Can Pet-Damaged Wood Furniture Be Repaired?

DIRECT ANSWER:

Some pet damage to wood furniture can potentially be repaired or reduced. The options depend on whether the damage affects only the finish or extends into the wood, veneer, edges, legs or structural components.

THE DOG HAD A PROJECT.

UNFORTUNATELY, IT WAS YOUR TABLE.

Before replacing the furniture, look at how deep the damage actually goes.

COMMON PET DAMAGE

Dogs and cats may cause:

Surface scratches

Deep scratches

Chewed corners

Damaged legs

Claw marks

Finish wear

Staining

Missing wood

FINISH DAMAGE IS DIFFERENT FROM MISSING WOOD

Light scratches may affect primarily the finish.

Deep chewing may physically change the shape of the component.

Those require different approaches.

EDGES AND CORNERS CAN BE CHALLENGING

A damaged flat surface is different from a chewed:

Corner

Molding

Carved edge

Turned leg

Profile

The original geometry matters.

DON'T SAND THE ENTIRE PIECE BECAUSE OF ONE DAMAGED AREA

Aggressive sanding can create a much larger project.

Determine whether localized treatment is appropriate first.

WHAT ABOUT URINE OR OTHER CONTAMINATION?

Biological contamination can create health, odor and material concerns beyond ordinary woodworking.

Appropriate cleaning or other professional evaluation may be necessary.