I was browsing in a furniture store and came across an entertainment unit that had some damage on the bottom section. The damaged section appears to be some kind of timber veneer which has some cracks and is slightly warped.
https://i.imgur.com/PDCENpO.jpg
The store is selling at a 60% discount due to the damage (normal sale price $1,200, price for this unit was $500 but I’m sure could be negotiated down).
Question is, would it be possible to repair and if so, how would you do it?
According to the store it’s made of messmate timber. Maybe that was just the top as the damaged section looks like timber veneer…. Could be wrong though
If you were in a position to fix it then you would be skilled enough to make your own furniture and be able to make something better for much less. Either way not worth it.
Could just be me, it looks like a laminate with mdf underneath it. Take it if $0.
some kind of timber veneer
If it was, don’t think it would have broke like that…
Veneer look alike laminate.
It’s hard to tell from that straight on view, but I think it could be done with just glue and long clamps… but I wouldn’t at that price.
RRP is $1200, so in a good sale it would be… $700? So it’s a realistic saving of maybe $200
For that price difference, it’s just not worth it - as above, much better available through small sellers or straight from the factory places with no retail front
Thanks. RRP is $1,550 but that store always has 25% off so the true price is closer to $1,200
RRP - is stupidly high
Just snap off the pointy bit and hang a doily over it. Or bend it back into shape, sand that smashed bit to smooth it a bit, and paint the whole cabinet matte black to make it look a bit more modern. If you get a big enough discount it could be worth it. Embarrassing they even have this out on the floor, I bet they can't wait to get rid of it.
Yeesh. I wouldn't be touching that, not at $500 at any rate.
Not worth
Offer them $50
Looks like melamine with a timber finish. Now way to repair it so it looks like it was not a repair.
Not worth it as it will be too obvious that it's stuffed.
Almost everything can be fixed, but that doesn’t look easy to do successfully. It looks to be structural. I suspect if you need to ask how to fix it, you don’t have the skills to do so.
I’d have a crack but only if I really liked it and it was less than $100.
Looks like it could just be the veneer on the edge that is damaged. If so you can just rip it off and iron on some new edging.
I have done this on a desk it picked up from hard rubbish and you can't tell it has been repaired
https://www.cpv.com.au/Products/Edging/DIY
They sell it at Bunnings
Getting a matching colour and grain would be the problem
If you are handy, I would offer $200. Best approach is to:
Tip on its back
Carefully stick screwdriver in there to lever it open further
Fill syringe with wood glue and warm it up in hot water (not boiling)
Pump glue in even coverage not to excess
Retract screwdriver and clamp with piece of timber on each side for 5 minutes. Then remove and clean up excess glue squeezed out with damp cloth as much as possible
Reclamp this time with 2 sheets of baking paper between timber and furniture.
Overnight dry, sand and recoat with polyurethane. Might have to recoat the whole surface. Buy small can of satin and check on the bottom for finish match
After reading this, is it worth it? If you take it to a pro it won't be less than $300 and he wouldn't guarantee either. Old Chinese saying "eat full and nothing to do!"
Good luck
What does that saying mean?
Wasn't worth $1500 let alone the $1200… but if you like it, and you can repair it…(it will never be great unless you get an expert in), then go for it.
At least you get some experience and learn a few woodworking methods. So, all good, go ahead…..but at 90% off.
They will will claim full cost value from Insurance most likely regardless.
Try some ramen noodles, glue and paint
It wasn't you that damaged the furniture, it was the retailer.
A discount on price passes their f.up/ carelessness onto you, with you hoping to gain a bargain.
Solid timber does not fracture like this, so if you do not have repair knowledge, walk away. It will probably cost you more in workshop equipment and materials than it is worth. And if you do a lousy job, it will still be damaged and worth even less.
But…….if you can get it for free, it may be worth learning the skills to fix it.
Not worth it. You should be able to get a solid timber entertainment unit much nicer than this for that price.