So my backyard volleyball net frame got wrecked last week when that crazy storm blew through. Found one of the birch timbers split clean down the middle like a snapped toothpick. Total mess.

The Start

First thing, I dragged the busted timber outta the mud. Saw the crack ran about two feet long. Figured glue alone wouldn’t hold if someone smashes the ball hard into it again.

What I grabbed:

• That crappy old wood glue from the garage (half-dried lump at the bottom)
• Some rusty clamps missing screws
• Sanded plywood scraps from last year’s failed birdhouse project
• My neighbor’s borrowed hacksaw

The Messy Middle Part

Started by forcing glue into the crack with a screwdriver. Glue squeezed out everywhere – sticky disaster. Slapped plywood strips on both sides like bandages. Clamped it down so tight I heard the wood groan. Wiped off excess glue with my sleeve. Big mistake.

Let it sit overnight… woke up to a crooked mess! The timber warped like a banana. Ugh. Whacked it flat with a hammer (maybe too hard). Heard a nasty crack sound. Panicked for three whole minutes… but it held. Phew.

Finishing Up

Sanded the plywood patches rough as sandpaper. Didn’t even bother staining – just dumped leftover deck sealant over everything. Looks like a woodpecker attacked it. Propped it back into the frame this morning. Gave the net a good whack with my palm… stayed put. Counts as a win.

Total time? Four hours spread over two days. Glue still stuck under my fingernails. Worth it? Heck yes. That timber’s standing tall now. Sometimes fixing crap with what’s lying around beats buying new stuff. Feels solid. Might even survive my nephew’s cannonball serves this weekend.