| Repairing Rotted Wood |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-310 |
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Q: I recently pulled several old chairs out of my basement and discovered they'd been sitting in about an inch of water. As a result, the ends of the legs are now rotted. What can I do? A: (from Bruce Johnson, Ask DIY Woodworking expert) Well, you could saw off the ends of the legs to remove the damage, but then your chairs would probably be too low to comfortably seat most people. If the damage isn't too severe, you can remove the rotten wood and repair it with wood filler. Materials: Flat-head screwdriver
Wood chisels
Small large
Hammer
Waxed paper
Sandpaper
Drill, with driver bits
Paintbrush
Disposable mixing tray
Flexible putty knives and plastic spreaders
2-part wood patching compound
Wood hardener
All-purpose screws
Rags
Safety glasses
Rubber gloves Steps: - Use a screwdriver or chisel to dig out the rotten material (figure A) and expose the solid wood beneath.
- Hire a professional to repair damage to structural (load-bearing) wood.
- Try to reduce the amount of water that comes in contact with the wood. Otherwise, you'll be repairing the same wood over and over.
- Thoroughly coat the exposed wood with wood hardener. This will help protect the wood against future deterioration.
- Some wood hardeners are both toxic and flammable. Be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
- Drive several screws into the damaged area to help support the patching compound. The screws should be about an inch away from each other with the heads about 1/4" below the undamaged wood surface (figure B).
- Mix the patching compound to the consistency of peanut butter. When it's ready, it will dry within about 5 to 15 minutes.
- Fill the damaged area with patching compound. Use enough compound to overfill the hole; then smooth the area to reduce the amount of sanding you'll need to do later . In some situations, you can create a form to hold the compound in place as it dries . Just place a piece of waxed paper over the compound and then clamp a flat board over it (figure C).
- After the compound dries, sand it smooth. Then prime and paint the compound, and replace any damaged trim.
Note: Although some patching compounds can be stained, you'll probably find it difficult to match the color with the surrounding wood.
RESOURCES :
The Wood Finisher: How to Finish Everything, From Decks to Floors to Doors
Author: Bruce Johnson
ISBN: 0345372972
Ballantine Books
The Complete Manual of Woodworking
Author: Albert Jackson
Publisher: Knopf
ISBN: 0679766111
Finishes for Exterior Wood: Selection, Application and Maintenance
Model: 0935018832
Author: R. Sam Williams, et al
Woodworking Basics: The Essential Benchtop Reference
Author: William Perkins Spence
Publisher: Sterling
ISBN: 0806909412
American Woodworker Magazine
American Woodworker
Website: www.americanwoodworker.com
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