Wood furniture is made to be long-lasting. Heirloom-quality wooden furniture can endure for decades and be passed down for generations. But even with its outstanding ability to stand the test of time, wood furniture can become damaged through regular use and wear. If you have a beloved piece of wood furniture that has seen better days, you don’t have to dispose of it just yet. Check out these easy repair techniques for broken wood furniture to salvage your favorite furniture pieces.
Apply superglue or wood-filler epoxy resin to small broken bits and gaps
Superglue or wood-filler epoxy resin are both great options for repairing wood furniture that has slight cracks, small breaks, or pieces that have fallen off. These materials work to securely bond the wood pieces together. To apply to breaks, simply take put the glue or resin on the furniture piece that is still intact. Press the broken piece back onto the furniture and hold until secure. Apply pressure so there are no noticeable gaps. You can then remove the excess glue or resin once dry. For gaps, fill the gap with resin and allow it to dry. For both of these options, you can go over the glue area with the same stain as the wood for a seamless look and finish.
New hinges for lopsided or broken cabinets and doors
On items with cabinets, such as a vintage media console, if the cabinet doors are sagging, broken off, or nonfunctional, you may be able to fix them and salvage the item. If not already completely off the furniture piece, remove the cabinet door and existing hinges. Purchasing new hinges is inexpensive, and they are easy to install, especially if the cabinet door already has existing holes for hinges. Install the new hinges with a power drill and reattach the door. The door should then be functional and look like new after these steps. Many people don’t realize how fixable broken cabinet doors can be with a little creativity and work.
Sanding and restaining scratches and dents
If there are significant scratches and dents in the wood to the point that you’re considering throwing the piece away entirely, stop and try to sand them out first. While this is a large project, it is usually doable. Start by stripping the wood of its stain or paint. Once this is completed, take sandpaper and sand the scratches down. It’s important to sand with the grain so it retains a smooth surface. Once you’ve removed the scratches and dents, you can brush off the dust particles and either restain or paint the wood, and your piece should look as good as new!
If you have trouble completing these tasks on your own, contact a trusted wood furniture repair shop or dealer for advice, services, and more. Most wood furniture can be salvaged with the right amount of care.