PSA: I used to just slap wood glue on everything for furniture fixes.

Now I always check if the joint needs a dowel or a spline for real strength. Changed my method after a bookshelf I fixed for my neighbor in Denver fell apart again in a month. What's your go-to for making a repair stronger than the original?

3 comments

3 Comments

webb.val1mo ago

Honestly that sounds like overkill for most fixes. Wood glue is crazy strong if you use it right, clamp it well, and let it cure fully. I've fixed chairs and tables with just glue and they've held for years. Adding dowels or splines every time is extra work for a small gain, unless you're building something new from scratch.

fiona_scott441mo ago

Tbh I get where you're coming from, but my last "just glue" fix ended up with my kid wearing a chair like a hat. Glue is strong until your three year old tries to become a furniture tester. Now I add a dowel just for my own peace of mind, it's like a security blanket but for wood. Sure it's extra work, but so is explaining to your wife why the dining set is now a modern art project.

felix_bailey4520d ago

Did you ever see that test where someone glued two blocks together and they held up a car? It's wild how strong glue can be when you do it right. But I'm with Fiona, kids are chaos agents and a little extra wood never hurts.