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Newish garden bench has developed splits.

Posted by Jan Bradley, on Thu 29 May 2014 05:42pm

This bench has been used for 2 months and stored in a garage for 7 months. It has developed several cracks in the wood. The most noticeable one is in the piece that connects the arm to the seat. The crack is almost 3ins long quite wide and goes right through to the other side, 3ins deep. Further down from the seat to the ground there are other narrow but longer 6ins cracks running vertically down on both sides. The bench is made from Acacia and cost £150. The internet seller has advised me this is due to changes in the temperature and to fill the gaps. Should this have happened? Was the bench not fit for purpose?

Darren Duke

Sat 31 May 2014 10:46pm

Hi there Jan, I agree with John wood changes with the temperature fill the cracks with a quality 2 part wood filler then sand back so its flush then paint with 2 coats of prima undercoat then 2 coats of top coat and it will last forever as long as you maintain the paint. I hope this help. Regards, Darren.

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john cunningham

Thu 29 May 2014 06:07pm

Hi Jan Wood, even Oak is subject to movement and splitting. It needs to be constantly nurtured and treated. As long as the splits do not destroy the integrity of the bench ( makes it unusable as a bench ) fill it with the appropriate wood filler and treat it. Should be good for ten years if you treat it annually. JC

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