:: Coming Apart at the Seams::

Normally, you'd think this has to do with the fabric and sewing portion of the Re-Upholstery process... but no, today I'm here to show you how we corrected the WOOD.

There were a couple of places on the frame and trim of this settee that the wood had come unglued at the seams.

The front rail split all the way across the front. It had been glued previously (during manufacture) but over the years, the climate, storage and a combination of the springs pulling-- it just came unglued.

It wasn't broken. The integrity of the wood hadn't changed...really.  Just the glue.
So to mend this wood...

You need OR We Used:

• Wood Glue
• Small paint brush
• Clamps (various types and sizes)
• Wooden dowel (ABOUT 5/16 in size)
• Drill (w/ bits of various sizes) 
• Sawz-All 

After getting the deck apart, the springs removed, fabric and staples taken out of the wood; we were left with the frame.

Empty. I'm only talking about the deck (where you sit) 

At this point we've not taken the back off the couch yet. The fabric is still attached with staples to keep the cotton batting from coming out. 

We used a small drill bit to make pilot holes for the larger bit. We did this because this wood is old and we didn't need it cracking or breaking. So, Drill Pilot holes. 

Then we used a bit that would allow the same size clearance for the wooden dowel. 

Generally, at this point I'd say cut your wooden dowel into as many pieces as you need to fill the holes. We just tapped the dowel into the holes and cut them off as we went, with the sawz-all.

Using the small paint brush; we put glue all along the inside of the split we are repairing--- we were very generous with the glue.

We added the clamps to hold it all in place; being careful to line up the fronts so there was no over lap. We wanted the wood to be flush. 

We left it clamped for about 36 hours.  

Removed the clamps. 

Cut the dowel off even with the rail. 

The other areas that needed gluing were all along the arms...
Not a true 'BEFORE' PHOTO ; but well enough you can see where the wood had LIFTED AWAY at the seams (These arms curve)

 the wood was pieced and glued previously, during manufacturing. This was a bit tricky--but with a series of clamps we were able to get the glue in the cracks and put them on there.

We left it to dry for about 24 hours, removed the clamps and sanded those spots smooth. 

We'll come back and stain that wood before we get ready to upholster. 

I think we're moving along at a pretty good pace.  I thought we'd be further along than we are, however, for never having done this-- I'm pretty pleased with the progress. 

I hope you'll stay until the finish... 

I can't wait to have it in my living room and be able to sit on it! 

 Just a little longer now...


He is a rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgement. He is a God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is he. ~Deuteronomy 32:4