Expert: Eileen Cronk - 1/9/2010

Question
My new puppy has just chewed the corner of our coffee table, seems to be solid wood (cherry colour finish). The table doesn't dent easy so I believe it's made of a hardwood. Paid $1,500 for table and two ends, iron legs and glass centre tops.

Looking for advice on how to repair the corner, a 1/8 inch by 3/8 inch piece is missing just before the corner's edge. Gnawing marks on the corner are about 2 inches on both sides from the corners edge. How should I prepare and what product could I use to fill the missing edging.  

Answer
Hi Al
Nice to hear from you.
My advice is to get rid of the dog..OK..just joking.
But seriously this is a job that we do it yourselfers should not attempt at home (especially on $1500.00 furniture.)
It sounds to me like the edge is broken off close to the corner to such a degree that a new piece of wood will need to be fitted.
Damage this large will not stand up after being filled with wood filler.
Then you have the problem of matching the finish which is likely colored lacquer.
I hesitate to even recommend you get one of those wax filler sticks to fill the teeth marks as that will mess up a proper fix by a pro. Really mess it up as the new lacquer will not stick.
Sorry, I know this is not what you wanted to hear but you asked for my advice and thats my best.
Regards
Eileen