Restoring an antique wood frame couch

Nancy Canonico
by Nancy Canonico
I'm trying to restore an antique wood-frame couch in which seams of the wood trim have separated. How can I close small gaps (1/8" - 1/4") in seam of old wood trim?
  4 answers
  • Lagree Wyndham Lagree Wyndham on Apr 18, 2016
    is it possible to add some wood glue and clamp. the actual frame below the trim. The frame below the trim in the first photo. Also look like you may be able to pull it together with a screw or two in the lower part of frame.
  • William William on Apr 18, 2016
    I would use Gorilla glue and some clamps. I'm not much of a fan of Gorilla glue as a Woodworker. It's polyurethane based and expands as it cures, filling pores, cracks and crevices. But it should work for your application. Another option, which I use a lot, is two part epoxy and clamps. Has great holding power and strength. Try not to use any screws or nails. Any fastener would just weaken the joint. Good luck.
  • Kay Kay on Apr 18, 2016
    Strip the frame. A small screw through the back of the joint then wood glue and clamps. Once you glue and clamp it leave it alone for at least 48 hours to give the glue time to firm up and harden. Good luck. It looks well worth saving!
  • Hope Williams Hope Williams on Apr 18, 2016
    Hi Nancy. I agree with William on almost all he suggested. My best, wood workers advice is this: use no screws! Try first to close the gap with pressure only. No glue, just see if all will line back up. If you can NOT close the gap with pressure, you can add a shim in between and glue all sides with wood glue and clamp tightly for min of 24 hours. IF, if you feel you need "extra" holding, use an air nailer. The nails are very narrow but will help the shim stay in place for future use. I highly recommend using wood glue as it is the best when it is dried. You need a chisel and hammer to remove dried gorilla glue. Then you run the risk of gouging your wood. Good luck and let us know how you make out your great piece!
    • See 5 previous
    • Hope Williams Hope Williams on Apr 18, 2016
      I've used rope as well William. It works great in some circunstances. With her sharing she was a novice as well as the back side of the sofa appearing to be relatively straight, I did not want to confuse her in any way. I'll also add that as a smaller framed female, it's not always doable by my self. Whereas the hand ratchet clamp is totally doable I believe in this circumstance.