Repair and Restoration Basics ~ A Dutchman Patch is the traditional method to insert a patch in wood that has been damaged. Essentially, this is a rectangular piece of wood just a bit larger than the area to be repaired. Cut a rectangular hole of the same dimensions around the damaged wood, then glue your patch in place.
This drawing illustrates two methods for fitting a Dutchman patch in a board. With either method, the patch should be just a bit thicker than the board so you can plane the surface flush after it is glued in place. This will help the patch disappear once a finish is applied. This method works for other materials as well.
Generally, the angled approach works better when working with a traditional chisel and the stepped better when using a modern router to cut back the hole to fit a rectangular patch.
If the finish will be stain and a clear coat, it is especially important to closely match the wood species and grain pattern to minimize the visibility of the patch.
This is one of more than 2000 drawings and photos used to illustrate the text in “Restoring Your Historic House, The Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners.”
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© Scott T. Hanson 2025.
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