Whether it’s the steps on your stairs, hardwood floorboards, outside patio boards and railings, or even large wooden tables, no matter how well they are built, eventually they may crack.
Wood cracking is natural, and it happens due to age and moisture, but this doesn’t mean that it’s game over and you have to replace everything. There are some ways to stop cracks in wood from spreading and irreversibly ruining the entire piece.
This article explains the two most common methods of doing so.
#1: Using Wood Filler or Epoxy
The first option that you have at your disposal works really great for stopping cracks in wood from spreading that are fairly deep, thin, and long.
Liquid wood fillers as well as epoxies are great for this task, as they are thin enough to really seep into all of the thin cracks that need to be filled. Follow this step-by-step tutorial to stop cracks from spreading using wood filler or epoxy.
Step 1: Choose Between Wood Filler and Epoxy
There is an important difference between wood fillers and epoxies. We aren’t going to talk about what they are made of, but what you need to know is that they don’t produce the same results.
On one hand, you have your wood filler, which is great for surfaces where there are large cracks or chunks missing, particularly when it comes to wide cracks. Wood filler is also quite cost-effective. The other advantage that you get with wood filler is that it can be sanded and painted once dry, which is important if you want the repairs to look like the rest of the wood.
On the other hand, you have your epoxy, which tends to be a little better for tight spaces than wood filler, as it tends to be a bit thinner and does a better job at penetrating into deep and slim cracks. Moreover, if the damage is really serious, a long crack for instance, and you need to ensure that the repair has good structural integrity, epoxy will form a stronger bond than wood filler, it’s much harder, and it tends to last longer as well.
So, make your decision and then move on. The repair process is the same no matter which of these you choose.
Step 2: Get Your Safety Gear
The next thing you need to do is to get a decent respirator to protect your lungs from dangerous fumes. This is not as important if you are working with wood filler, but epoxies can be quite poisonous and nauseating, so a respirator is called for, particularly if you are working indoors.
Moreover, wear protective goggles to prevent getting anything in your eyes, as many of these chemicals can cause serious ocular damage. Wearing gloves and long sleeves is advised too. You want to cover as much skin as possible to prevent anything sticky from getting on you.
Step 3: Prepare the Area
Before you can get started with pouring epoxy or wood filler into the crack, you need to prepare the area, first and foremost by cleaning it. You want to wash it off with some water, scrub it down, and then dry it thoroughly. You may need to wait a while for it to dry.
The point here is that you need to remove any and all debris, no matter how small. Any debris leftover will get in the way and will prevent the wood filler or epoxy from bonding properly to specific areas. Once you are sure that it’s as clean as can be, check to see how deep the crack is.
If the crack goes all the way through to the other side, you will need to cover it up. Use some masking tape or any other tape that sticks well to wood and cover up the underside of the crack. This will prevent the wood filler or epoxy from leaking out the bottom.
Step 4: Mix and Apply
Epoxy comes in two parts, the resin and the hardener. You need to mix both of them together to activate the epoxy. Mix the two components together as directed, and make sure that you mix enough to fill the entire crack. If you are using epoxy, you can now mix in a bit of color to make the color match the original piece.
If you are using wood filler, there is no mixing involved. You will probably need to give it a good stir, but that’s about it.
Whether you are using wood filler or epoxy, once it is ready, fill the crack.
Step 5: Let It Dry and Finish the Area Off
You should let the wood filler or epoxy dry overnight. Depending on the weather conditions, this could take up to a full day.
Epoxy will dry faster than wood filler.
Once it is dry, you can give the epoxy a light sanding, and if need be, use a permanent marker to give it some color. If you have used wood filler, you can now sand and paint or stain it if need be.
#2: Using Sawdust and Wood Glue
if you have shallow and wide cracks in wood, or even need to fill in large chunks that are missing, and you need a cost-effective way to do it, this is it. Follow the steps as outlined below to stop cracks from spreading using sawdust and wood glue.
Step 1: Get Your Glue and Sawdust
Purchase the wood glue of your choice, as much as you will need to complete the task.
For your sawdust, you can buy a bag if need be, but it is best if you make your own blend out of scrap or new wood so you can match the color.
Step 2: Fill the Crack
The methods for this step differ depending on who you ask.
One choice is to fill the crack with wood glue and then cover it with sawdust. Press the sawdust down hard so it sticks well and so it covers the glue. The other choice is to fill the crack up a little less than halfway with glue, then cover it with sawdust, and then repeat this a second time until the crack is filled to the top.
Step 3: Let It Dry and Finish the Area Off
Depending on the wood glue used, as well as the weather, you may need to let it dry for 24 hours or longer. Make sure that it is 100% dry. Once it is dry, use some sandpaper to smooth it out.
If you used the right kind of wood glue, now is the time to paint or stain it.
Mistakes to Avoid, Tips & Tricks
Let’s go over a few valuable tips that you absolutely need to follow if you plan on achieving the best results:
- Always make sure that the surface being treated is dry.
- Ensure that any surface being treated is clean and free of debris.
- Always work in a well-ventilated area and/or work with a respirator.
- Try to work on a warm and dry day, but keep out of the sun. You don’t want rain ruining your work, but you also don’t want direct sunlight to make the glue (or other material) dry too quickly.
- Weigh your options here, because in cases of severe damage, it might make more sense to replace the wood as opposed to fixing it.
Which of the Two Methods Is Better?
Let’s quickly talk about which of these two methods is preferred for your situation. The quality and appearance of the end result rests on choosing the right method.
You should you epoxy or wood filler if:
- The crack goes all the way through the wood (epoxy is recommended)
- Your wood has relatively thin and small cracks as epoxy and wood filler are liquids that will run down into the cracks and really fill everything up (thin cracks are best treated with epoxy, while medium size cracks are best treated with wood filler)
You also need to remember that if you plan on sanding, painting, and/or staining the finished product, you need to use wood filler, because epoxy won’t hold up well to sanding and staining. It might also be worth noting here that wood fillers generally take longer to dry than epoxy.
As for the sawdust and glue method, you should use it if:
- You have a shallow and wide crack, as opposed to a deep and thin one
- Have your own woodshop and spare sawdust or if you are on a budget
- Need to fill large holes rather than just small cracks
Summary
As you can see, technically speaking, you have three options at your disposal here. These include epoxy, wood filler, and glue with sawdust. Choose wisely because the quality of the end result depends on it, and make sure to follow all of the steps and tips as outlined here today.
Also, remember that sometimes it is better to replace your entire workpiece than trying to fix it.