After spotting damage on the corners of their wooden steps, one homeowner turned to Reddit with a question: was this a handyman job or a carpenter job?
Here's what to know
The homeowner said the previous owner left only extra flooring panels behind, and the available tools were a circular saw, an orbital sander, and a drill. Describing the issue, the original poster wrote, "I've got 4 total corners that look like this," before asking, "Do I hire a carpenter to fix, or general handyman?"
OP also noted that "the homeowners' worst energy is the previous homeowner… and their dog?"
The discussion on Reddit quickly boiled down to two paths: a cosmetic repair or a full replacement. Replies pointed to a wide range of fixes, from a do-it-yourself repair that could cost around $40 to replacing the damaged wood entirely.
For the cheaper route, one commenter kept it simple, adding, "Sand it. Put on wood filler/bondo resin. Stain to match."
Another reply estimated the supply cost at about "$40 from your local hardware store," listing items such as 120/220-grit sandpaper, filler, a putty tool, and a similar stain or topcoat. If that method is enough, the homeowner could skip labor charges and address all four damaged corners after a single trip for materials.
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However, the top comment read, "Carpenter. To have it fixed, without looking like it wasn't patched together, those two pieces of wood need to be completely replaced."
What can be done?
For homeowners mainly trying to keep costs down and make the damage less obvious, commenters outlined a DIY sequence: sand, use wood filler or bondo, sand again, then match the stain.
One commenter also said Restore-A-Finish in "Golden Oak, I'd guess" could be enough if very little filler is needed. When the damaged spots need more work, that same commenter suggested "a water based polyurethane in a similar shine (seems to be semi-gloss)." They also added: "any polyurethane should be stirred slowly, and never shaken. That adds bubbles and looks bad."
Overall, commenters said the right hire depends on the result the homeowner wants.
For anyone prioritizing a cleaner look that doesn't appear patched together, commenters were more likely to recommend a carpenter. As one commenter advised, "If you feel you need to, get a handyman. Get multiple, itemized quotes."
Where can I learn more?
If you're dealing with cosmetic damage, these stories cover other low-cost fixes for scratched wood, pet-damaged furniture, and other worn household items.
• A homeowner used a like-magic wood fix to erase table scratches without refinishing.
• A home expert used a quick and easy hack to hide scratches with a walnut.
• One homeowner gave a scratched-up couch new life after a cat shredded the fabric.
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