How to Repair Broken and Cracked Wood | Woodworking Tips

Can cracked and broken wood be repaired? In our experience, many broken wood pieces can be repaired using good preparation and glue techniques. We show you 3 examples of cracked wood and how to fix them in our repair shop.

Wood that is broken across the grain is difficult to repair because of how the wood fibres are severed. Wood that is split along the grain can be repaired as there is structure for the glue to bond to. The following repairs show how to fix broken wood where the break is along the grain.

Split Chair Leg - this broken chair leg is split down the length of the leg. A common mistake people make when trying to repair a split like this is dabbing a bit of glue on the joint. The glue needs to be applied to the whole surface area. To do this, open the split wood, squeeze in a generous amount of glue, and rub it back and forth with a cotton string to distribute the glue on every part of the split wood. When the clamp is applied, the glue should squeeze out at the split if you have used the right amount of glue.

Broken Wood on Cabinet Door - this door was damaged with a lot of force. The owner tried to repair the cracks, but it came apart again. Watch how to loosen the broken parts, clean off the old glue, and put it all back together the right way to get the door back in working order

Broken Wooden Chair Seat - this old chair seat was cracked and repaired a long time ago, but there wasn’t enough glue used to keep it from breaking apart again. The broken parts are cleaned up to remove any old glue reside and dirt. Then glue is applied to both sides of the broken parts to ensure there’s enough glue in the joint. Once clamped up, this joint will be stronger than the wood fibres in the seat - it’s not going to break again.

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[grahamormesher]

Hi Scott. Another way to get glue in tight spaces is with a drinking straw. Pump the glue into the joint then simply blow it through the joint.

[ellisc.foleyjr]

Well Scott once again you've proved you're never to old to learn (77here) I loved your idea with the string. been glueing stuff for over 40 yrs and never knew that one.! thank you for showing it to us/me, and better yet thanks for sharing!

[teamchristock]

You're the Bob Ross of furniture repair.

[leroymellix]

The Patience you bring to your craft as well as your experience both due you proud and influence the viewers very positively. You prove that what your doing will work before you finish. Well done!

[shofarsogood]

A+ on the spreader between two other clamps! Just gave me an idea on the previous problem I needed to solve as well as this issue. Thanks!

[arleneolson]

I love this video! I have a fractured bottom drawer support (lengthwise). So I'm going to try turning it upside down and glueing it (wood glue or Elmer's glue good?) Do I have to clamp it, because I don't know if I'll have any space to do that? Suggestions appreciated. Just got this second hand piece and it was dropped. I was stuck on how to fix it and just today realized--hey, glue it! Thx.

[pascalmoscato]

Thank to you I've been able to fix a cracked door. It felt so good that I went looking around the house for more stuff to fix. Thank you very much for your tip and clear explanation.

[hockeymom]

Thank you for this. I've been working on an antique dry sink awhile and have become frustrated. I'm going back to square one and doing it the correct way!!

[epicpaper]

I appreciate the video. Im building a barn wood, and noticed a crack in on of my legs. The leg is pretty much irreplaceable, this video helps alot.

[melherd]

Great video, lots of good information!

[terribohannon]

Best repair video I've seen yet👍👍👍

[nelsonmargarido]

Hello scott, very good tips. I'm not a woodworker, but in this pandemic times, we need to repair our furniture in home. Thank you for te help. Nelson from Sao Paulo city in Brazil.

[sebastianocano]

Your videos are amazing, so much useful information, also I can see that you have a lot of experience, thanks for sharing!

[natecutter]

Great videos I've used hose clamps with round fixes especially Banjo Stainless steel T-Bolt Hose Clamps with paste wax on them for easy cleanup.

[DougAdams-uoee]

OH MY GOODNESS! I have my great grandfather's rolltop desk and chair. The chair has the same as what you show in this video!
The desk is a single pedestal roll top desk purchased through Sears and Roebuck. Your video on hiding treasures looks very much like it and that video will do fantastic! The desk needs to be raised so I can put casters on the chair. I guess people are taller now. Thank you!!!

[SL-ezqn]

Brilliant video. How would you go about fixing a crack on a dining table top if the crack is not open enough to get any glue in it. Any advice appreciated.

[lauradiaz-autin]

This is such helpful info thanks so much

[julieparke]

Great video!! Love the string idea. But was wondering if you have a video on how to fix a hairline crack or what can I do or use? Thank you for you time.

[axminsterz]

Nice trick with the string, going to use it today, thanx

[Goalsplus]

These videos are an important part of learning woodwork.