How to Repair Loose Chairs | Wood Furniture Restoration

This is part of our chair repair series, where we show you how to fix a loose chair. There are different styles of wooden chairs, and they require different techniques to repair them. In this video, we show you how to fix a loose chair with a removable upholstered seat. Here are links to videos that show other styles of chair repairs:

To property fix a loose chair, the loose parts need to be taken apart so the joints can be coated with glue and put back together. The steps for taking apart this style of chair are:
- Remove upholstered seat by removing the screws underneath 1:21
- Turn the chair upside down on a padded surface 1:42
- Label the parts so you remember how to put them back together 1:58
- Remove screws from corner blocks 2:57
- Remove the corner blocks (in this particular chair, that wasn’t possible) 3:27
- Using spreader clamps, stretch the side joints apart 3:37
- Where needed, use vinegar to soak the joint and loosen up the old glue 5:26
- Once the sides are disconnected from the front and the back, assess if the front or back need to be disassembled. If then joint doesn’t have any movement in it, leave it together 11:48
- Clean off the flat area of the joints so there’s bare wood for the wood glue to bond to 9:19
- Clean off the dowels (also known an tenons) with 120 grit sandpaper 10:18
- Clean out the holes for the dowels (also known as mortices) with a drill going in reverse first, then forward to ensure you don’t change the direction of the hole 11:12
- Reassemble the chair on a flat, level surface
- Apply wood glue to the joints on the front of the chair 11:48
- Apply wood glue to the joints on the side of the chair 13:57
- Apply wood glue to the back and assemble the chair 17:07
- Stand the chair up on a flat, level surface and add weight to the seat 18:10
- Clamp all the joints 18:26
- Once the glue is dry, reattach the upholstered seat 19:48

The key to making strong wood joints is glueing them up properly. For wood glue to bond well, you need:
1. Clean, bare wood on the joints
2. Tight fitting joints
3. Evenly spread glue on all surfaces of the joint (both sides)
4. Clamping pressure
Without all four of the items above, wood glue won’t bond properly. In cases where the joint is slightly loose, epoxy glue may be a good option. For antique repairs, hide glue should be used. For more information about what glue to use, we have an upcoming video on that - subscribe and click on the bell icon to get notified each time we publish a video.

#ChairRepair #LooseChair #chair

[ominousrayne]

People are tossing these types of chairs in dumpster all the time and we have this man is showing you how to refurbish them for personal use or perhaps making couple bucks off it!

[jonathanmeador]

As a former cabinetry carpenter, (entry level), I appreciate the thoroughness. I’m not a professional, but definitely have a lot of experience and appreciate the detail in these videos. Thank you!

[mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[THE-Ayala]

I am not watching your vids in any order but every vid just teaches me more and more. AND lets me know where I have done "wrongs" in the past. Awesome channel!

[DeeDee-wdtr]

Thank you for this video! You are a very good teacher, so easy to understand. This tutorial was really well done.

[trm]

Thanks for such an informative video series! I’ve been able to repair several dining room chairs from the 1960s using your excellent instructions.

[yabman]

Thank you Scott for the excellent teaching! I'd shake your hand but from watching you crank down on those clamps I can tell you've got the grip strength of a blacksmith! Virtual high five from me. Safety first!

[jvandermoer]

Thanks for this! Great information!! I had a Yankee screwdriver years ago, it was so handy!

[jromaniec]

Thank you very much for this very well-made comprehensive and well articulated video. Everything was thoroughly explained and I found many useful hints eg how to get the glue out of the bottom of a mortise

[JonHowardPhotos]

I haven't seen one of those screwdrivers since I was in my father's shop in the 60's. It seemed like a technical marvel to me.

[JovialJay]

Thanks for the video. It allowed me to figure out how to loosed the glue on a cross piece and use the spreaders to separate the chair legs

[garykorzelius]

Always good. Best videos on furniture period.

[terrmaso]

You have been a true blessing. I have a moving company that recently enlisted me to repair damaged furniture. To this point everything has been fairly straightforward, but I know the more complex pieces will appear. Thank you for the thoroughness of your videos. I appreciate the detail you go into.

[eloisamercado]

Is so helpful the way to explain all the step. Very good job . Thank You:)

[kristinb]

I love your videos, thank you for teaching!

[Ehcanac-nvvv]

Hi! Thank you, Scott, for you tutorial. You are a very good teacher, so easy to Understand

[samuelroberts]

Love these videos!
Thanks for doing them!

[sylvieanderberg]

Thank you so much! I have a very similar dining chair that is wobbly! Your video is excellent!

[mixalis]

Scott you are phenomenal... just a pleasure to watch your great videos! Your detailed demonstration is exceptional, with great pace, logical sequence, and comprehensive step-by-step process. THANK YOU!!!

[JoshuaGarms]

Would love it if you did a video on various clamps. Thanks for all your videos so far. I’ve enjoyed them all.