Wood & Repair Materials

The Wood Center field guide

Choose the material before the method.

Material choices affect the joints, edges and finish of a home project. Begin with where the piece will be used and how the surface should look, then choose a material and product intended for that application.

Solid wood or plywood?

Compare the actual dimensions, surface condition and visible edges of the boards available to you. For plywood, inspect the face and edges and plan how exposed layers will fit the design. A shelf also needs a support layout: thickness alone does not establish its load capacity.

Fill, touch up, or rebuild?

A cosmetic surface repair is different from repairing a failed joint. Read the filler or putty label for substrate, preparation, sanding and finishing instructions. Do not treat a cosmetic product as a structural repair unless its manufacturer specifies that use.

Make a sample first

Check the colour and finish on matching scrap. A product described as stainable may still absorb colour differently from the surrounding wood.