There are many ways in which even the most inept among us can fix nicks, scratches, gouges, and even burn marks, in wood indoor and outdoor furniture. When deciding whether or not to undertake such a project, the severity of the damage, the value of the piece, and your desire to save it, will be among the determining factors. Naturally, if it’s an old eyesore that you were dying to get rid of anyway, here’s your excuse to go and buy new stuff.A recent article dealt with repairing and filling in burn holes in solid wood furniture. If a burn goes through a veneer, however, you will have to replace the damaged section; and, believe it or not, it’s not that difficult. More than any level of expertise, the most important qualification you will need will be adroitness, for precise cutting and fitting.You can get a piece of veneer, in any size, from a woodworking supplier; but make sure that it’s large enough to allow for mistakes, and for experimenting with different stains. To patch a small spot, cutting with the grain, use a utility knife to remove the damaged portion of veneer, and to even out the edges; then, scrape or sand off the old glue. Next, sand the new veneer to smooth it, and, if it’s too thick, to make it fit evenly with the original piece, then stain it to match.Put a piece of paper over the missing section, and use a pencil to outline it. Cut the paper into a pattern from which you can cut a veneer patch that fits exactly. Apply a thick contact cement, which you can get from a hardware store, to the back of the patch, as well as to the base wood, and let it sit for awhile. When it’s almost dry, press the new piece into place, and finish it with matching varnish or oil. If a seam is visible, use a matching stick of furniture putty to touch it up; but make this the last step, as the finish will not stick to the putty.It’s just as easy to replace large sections of veneer, especially if you’re doing the entire top of a table or dresser. For this type of repair, however, use a thinner type of contact cement with a water base, because it will be easier to spread it evenly with a roller. Let the new veneer overlap the edges, then trim it with your utility knife after it is in place, which is also when you will stain it.Of course, if it’s outdoor furniture, you’ll never have to replace any veneer; and if it’s from CedarStore.com, you may never have to replace the furniture. CedarStore.com offers naturally beautiful, decay-resistant cedar, pine, oak, cherry, and teak furniture that will last for decades, as well as polywood, vinyl, and aluminum furniture that’s nearly indestructible.CedarStore.com has an amazing assortment of patio chairs, tables, dining sets, porch swings, benches, gliders, lounges, and more, in scores of colors that will complement the décor of any porch, patio, or gazebo. Furthermore, the incredible range of styles, from rustic to refined, includes many pieces that are elegant enough to use indoors.To browse the entire collection, visit cedarstore.com. To contact a design consultant or customer service representative, call 1-888-293-2339, or e-mail contact@cedarstore.com.