Chew marks on wood can be an eyesore and can make your furniture look damaged. If you have a pet or small children, you may find yourself looking at a piece of chewed-up wood furniture more often than not. But don’t worry, there are ways to fix chew marks so that the damage won’t show as much. Here, we will explore how to fix chew marks on wood without too much effort or cost!
If your wood furniture is a victim of chew marks, you don’t have to throw it out or live with the unsightly blemish. With the right know-how, repair supplies, and a little patience, it’s possible to fix those chews up so that they’re almost impossible to spot. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through each step of the process so that your wood surfaces are looking good as new in no time!
What Causes Chew Marks on Wood?
There are many possible reasons why you may be noticing chew marks on your wood furniture or other wooden surfaces. Some common culprits include:
1. Rodents
One of the most common causes of chew marks on wood is rodents, such as mice and rats. These animals are naturally drawn to wood due to its high nutritional content, and will often gnaw at wooden surfaces in search of food or as a way to keep their teeth trimmed.
2. Insects
Insects can also cause chew marks on the wood. Some common culprits include termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles, all of which can cause serious damage to wooden surfaces over time.
3. Pets
Your pets may also be responsible for chewing marks on wood surfaces in your home. While most pet dogs and cats will not gnaw on wood themselves, they may inadvertently cause damage by scratching or biting at surfaces with their claws or teeth.
10 Ways About How to Fix Chew Marks on Wood:
1. Remove the Source of Moisture
Chew marks can be a sign of moisture in the wood, so it’s important to remove any sources of moisture like leaks or condensation. You may need to replace damaged boards or sections of wood, depending on how severe the damage is.
2. Apply Stain
If your chew marks are very noticeable, consider applying stain over them to help them blend in. Choose a darker stain if possible, and be sure to use a primer first to achieve the best results. But make sure you don’t use a stain that is too dark or the chew marks will stand out even more.
3. Apply a Sealant
Once your stain is dry, apply a sealant over it to help protect the wood from future chewing or damage by moisture. Look for products specifically designed for chew marks on wooden furniture or other surfaces.
4. Use a Repellent
There are also products available that specifically target chew marks on wooden furniture and other surfaces, such as sprays or powders that help keep pets from chewing at the same spot again. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully when using these products to avoid any potential safety hazards for your pets or damage to your furniture.
5. Consider Hardware
If your pet is chewing at the corners or edges of a piece of wood, you could try covering it with some metal hardware like a strip of nails or screws to help deter them from chewing at that spot again.
6. Try Bitter Repellents
Bitter sprays and powders are available that can be used to help keep pets from chewing certain spots in your home. These products typically use bitter flavors like pepper or citrus, which taste unpleasant and make the wood surfaces less appealing to pets.
7. Use Pet-Safe Furniture Covers
If you’re having a lot of trouble with pets chewing on wooden furniture, try covering it with a pet-safe slipcover or slip-on cover to protect it from damage. These covers will be made of materials that can withstand being chewed, and you’ll still be able to see the surface of your furniture underneath.
8. Try Pet-Friendly Furniture Covers
If you’re having trouble keeping pets off wooden surfaces that you don’t want them to chew on, consider using pet-friendly furniture covers instead. These covers are specifically designed to be chew- and scratch-resistant, so they’ll help protect your wood surfaces without causing any inconvenience for your pets.
9. Set Up Pet Enclosures
If you’re struggling to keep pets off certain areas of your home, consider setting up a pet enclosure in those areas. This may be an especially good option for pet owners with young children who need to protect wood surfaces like cribs and changing tables from chewing damage.
10. Seek Professional Assistance
In some cases, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance when dealing with chew marks on your wood surfaces. A furniture or flooring refinisher can recommend the best methods for repairing and protecting your wood surfaces from future chewing damage, so talk to an expert if you’re having trouble keeping pets off certain areas of your home.
And remember that prevention is always the best approach when it comes to protecting your wooden surfaces from pet damage. Make sure to regularly check your wood surfaces for signs of chewing or other damage and address it right away to keep your pets from continuing to chew on them. With the right care and attention, you can keep your wooden furniture and floors looking great for years to come.
Some Additional Tips to Prevent Chew Marks on Wood
1. Use Good Quality Wood
Using high-quality wood is one of the best ways to prevent chew marks. Look for furniture and other items that are made from solid wood, as this material can withstand chewing better than plywood or other types of weaker materials.
2. Install A Barrier
If you already have chew marks on your wood furniture, consider installing a barrier to prevent your pet from getting to the areas where the damage primarily occurs. You might try installing a simple wooden or metal gate or using a special vinyl sticker that deters chewing.
3. Provide Plenty of Chew Toys and Treats
If your pet loves to chew on wood, be sure to provide plenty of appropriate chew toys and treats so that they can satisfy this instinctive behavior without damaging your furniture or other items. Providing plenty of chew toys also helps strengthen your pet’s jaw muscles, which may help prevent future chewing incidents.
4. Practice Training and Reinforcement
Since pets often engage in destructive chewing as a way to relieve stress, boredom, or frustration, it’s important to practice positive training methods and provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent this behavior. This may include engaging in regular playtime and walks, providing puzzle toys that offer mental challenges, or investing in a pet sitter or doggy daycare service when you’re not home.
5. Be Careful Always
Although it can be challenging to prevent chew marks on wood, it is important to always be careful when you have pets in the home. This includes being vigilant about monitoring your pet’s behavior, providing plenty of toys and treats, and using effective training methods to encourage positive behaviors.
By taking these steps and working closely with your pet, you can keep your furniture and other belongings safe from chew marks.
Conclusion
There are several solutions to fixing chew marks on wood. If the damage is minor, sanding and staining may be all that’s needed. For more severe damage, consider using a wood filler or patch. With time and patience, you can repair chewed up wood and make it look good as new!
We hope this guide on how to fix chew marks on wood has been helpful. If you’ve any questions or want to know more then feel free to comment below!
