How to Repair Wood Rot
How to Repair Wood Rot Video
Repair wood rot is what your significant other asks you to do. But you don't know the best way.
To put it differently, you don't know what's product to use and what will last.
Repair Wood Rot Using Epoxy & Hardener
The first thing to remember is you need to use a material that's not going to fail again. Wood epoxy should be your go-to choice. You should use the liquid wood hardener before mixing up the epoxy.
This is the milky liquid you brush onto the rotted wood. Allow it to harden for 24 hours before using the PC Woody epoxy. CLICK THE BOTTLE to have this delivered to your home in days.
I've had the best luck so far with a product called PC Woody.
This is PC Woody. It's a fantastic two-part epoxy that's very sticky. It's easy to sand once hard. CLICK THE PHOTO NOW to have it delivered to your door.
This epoxy is two distinct colors. You mix it using a putty knife until the color is consistent. I prefer to mix it on a piece of sturdy cardboard.
Related Links
Wood Repair Tips - Rotted Wood Sucks
Treated Lumber Rots Too - Crazy Photos!
Free & Fast Bids
CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local handymen who can install the PC Woody for you.
Use Hardener First
Wood rot attacks the cells of wood. Severe wood rot creates a stringy mess. You can stiffen this summer wood that remains by saturating the remaining wood with a liquid hardener. The people that make PC Woody make PC Petrifier that does a great job.
The hardener is a milky liquid that dries clear. It usually takes 24 hours to dry, then you can apply the PC Woody.
Sandable, Stainable & Paintable
Another key point is the wood epoxy can be sanded smooth. You can paint or stain the epoxy and the repair should be invisible.
The first thing to remember is the epoxy needs to be hard before you start to sand it. It's best to wait at least 48 hours before you sand it.
CLICK HERE to get FREE & FAST BIDS from local handymen who can install the PC Woody for you.
Is automotive Bondo the same product and can it be used in the same manner?
No it is not the same. Remember, always READ THE PRODUCT LABEL to see what it can be used on and in.
I have used both Minwax two part wood filler and Bondo two part body filler to fill wood. Both seem to have the "microbeads" that allow for easier sanding. The Bondo is best if the surface is to be painted and is generally less expensive to buy. The wood color in the Minwax version is better is you are trying to maintain a natural look. I have recently been having difficulty finding Minwax's wood hardener so I am glad to find there might be another product that will serve. Thanks for the info!
Does the rotten wood have to be dry before using the Petrifier? Does the soft rotted wood need to be removed back to a more solid surface? If so, how high can the epoxy be built up & do you need to let layers dry before adding more? I have a 75 y/o wooden threshold that is rotting in spots & Don't want to replace the whole thing if possible.
Just read the label on PC Petrifier. Remember, never ever TRUST advice from anyone OTHER THAN THE MANUFACTURER about how to install their product.
The epoxy can be built up pretty high! Go up above and order some and play with it BEFORE you put it on the threshold.
why not use a wall hung toilet, would solve your problem, as another alternative
Oh simple. Who wants their house to look like an airport or interstate highway rest stop bathroom?
Thanks for this info, Tim. We've had a slow leak in our shower which has rotted the bottom 4" of the door frame. The fault was repaired and, now that the woodwork has completely dried, I will be able to patch the damaged area. Your videos are so easy to follow. Best wishes, Carolyn, Sydney, Australia
Hello Tim! I am a long-time subscriber to your newsletters and really enjoy the knowledge you put out there for everyone...especially me.
Just wanted you to know that I totally agree with your comment about reading the instructions and following the directions. I work in a small-type hardware store and I am amazed that people bring items back that they claim 'don't work'. The first question I ask is always the same...Did you read the instructions? Of course, the answer is no.
I guess I'm old-fashioned. I always thought that was the first thing you did with any new 'toy'. And I also thought that men automatically knew a lot about tools, cars, wiring, fixing, plumbing and general stuff. You don't know how often men come into the store and ask me how something works, or how to change out a part on something that I thought was common knowledge among men. (for example, the crazy numbering system on extension cords using gauge and amp and length. That's always been hard for me to remember.)
Thank you for helping me stay independent and up-to-date. You da man!!
franne
Hello Tim, it seems like the epoxy is taking little longer to dry, we have applied it about 6 days ago and still cannot sand it as it's too wet and clogs the sand paper. we have temperatures of 45F at night and 65 during the day. would you say if we added more of the Part A it would dry out faster?
Sounds to me like you mixed it wrong. Not equal parts. Get rid of what you mixed and START OVER. Measure correctly this time and MIX WELL.
I have a question/ My rotted wood is in a beam. It is a large area about 2=3 inches deep into the beam. Do I need to fill the space in two steps letting it cure in between OR can I fill the entire void in one step and let it cure? Thank you for your answer.
Very helpful! Thank you
Hello, Should I put flashing on top of the putty and over the beam too for added protection? And if yes, can you put a nail or screw into the PC Woody to hold the flashing down? Thank you!