Split wood on gate-fill or not

[MattyP182]

Hi all, had a gate built but some of the panels are split I think starting where nails went in to secure them. I want to stain the gate light brown but wondering if these splits should be filled first. I normally use ronseal 2 part wood filler for things like this but it's white and it will always be a different colour to the wood so may stick out. I know you can get brown I tried to add some of the stain to the wood filler but still it doesn't match and don't know how this changes the properties of the filler.

Easiest thing would be to not fill and just stain as is. Maybe replace panels in future if it gets a lot worse? Thanks for opinions.

 

[Wayners]

Don't need the primer with this one.
Will see a light coloured resin line though but I think it will look ok

Repair Care DRY FLEX 4 2-in-1 | Flexible Wood Repair Filler

A 2-in-1, quick drying elastic repair filler for emergency and permanent repairs to interior and exterior wood, like windows, fascias, soffits and more.

www.wood-finishes-direct.com

 

[MattyP182]

Ok thanks for that, wow £30! I've never had an issue mixing the hardener although it does start setting pretty quick. Can't see what colour it is.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Get whoever built them back, they will sort if honourable.

 

[Notch7]

Hi all, had a gate built but some of the panels are split I think starting where nails went in to secure them. I want to stain the gate light brown but wondering if these splits should be filled first. I normally use ronseal 2 part wood filler for things like this but it's white and it will always be a different colour to the wood so may stick out. I know you can get brown I tried to add some of the stain to the wood filler but still it doesn't match and don't know how this changes the properties of the filler.

Easiest thing would be to not fill and just stain as is. Maybe replace panels in future if it gets a lot worse? Thanks for opinions.

I wonder if the panels are held with 2 nails top and bottom and the panels have shrunk until they split…..if it’s as you say, then the proper solution is to remove the nails, pull the split apart, glue it and clamp it so the wood is rejoined.

 

[Odds]

With a split all the way along the grain i'd be tempted to look for another piece to fit rather than glue/filling it in. It'll always be vulnerable to weather and wear.

 

[MattyP182]

I wonder if the panels are held with 2 nails top and bottom and the panels have shrunk until they split…..if it’s as you say, then the proper solution is to remove the nails, pull the split apart, glue it and clamp it so the wood is rejoined.

Yes they're definitely splitting where nails went in, not sure it's split along the full length but may get worse. I agree though to remove and glue back or replace would be ultimate option. Hadnt considered the former. Thanks for the tips!

 

[blup]

Just be aware the forces in the wood that split it will be stronger than the bonding used. Best to replace imo.