How To Repair Split Wood On A Dresser? - Hometalk

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How to repair split wood on a dresser? Kim by Kim (IC: ) Sign Up to Answer Answer this question +14 Answered

I have a bedroom suite that has been in storage outside (building) for some time. The top is split straight across in one or two sections. Same with the chest of drawers. What can I do to repair it. Also, the varnish is flaking from the head of the bed.

16 answers
  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on May 26, 2021

    Hi Kim you may need to replace the tops on both of them. I would check your local lumber yard or lumber store and look for solid plywood in the same wood as your bedroom set of furniture. If that's not something you would like to do (or the splits aren't too wide) you could try filling it in with wood putty and doing a lot of sanding until they're both smooth and then painting it to hide the fix.

    Helpful Reply
  • William William on May 26, 2021

    Squeeze some wood glue into the splits and clamp them tight. Varnish can be sanded off with a Scotch bright pad. The just apply some polyurethane

    Helpful Reply
  • Mogie Mogie on May 26, 2021

    Depends on how bad the split is. Could you post of picture so we can see exactly what you are working with?

    Helpful Reply
  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on May 26, 2021

    Found this for you

    https://thecraftsmanblog.com/the-7-best-products-to-patch-wood/

    Helpful Reply
  • Kim  |Exquisitely Unremarkable Kim |Exquisitely Unremarkable on May 26, 2021

    Depending on how bad the crack is, you might be able to use wood filler to patch them, but you would need to paint them. Also you can repair the veneer. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/furniture/how-to-repair-damaged-veneer-edging-27723655

    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/furniture/how-to-repair-peeling-wood-veneer-2317431

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    Helpful Reply
  • Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom on May 26, 2021

    This shows how to fix split wood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAWz4wd9LXg

    { "id": "7369320", "alt": "", "title": "", "video_link": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/NAWz4wd9LXg", "youtube_video_id": "NAWz4wd9LXg" } { "width": 634, "height": 357, "showRelated": false } Helpful Reply
  • Seth Seth on May 26, 2021

    Kim,

    Most likely the split is the individual boards that make up the top separating from constant changes in temp. and humidity from the outside storage. Willams method is the way to go.

    Helpful Reply
  • Dee Dee on May 26, 2021

    You can sand and fill with Bondo. Let dry completely and sand down. Of course you will then have to paint the dresser.

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  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on May 27, 2021

    Glue where the crack with wood glue, then cover it up with a wood filler, sand and repaint.

    Helpful Reply
  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on May 27, 2021

    This tutorial might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_K4AfD70r8

    { "id": "7379482", "alt": "", "title": "", "video_link": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/C_K4AfD70r8", "youtube_video_id": "C_K4AfD70r8" } { "width": 634, "height": 357, "showRelated": false } Helpful Reply
  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on May 27, 2021

    This tutorial might be of help as well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQaBnCoW13k

    { "id": "7379485", "alt": "", "title": "", "video_link": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/yQaBnCoW13k", "youtube_video_id": "yQaBnCoW13k" } { "width": 634, "height": 357, "showRelated": false } Helpful Reply
  • Kim Kim on May 27, 2021

    It looks like it’s only the seems in the dresser but the night table is moveable so I will probably have to glue it

    comment photo comment photo Helpful Reply
    • Cynthia H Cynthia H on May 31, 2021

      Hi! The separation on the dresser doesn't look bad. The nightstand though looks like it had completely separated. I would glue it and clamp it tightly as suggested. I would also refinish them. The lack of temperature and humidity control has definitely done some damage. I think if you want to stain them again, it won't be that noticeable, after stripping. Or you could paint and seal for a whole new look! Good luck!

      Helpful
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jun 02, 2021

    Hello,

    Glue that held the planks together has failed due to conditions of storage, Maybe dryer, less humid conditions might bring them back together. Failing that you could use a wood shim or wood filler.

    Helpful Reply
  • Adrienne Carrie Hubbard | Crafty Little Gnome Adrienne Carrie Hubbard | Crafty Little Gnome on Jun 02, 2021

    Here's a tutorial which may help you out https://youtu.be/NAWz4wd9LXg

    { "id": "7397828", "alt": "", "title": "", "video_link": "https://www.youtube.com/embed/NAWz4wd9LXg", "youtube_video_id": "NAWz4wd9LXg" } { "width": 634, "height": 357, "showRelated": false } Helpful Reply
  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Aug 16, 2021

    Use wood filler

    Helpful Reply
  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Sep 29, 2021

    How bad is that .. can you show pictues

    Helpful Reply
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