For large repairs on wood, which materials are recommended?

For large repairs on wood, using wood dowels or wood splices is particularly effective because they provide structural integrity and strength to the repair. When working with larger damaged areas, these methods allow for the reintegration of the wood, ensuring that the remaining structure is both stable and resilient.

Wood dowels can be inserted into drilled holes in the damaged area and the surrounding wood, creating a strong bond that helps bridge gaps and adds stability. Wood splices involve joining two pieces of wood together, either by matching the grain and profile of the existing wood or by cutting a notch that allows the new wood to fit seamlessly, thereby maintaining the overall appearance and integrity of the piece.

This approach is especially advantageous over other materials like epoxy and resin, which generally serve as fillers rather than structural reinforcements. Although epoxy and resin can be useful for smaller cracks or voids, they do not provide the same level of structural support that dowels and splices offer for larger repairs. Unlike wood putty and paint, which are more aesthetic solutions, wood dowels and splices address the physical integrity of the wood itself, making them the optimal choice for substantial repairs.