Minor rot damage can be extremely unattractive and can ruin furniture.
However, if you can catch the rot early enough and repair it then you will be able to restore your furniture to as good as new in no time.
The guide here only applies to smaller areas of rot damage.
Larger areas of rot will need to be looked at by an expert as will any structural rot damage.
1) Remove all of the affected wood using a chisel or screwdriver.
2) Once all of the rotted wood has been removed apply a coat of wood hardener.
The wood hardener should be applied to unaffected wood so make sure that all of the rotted wood has been removed.
3) When the hardener has dried use wood filler to fill the gap that you have hollowed out.
It is best to overfill the gap and then sand it down once dry.
4) Let the filler dry and then sand down the excess.
If necessary, apply more wood filler to the gap.
5) Apply wood primer to the area and then paint the surface a suitable colour using either paint or wood stain Rot is caused by wet conditions.
If your furniture is left in a damp area then it will rot and you will have to repair it.
If your furniture it rotting consider moving it or drying out the room.
Find the source of the moisture and get rid of it.
Drying out your furniture by putting a heater in the affected room is a good idea to prevent moisture.
A coat of sealant will also stop rot from ruining your favourite furniture.
It goes without saying that if you spot a problem and fix it before the wood starts to rot then you will not have to repair it at all.
Don't let your wooden furniture get damp!