How to Patch Wood

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva makes an undetectable repair in rotted wood.

Steps:

1. Use end nippers to extract any nails or screws from the damaged wood area.

2. Nail 1×3 boards around the area to act as fences for guiding the router.

3. Use a router equipped with a straight bit and guide bushing to remove the old wood from the damaged area. Hold the guide bushing against the 1×3 fences to produce straight, accurate cuts.

4. Remove the 1x3s and square up the corners of the routed recess using a hammer and chisel.

5. Mark the poplar patch to fit the routed recess. Cut the patch using a miter box and backsaw.

6. Spread carpenter’s glue to the back of the patch, then nail it into the recess using 1½-inch finishing nails.

7. Set the nails and fill the holes with wood putty.

8. Once the wood putty dries, sand the patch smooth with a random orbit sander fitted with 100-grit abrasive.

9. Apply one coat of primer and two topcoats of paint to the entire area.