How To Repair a Dog-Chewed Newel Post

When your beloved four-legged friend decides to use your staircase as a chew toy, it can leave unsightly damage on your banister. Fortunately, repairing a dog-chewed banister or newel post is a manageable DIY project that can restore the beauty of your staircase. In this article, we’ll explore how to fix a banister chewed by a dog, with guidance from This Old House expert Tom Silva, who demonstrates the process in the video above.

* Costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Assessing the Dog-Chewed Damage

Before diving into repairs, take time to evaluate the extent of the damage to your banister. This assessment will help determine the best course of action for restoration. Dog chewing can cause anything from surface scratches to splinters to deep gouges and missing wood. Based on the severity of the damage, you’ll need to choose an appropriate repair method:

• Minor damage: Wood filler and stain
• Moderate damage: Partial replacement of trim
• Severe damage: Complete replacement of affected sections

First, we’ll address how to repair severe damage as seen in the video. Then we’ll discuss how to perform minor repairs.

Gathering Materials and Tools

Before starting the repair process, ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools on hand.

Materials

• Eye protection
• Ear protection
• Protective finish (such as polyurethane)
• Stain
• Wood filler
• Wood glue
• Wood stock

Repairing a Dog-Chewed Newel Post or Banister

Below, we’ll walk you through the steps to take if your staircase is severely damaged due to your pet’s enthusiastic chewing.

Step 1: Remove the Damaged Trim

The first step in repairing severely chewed banisters is to remove the damaged trim pieces. Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the trim, loosening its hold on the banister. If necessary, employ a chisel to carefully separate each piece from the newel post.

While removing the damaged sections, take care not to damage any intact portions of the trim. These can serve as templates for creating new pieces.

Step 2: Create New Trim Pieces

With the damaged trim removed, it’s time to craft new pieces to replace them.

Select the Right Wood

Choose wood stock that matches the original banister material. White oak is a common choice, as it is often used in staircase construction.

Cut the Wood to Size

Put on hearing protection and eyewear, then use a table saw to cut strips of wood to the appropriate width. If you have an intact piece of the old trim, use it as a guide to ensure the correct dimensions.

Route the Profile

Install an ogee bit in your router table to create the decorative profile on the new trim pieces. Achieve a profile that closely matches the original to maintain the aesthetic of your staircase. If you can’t match it, you may want to replace all the trim pieces for consistency.

In the video, Silva couldn’t exactly match the original, but he added some extra visual flair. To enhance the trim’s appearance, he raised the table saw blade slightly (about 1/8 inch) and ran the molding over it. You may want to run a few test pieces in case you need to make adjustments to the saw.

Sand the Trim

Use sandpaper or a power sander to smooth wood and round rough edges.

Step 3: Stain the New Trim

Matching the stain of the new trim to the existing woodwork can take some time and experimentation, but it’ll give you the best chance of a seamless repair. When using wood stains and finishes, always work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.

Mix the Stain

Experiment with different stain colors to find the right match. You may need to mix multiple stains to achieve the desired color. For finer detail work, stain pens can give you more control. However, remember that wood is a natural material, and colors can vary within the same board, so the goal is to get it close, not make it perfect.

Apply the Stain

Use a rag to apply the stain generously to the new trim pieces. Work the stain into any grooves or details, then wipe off the excess with a clean cloth. Don’t worry about the grooves being slightly darker—often, this will match the original stain.

Allow for Drying Time

Let the stained trim pieces dry completely before proceeding with installation. This ensures the color has set and prevents smudging during handling.

Step 4: Install the New Trim

With the new trim pieces prepared and stained, it’s time to install them on the banister.

Cut to Fit

Use a miter saw to cut the trim pieces to the exact length needed, ensuring precise 45-degree angles for corner joints. It’s best to start long and remove small amounts of wood until each piece fits perfectly. This takes longer, but the end result is a better repair.

Attach the Trim

Apply wood glue to the back of each trim piece, then secure it to the newel post using a pin or brad nailer. This combination of glue and nails ensures a strong, long-lasting hold.

Fill Nail Holes

Use wood filler that matches the stain color to fill any visible nail holes. Once dry, lightly sand the filled areas for a smooth finish.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

To complete the repair and protect the new trim, a few final steps are necessary.

Apply a Protective Finish

Once the stain has thoroughly cured, apply a wipe-on polyurethane to the new trim pieces. This protective layer helps prevent future damage and enhances the wood’s appearance.

Prevent Future Chewing

To discourage your dog from chewing the banister again, consider applying a pet-safe, bitter-tasting spray to the repaired areas. After the polyurethane has dried for a few days, apply the deterrent spray to protect your hard work. Until then, you may want to use a pet gate or other barrier to keep a curious pet away.

Alternative Methods for Minor Dog Chew Damage

If the damage to your banister is not extensive, you may be able to repair it without replacing large sections of trim.

Use Wood Filler

For minor scratches and small gouges, use a high-quality wood filler. Apply the filler with a putty knife, smooth it out, and let it dry. Once dry, sand the area until it is smooth and level with the surrounding wood.

Blend with Stain

To ensure the repaired area matches the rest of the banister, apply a matching wood stain. This step helps to blend the new filler and old wood seamlessly.

Finishing Touch

Seal the repaired area with a protective finish such as polyurethane. This step adds durability and a polished look to your banister.

Additional Tips and Tricks To Repair a Dog-Chewed Newel Post

Here are some additional pointers to ensure a smooth repair process:

• Test stains on scrap wood: Before applying the stain to your new trim, test it on a scrap piece of wood to ensure it matches the existing banister color. 
• Start light: You can always apply more stain, but you can’t go back and apply less. Start lighter than you think you need to and work toward darker shades.
• Take your time: Rushing through the repair process can lead to mistakes. Take your time to ensure each step is done properly for a seamless finish. This includes allowing for drying time.

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