Questions tagged [wooden-furniture]

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Should I tilt my DIY self-standing bookshelf backwards to prevent it falling down?

Context I intend to build a self-standing bookshelf using 18mm-thick, CNC-router-cut plywood. The bookshelf is made of nested planks, and entirely fits a 35cm-deep recess in my wall. Following pictures display first a sketch of the global design,…
ebosi
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What are cheap ways to build strong shelves with a large span?

I have removed several old and moisture damaged built in storage units from my house. I would like to replace them with shelving. There are a number of different sized gaps (width and depth to fill). I would like the shelves to hold quite alot of…
flamingpenguin
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What grit sandpaper should I use between coats of polyurethane?

I'm planning on applying polyurethane to a pine bench I've finished staining. I decided on foam brushes for application, but I wasn't sure what grit sandpaper I should use between coats. Is 400 good enough? Or should I use 600? Or both? Also, if…
Doresoom
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What are some tips for finishing wood?

I'm kind of embarrassed to ask, but I'm looking for a good how-to guide for finishing pine furniture. (Could also apply to baseboards and trim, so I'm hoping for an on-topic pass here.) I watched my dad do this dozens of time when I was a kid, but I…
Doresoom
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What are the pros and cons of medium-density fibreboard (MDF)?

I heard mixed opinions about making cupboards and beds from MDF. Some said it doesn't matter, MDF is as durable as whole tree or sandwich boards. Some said that MDF is weak, and will not last for years if you move the MDF-beds often. I'll be glad to…
Elazar Leibovich
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Bend wooden bedframe back into shape?

I have a wooden bed frame, for which one of the sides is very slightly bent out (as shown in the picture). I would like to get it straightened because the slight bending out means that the slats that support the mattress on that side aren't held in…
LondonPhantom
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How can I reattach the top of this broken desk to the legs?

This is a handmade desk of solid wood. The top is screwed to the legs with 6 screws, and the top was ripped off when the desk was dropped while being carried up stairs. How would you repair it so you could reattach the top to the legs?
Nicole
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What Is This Fastener And How Is It Used?

The following fastener fell out of a breakfast bar stool. It came loose from the area shown below, where the hole is. I have never seen a bolt like that, and Google Lens is not much help-- what is it? And can this stool be easily repaired? Note: I…
Reader
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What is the best way to shorten legs on a table and chairs?

A few years ago we bought a "bar height" kitchen table and chairs. It seemed like a good idea at the time but we hate it now. It's terrible to have to sit with your feet not touching the floor for long periods. So my question is what is the best…
Dave
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What is this soft, sticky wood finish and how do I remove it?

We have a second-hand table with a mysterious finish. The wood underneath is pale, possibly pine. With the finish, it's a slightly darker and "warmer" colour. The table is not antique; I'd guess only about 20 years old. The finish is soft, so you…
Rachael
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How to put 5/8" oak dowels into holes which are just barely the right size?

I've got a handful of oak dowels (ok, a lot) and holes that are both 5/8" in diameter, the problem is that the dowels are just barely too big for the holes. I'm trying to figure out easy ways to either sand down the dowels or expand the holes. I…
enderland
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Do I need to pre-drill holes in particle board for screws?

I'm set to buy a bunch of IKEA furniture, which is notoriously all particle board. (Ah, particle board.) I'd like to strengthen some of the beams of the HOPEN bed with L-brackets from the big-box hardware store of choice. My question is this: since…
Aarthi
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Whats the easiest way to fix sticky painted furniture so that it's no longer sticky?

I sanded and painted a dresser with several coats of 100% acrylic paint, namely, these paints: The paint job turned out good, with one issue. After 4-6 weeks of drying, the paint is still slightly tacky. That is a problem, because when I put a…
n00b
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How can I get stains out of a pine table?

I have a light pine dining table. After we got married, we left an orchid from the wedding on the table while we went on honeymoon, giving it a bit of water before we went. Didn't realise the pot wasn't water-tight! The water leaked out onto the…
Caroline Willis
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How do I repair this wood crack in a drawer

I have a drawer that has developed a crack in the side. The wood must have been under a lot of stress. I can’t even press the wood back to its original shape without a lot of pressure. What’s the best strategy for repairing this drawer. I’m willing…
Michael J Swart
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