Replacing a Split Tabletop Board

Article 5: Replacing a Split Tabletop Board (Furniture Repair)

By: A Restoration Nerd with a Love for Fixing, Not Tossing

A cracked or split tabletop doesn't mean trashing the whole piece. Here’s how I replaced a single warped board on a dining table and kept the patina intact.

Tools & Materials

• Table saw

• Card scraper

• Chisels

• Bar clamps

• Sander

• Wood glue

• Replacement board (match species and grain)

• Finish to match (oil/poly/stain)

Steps

1. Remove the Damaged Board

• Mark the cracked board.

• Use a circular saw to cut along seams (or disassemble top if not glued edge-to-edge).

• Scrape and sand adjoining boards clean.

2. Mill the New Board

• Plane to match thickness (typically 3/4”).

• Cut to length and width.

• Match grain and color as close as possible.

3. Glue & Clamp

• Apply glue to edges.

• Clamp tightly, ensuring alignment.

• Let dry overnight.

4. Finish Matching

• Sand entire top with 180 grit.

• Use test samples to match original finish.

• Apply thin coats and buff with 0000 steel wool for a seamless blend.

Visual: Tabletop Repair Cross-Section

Top View (Before):

+----+----+----+----+----+
| A  | B  | Cx | D  | E  |   ← C = damaged
+----+----+----+----+----+

After:

+----+----+----+----+----+
| A  | B  | C  | D  | E  |   ← C = new matched board
+----+----+----+----+----+