filling Any Cracks or Gaps

For larger broken areas, you may need to use a stronger filler like Bondo or Kwikwood. These fillers come in a putty-like consistency and are specially designed for repairing damaged furniture.

They can be easily shaped and molded according to the size and shape of the damage.

Bondo has a base and a hardener that need to be mixed together before use. For Kwikwood, get a roll and cut off the amount needed.

These 2 harden quickly, so you have to be quick with applying them and shaping them.

Photo of mixing and applying bondo to broken furniture

Apply your filler of choice to the broken area, making sure to fill in any gaps or holes completely. Smooth out the surface with a putty knife and wait for it to dry.

You can check out our posts on how to use Bondo wood filler and how to use KwikWood for more detailed tips and tricks.

For smaller cracks and gaps, regular wood filler will work just fine. These fillers come in different colors and can be easily matched to your wood’s color.

Here are the best wood fillers for furniture you can choose from. We also have our list of the best wood repair putty that we personally tried on some of our repairs!

Sanding and Staining for a Seamless Repair

Now that the glue and filler have dried, it’s time to make sure the repair work blends in seamlessly with the rest of your furniture. This is where sanding and staining come into play.

Use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or bumps left by the glue or filler. It’s important to sand gently and evenly to avoid over-sanding or creating uneven surfaces. Wipe away dust from sanding with a tack cloth.

Staining is the final step to complete your repair job. Choosing the right stain color can be tricky, but if you have leftover stain from when the furniture was originally finished, it would be best to use that.

Otherwise, use a wood stain repair kit and choose the shades that best match your furniture. Start with the lighter colors and gradually build up to the darker ones until the stain matches perfectly.

To blend in the repair job even further, you can also use Old English. Learn more about how to blend repaired wood with your furniture in this wood stain repair tutorial.

Check out this post for more methods on wood surface repair.

Photo of sanding and tinting repaired furniture

Once you have applied the stain, let it dry completely before applying a topcoat for furniture like polyurethane or wax.

This will not only enhance the color of the stain but also protect your furniture and give it a beautiful finish.

And just like that, you have successfully repaired your broken wood furniture and restored it to its former glory! With the right supplies and techniques, broken wood is no match for your DIY skills.

Keep these tips in mind and fear not when it comes to fixing any future furniture mishaps.