Expert: Eileen Cronk - 9/24/2009

Question
I have a friend with an oak dining room table that has cracked.  The crack is close to the center of the table, and appears to have been caused by excessive heat from a laptop computer.  The crack is nearly 8 inches long, up to an 1/8 inch wide (at its widest point), and completely through in some places.  The 3/4" thick table is not an antique, and looks as if it were only finished in a clear coat.  Is there any way to apply water or steam to the crack, to 'swell' the fibers and close the gap, or can you recommend a method of repair?  Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Rich
Nice to hear from you.
There is absolutely no way such a crack can be steamed or otherwise brought back together.
The only solution is filling the crack.
Go to the hardware and get a wax filler stick for furniture.
These sticks look like crayons and come in many wood shades so get a close match.
They are easy to use and come with instructions.
I have heard of laptops doing this before. The heat must be really excessive.
Kind of scary if it caused a fire.
Great question
Regards
Eileen