Steamer Trunk Repair

[kodydog]

We bought this steamer trunk from a customer. The bottom has damage from a leaky washing machine. The plywood is week. I am wondering what is the best way to fix it. I'm thinking about gluing a piece of lauan to it and painting the bottom black. Any better ideas?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hR1zceRvmeLYIpH03

[SteveA]

That sounds like the solution.  I see on the bottom the four edges with the nails are intact.  I would try to save that frame work and look while strengthening the base -
Imagine traveling from Europe - some carry on :)
SA

[kodydog]

Thanks Steve, do you think I should attach the lauan to the inside or the outside. Keep in mind the plywood on the outside has many voids in it. These would have to be filled somehow, I think.

[MinUph]

Kodydog,
  Why not fasten 3/8" or even 3/4" plywood inside and cover the exterior or just leave the outside alone if your not going to do anything with the rest of the exterior? If your going to redo outsides then recover the bottom. Lauan will do little to help bad wood. 1/4" would at least be better.

[65Buick]

We've talked about 'upcycling' in the past here..

Well, 'junk shopping' is now a thing. I just saw a local post an ad of a stool that had been left outside, it looked, for years. Well, she sold it. Just like that.

Just a thought... even the smallest amount of work here and it could be sold.

[MinUph]

My mother-in-law's hope chest was left in the basement for years and had water damage to the lower section and the rest was all black, I mean black. It was a waterfall front and I knew what it had looked like it was a very early Lane. I refinished the upper section and the lower vinere, maybe 4" was beyond repair so I made some 1/4" panels shaped to the same shape and upholstered them with a nice tap and fastened them on. It looks beautiful again and my wife has it in our bedroom now. Full of memories. Old stuff is great especially when there is personal memories involved.

[kodydog]

This gives me some good ideas. Yes Mr 65, as little work as possible. I'm trying to keep the for sale price under $75. 3/8" plywood inside and a scrape piece of black vinyl underneath would finish it off.