Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/26/2008

Question
I have an old oak bureau that I purchased. I just finished carefully stripping the 8 layers of paint and am ready for the next step - repairing the gouges on the bottom of the drawers made by the drawer stops. However, I have no idea how to fix this part.  Do I need to replace the bottom panels?  Is there a way to keep it original and fix the gouges?  Is this caused by the drawer stops being to high or from the oak sides of the drawer wearing down?

I'd like to keep it original if at all possible.  This is the only thing wrong with this bureau.  It has the original oval mirror.  As much as it was a pain to remove all the layers of paint, I think it preserved the beautiful oak wood beneath it.  Nothing else is damaged or missing from it.

Thanks much for your help.

Answer
Hi Kat
Nice to hear from you.
Wish I knew if these drawer stops are those little metal kind or wood.
We don't usually see wood drawer stops gouge the drawer bottoms but those metal ones sure can.
The reason this happens is because the drawer "slides" wear down and suddenly the drawer comes in contact with the stops.
First off, these gouges need no repair. Leave as they sre.
The drawer slides are what causes this so they should be looked at.
Remove a drawer.
Look on the bottom of the inside of the drawer hole on the left and right.
Those narrow pieces of wood running front to back are drawer slides.
Bet they are worn down a lot.
Also turn a drawer over and look at the left and right drawer side edges. These too can wear down.
I would replace the drawer slides and this should eliminate most of the problem.
Repairs like this will not devalue this oak dresser but rather preserve it for many more years which in turn will increase its value.
And congratulations on removing 8 layers of paint. Most folks give up on a job like this.
Great question
Regards
Eileen.
PS most wood shops can cut new drawer slides for you.