“How can the broken panel on this cabinet be repaired?”
Asked by Micheal Holmes 
1 month ago
Last Updated: November 9, 2024
Do you have any ideas on how we could repair the damaged panel on this cabinet?
I wouldn’t do that.
Sorry, but you won’t be able to repair that to match. You might need a cabinet maker to replace the center panel, which isn’t really a do-it-yourself project.
If you’re into DIY and have modest expectations, go for it. It’s all about making things work instead of discarding them or hiring a pro.. but don’t stress over making every repair flawless. Sure, it might be tricky to get it just right, but is it really worth the effort?
Regrettably I don’t set my standards low
Of course.. but if you’re a DIY enthusiast, don’t anticipate a flawless outcome.. just saying..
I don’t think so. Just because you’re not an expert doesn’t mean you should set low standards when doing something yourself.
Beyond what I’m paid for.
It seems like veneer and not solid wood. The grain is nice, but it’s not an expensive material. I’d suggest using stainable wood filler to level it out, fill it with a putty knife, and use a golden maple or “gunstock/early american” color stain to match. It won’t be perfect, but if you apply quick layers of stain and wipe away excess before it dries too much, you might be able to create a somewhat livable piece that’s less noticeable.
It’s a tough job. If you have the splinters, you could try gluing them back in, sanding it down, and attempting to match the stain. But it’s hard to get it looking flawless. My brother-in-law is skilled at laminating small wood pieces to create beautiful murals and images on wood panels.
You might want to try filling and sanding the cheap veneer instead of just repairing it. Maybe consider painting them all for a fresh look?
Consider using wood putty for repairing wood, and try a medium to light stain for blending.
Can you describe the appearance of the opposite side? If it’s finished, perhaps you could try flipping the center panel over.
That’s a great idea! 👍
The back is also splintered. I stained a board to put in, but I’m not sure how to insert it.
That’s a tricky situation, considering they seem to be old. It’s hard to replicate that look with something new. 
I would suggest starting off gradually by applying some stain of the appropriate color and seeing how it turns out. I’m not sure how deep those dents are, so you can begin with that approach and then use a bit of wood filler to create a flat surface. After that, there are several methods to achieve a false grain. It requires some patience.  Your local paint store can offer valuable advice on creating a false wood grain pattern .