How to Fix a Split in a Wooden Chair

Wooden chairs can last for generations if they are well maintained. A split in a wooden chair part is no reason to discard the chair. In fact, any homeowner can make the repair as a DIY project. Attention to detail is important when repairing a split to make the fix as seamless as possible. It is also important that you fix a split as soon as you see it. A split part can cause the entire structure of the chair to be weakened and lead to more damage.

Putty knife
Wood glue
Wood clamp
Damp cloth
Fine-grit sanding block
Wood finish to match existing finish
Natural-bristle brush

Instructions

- 1
  Place the chair on a work surface so that the split part is facing you. Slide a putty knife into the split.
- 2
  Pry gently on the split to open it just enough so that you can saturate the inside of the split with wood glue. Squeeze wood glue into the split and remove the putty knife.
- 3
  Position a wood clamp over the split part. Tighten the clamp and wipe off any excess glue that seeps out from the split with a damp cloth. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours and remove the clamp.
- 4
  Sand the repaired split with a fine-grit sanding block until the repair is blended with the surface of the wood.
- 5
  Apply a light coat of matching wood finish over the repaired area with a natural-bristle brush. Allow the finish to dry for four hours and apply a second coat if necessary.

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