How do I Fix a Wooden Rocking Chair?

Keep your rocking chair in good condition with routine maintenance and repairs.

Wooden rocking chairs can last generations if they are properly maintained. The joints of wooden furniture often become loose over time and need to be fixed before they break. Loosening of joints occurs when the glue dries out and degrades. Taking apart loose joints and applying wood glue is essential in maintaining your wooden furniture. Inspect your furniture yearly to make sure it is in good condition and to ensure your wooden rocking chair can be passed down as an heirloom.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber mallet
• Sandpaper, medium-grit
• Wet rag
• Wood glue
• Clamps

Instructions

1. Tap apart any loose joints on the rocking chair with a rubber mallet. Take care not to force any of the joints apart.

2. Sand the joint ends of the parts with medium-grit sandpaper to remove any remaining glue from the wooden parts.

3. Wet the joint ends with a wet rag. This will swell the wood and create a tight-fitting joint for reassembly.

4. Apply wood glue to wooden parts that join together. Join the wooden parts together. Clamp the repaired joints.

5. Remove clamps after letting repaired joints dry overnight.

Tips & Warnings

• Fix loose joints as soon as possible to avoid damage to the loose furniture parts.

• Wear eye protection when sanding wood.

References

• Wood Central: How to Repair Furniture Joints
• This Old House: Fix Wobbly Joints

Resources

• Upholster: Repairing Loose Furniture Joints