How to Fix Dented Furniture

Dents in wood furniture look permanent, but many can be repaired without sanding or refinishing. Wood is a cellular material that can be swelled back into shape with moisture and heat — a technique that works surprisingly well on most dents. Here's how to fix dented furniture using several proven methods.

What You'll Need

• Steam iron: BLACK+DECKER Steam Iron IR1350S
• Wood filler: Gorilla All Purpose Wood Filler, 16 oz
• Wood repair kit: REALINN Wood Furniture Repair Kit, 28-Piece
• Sandpaper: Atosun 45PCS Sandpaper Set
• Tack cloth: Dura-Gold Pure Gold Tack Cloth, 12-Pack
• Topcoat: General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, Satin
• Foam brushes: Bates Foam Paint Brushes, 16-Pack
• Putty knife: Rerdeim 5-Piece Putty Knife Set

Understanding Wood Dents

There are two types of dents in wood:

• Compression dents: The wood fibers are compressed but not broken. These can often be raised back up with steam. Most dents from dropped objects fall into this category.
• Torn or crushed dents: The wood fibers are actually broken or torn. These cannot be raised with steam and require filling.

Test by pressing a damp cloth on the dent for a few minutes. If it starts to rise, it's a compression dent and the steam method will work well.

Method 1: Steam Iron (Best for Compression Dents)

1. Place a damp cloth directly over the dent.
2. Set the BLACK+DECKER Steam Iron to medium-high heat with steam on.
3. Press the iron onto the damp cloth over the dent for 5–10 seconds. The steam penetrates the wood and causes the compressed fibers to swell back up.
4. Lift the iron and cloth and check the dent. Repeat 2–3 times if needed.
5. Let the wood dry completely (at least 1 hour) before assessing the result.
6. If the dent has raised but left a slight depression, lightly sand with 220-grit and refinish.

Method 2: Wet Cloth + Clothes Iron (No Steam Iron Needed)

1. Soak a small cloth in water and wring out slightly — it should be damp, not dripping.
2. Place over the dent and press a regular hot iron on top for 10–15 seconds.
3. Check and repeat as needed. This works similarly to the steam method.

Method 3: Wood Filler for Deep or Torn Dents

For dents that can't be raised with steam (torn fibers, very deep dents), fill with Gorilla Wood Filler. Apply with a putty knife, slightly overfilling. Let dry completely, then sand flush with 120-grit, then 220-grit. Wipe with a tack cloth and touch up the color with a wood repair marker. Seal with a thin coat of topcoat.

Method 4: Wax Filler Sticks for Shallow Dents

For very shallow dents in finished furniture, the wax filler sticks in the REALINN repair kit can fill the depression quickly. Rub the wax into the dent, level with a plastic card, and buff smooth. This is the fastest fix for minor dents.

Pro Tips

• Always try the steam method first on compression dents — it's non-invasive and often gives perfect results.
• Don't apply the iron directly to bare wood — always use a damp cloth as a buffer to prevent scorching.
• After steam treatment, the wood grain may be slightly raised — a light sand with 220-grit will smooth it.
• For dents in veneer, be very careful with steam — too much moisture can cause veneer to bubble or delaminate.
• Test any repair method on a hidden area first.