The Basics of Repairing Rotted Wood

It happens; your wooden furniture, through moisture damage, will eventually start to rot and decay. Apart from the looking unsightly, it might also pose a risk to your safety as well. While repairing rotting wood might seem like an intimidating task, it’s actually simple to do if you know the basics. Handyman Connection of Boise discusses more.

Tools and Materials You Need

Before anything else, you’ll want to grab these tools. If you can’t find any in your toolbox, you can easily find them in your local hardware store:

– a putty knife and utility knife

– a rasp

– a sanding block

– a paint brush

– a wood chisel

You’ll also want to source a wood hardener or consolidant, a polyester filler, as well as a sandpaper with 100 grit. Once you have all these, it’s time to repair the rotted wood.

Apply the Wood Hardener and Filler

First, you’ll want to remove the rotted piece of wood with your 5-in-1. If you don’t have that, then any sharp tool will do. Once you’ve removed the rotted piece, coat the area with the wood hardener using your paintbrush. Afterward, mix polyester wood filler and press it tightly into the recesses of the surface using your putty knife.

Shaping and Smoothing

Before the putty and hardener settle, you’ll want to shape and smooth it on the rest of the wood surface. Carve it with either a putty knife or chisel. Sometimes, one layer isn’t enough, so just wait for the initial layer to harden, then apply the hardener and putty mix again. For larger wood surfaces, it might take four or five layers to completely cover the rotted portion. Once the mixture settles, all you really need to do is repaint the surface and it will look like brand new again.

Let Handyman Connection of Boise assist you with larger rotted wood issues. Fill out our form or give us a call at (208) 901-3999 for more information on our services.