How to Fix Water Damage on Wood

Furniture damage is one of the most common and complex issues that property owners, woodworkers, builders, and DIYers can encounter. Of the types of damage that can ruin wooden furniture and flooring, water damage is among the most notable.

While water is necessary for life, it can also cause a lot of damage to a home or business. Water damage refers to any type of damage caused by water, whether it be from a flood, leaky pipe, or another source. Mold development, decay, and structural collapse can all result from water damage. It is your responsibility as a home or business owner to fix water damage in your property promptly and appropriately; or else, be ready to shell out a lot on repairs.

How Does Water Damage Wooden Furniture?

Wood is a natural material that, if exposed to water or excessive moisture without protection, may decay and grow molds. An increase in moisture content can cause wood to swell and shift. Additionally, the finish on some wooden furniture might show watermarks; be aware that light watermarks indicate that the water stain is still on the surface, while heavy watermarks suggest water has already penetrated through the wood finishing.

Different kinds of wood react to water damage in different ways. For example, a wood veneer may rise from the glue joint as a result of moisture, while artificial woods such as MDF may crumble and disintegrate. It is imperative to arm yourself with the knowledge and practical advice you need to spare yourself and your wooden furniture from any additional headache when you suffer water damage, regardless of the type of wood your furniture is built from.

How to Repair Swollen, Water-Damaged Wooden Furniture

Depending on the level of damage, wooden furniture damaged by water can frequently be repaired. If the wood is swollen, warped, or discolored, it is likely that the damage is superficial and can be sanded down and refinished. Worse damages, such as cracked or split wood, will require more extensive repairs.

Here are some pointers to assist you in your DIY repairs:

1. To start, remove all hardware from the piece of furniture and sand down the surface to remove any dirt, paint, or varnish.

2. If the wood is cracked or split, use wood glue to put it back together. Reattach any loose pieces and clamp them until the glue dries.

3. Once the glue has dried, sand down the area again before refinishing. If the damage is extensive, it may be necessary to replace some of the damaged boards. However, it is often possible to repair water-damaged wood furniture with some time and effort.

Steps to Fix Water Damage on Wooden Floors and  Surfaces

You might not immediately see the damage that spilled or flood water is causing to your wooden floor on the surface, but it doesn’t mean that it’s not causing any more damage within the material. Quickly drying the floor, especially the subfloor, is a critical task that you should do before starting any water damage repairs.

Here are some water damage restoration tips for your home’s wooden floors and surfaces.

1. Remove any excess water from the surface using a clean cloth. Once the surface is dry, you will need to sand down any rough edges using fine-grit sandpaper.

2. You will need to apply a primer specifically designed for wood surfaces. Once the primer is dry, you can paint or stain the surface as desired.

3. Apply a sealant to protect the finish from future damage.

By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily fix your water-damaged wooden surfaces. Inappropriate handling could endanger you and your family and do more harm than good. If you have any doubts about your DIY project, call a professional water damage specialist to manage any structural damage to the home.

Final Thoughts

Any kind of property damage, if ignored, might grow in scale over time and seriously harm one’s property. Moreover, fixing water-damaged wooden surfaces, let alone wood furniture, is not as easy as it may seem. The distinction between components that can be salvaged and those that must be discarded may require you to make some difficult decisions.

A restoration expert like PuroClean of Zephyrhills can assist you in identifying which items are salvageable, cleanable, and restorable. The damage to your furnishings will only worsen the longer you stall, so call them to fix the water-damaged parts of your home as soon as you can.