How to Fill Cracks in Wood Benches

Prepare the work area. Set the bench on a drop cloth or newspapers in a well ventilated work area if indoors, or outside. Gather supplies to an area that is reachable from the bench, as you may need to have easy access during the process without having to take your hand off the bench at certain steps.

Clean and remove any debris, splinters or chunks of wood from the cracked area. If necessary, gently pry out protruding chunks and pieces and set aside. Using a wood rasp or file smooth down hard jagged edges and splinters.

Sand the now clean crack area into a somewhat smooth crevice. This does not have to be perfect as it is not a finishing step, but merely prepping the crack to receive filler material. Wipe the sanded area with a clean cloth to remove any particles.

Fill the crack with wood filler. Stir the wood filler before using to give it a more pliable, fluffy consistency—this makes it easier with which to work and press into the crack. The filler may be applied with any somewhat flexible spatula, putty knife or even your moistened finger. Pack the product into the crack until it is filled completely.

Smooth the filler along the surface of the crack, feathering it out even with the surrounding undisturbed portion of the wood. Make sure the filler covering the crack is slightly higher than the surrounding area as it may shrink slightly as the filler dries. This also allows sanding down to the correct level without leaving depressions in the repaired area. If need be apply clamp to squeeze wood together during the drying process.

Let it dry thoroughly. Once dry, remove any clamps and lightly sand the surface until smooth, removing all excess filler at the crack and surrounding wood. Run your hand along the repaired area to test the level of the surface. If no interruption in the flow from undisturbed wood to repaired area is felt, the repair portion of your job is complete. If it is not level, continue to sand lightly with finer grades of sand paper until it is smooth to the touch.