Symptoms
- Visible claw marks on legs or lower frame
- Scratched-through finish exposing bare wood
- Rough texture where scratches occurred
Likely causes
- CommonCat or dog scratching/clawing behaviorPets often scratch furniture legs during play, anxiety, or claw maintenance.
- CommonTeething or chewing (especially puppies)Chewing can leave deeper gouges than scratching alone.
What to do
- Clean the scratched area to remove any dirt or pet hair before assessing depth.
- For light surface scratches, use a matching wood touch-up marker or wax fill stick.
- For deeper scratches, sand the area lightly with fine-grit sandpaper, following the wood grain.
- Apply wood filler to deep gouges, let it dry, then sand smooth and level with the surrounding surface.
- Stain and seal the repaired area to match the surrounding finish as closely as possible.
- Address the underlying pet behavior with training, nail trims, or a designated scratching post to prevent recurrence.
Tools and parts
- Sandpaper
- Wood filler
- Stain and sealant
- Touch-up marker (optional)
Wood touch-up repair marker kitSearch: “wood furniture scratch repair kit”
Wood fillerSearch: “wood filler stainable”
When to call a pro
For antique or high-value wood furniture, a furniture restorer can match stain color and finish more precisely than a DIY kit.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.