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Home Improvements

4 Steps to Help You Fix Wobbly Wooden Furniture

The average lifespan of wooden furniture is between 5 – 20 years. Towards the end of that, they might be unstable and damaged. Wobbly wooden furniture is annoying, but fixing it is surprisingly easy! You don’t even need specialised tools for the job. 

Reasons for the wobbling could be loose hardware, furniture legs that are not level with the floor, or missing and damaged pieces.

Following these 4 steps will give your wobbly furniture a new lease on life.

Fixing wobbly wooden furniture is easier than you'd think! Image description: editorial image with bright orange background and yellow floor, small circular wooden coffee table, and some plastic chairs artfully placed around the image, one in the air as if being thrown.

1. Identify the Problem

Examine the piece to determine the issue. The problem could come from loose screws, damaged joints, or uneven legs.

You might have to shift the furniture to see the wobbling in action. This should tell you what sort of problem you need to fix. Depending on the size of the furniture, you might need someone else to help you inspect it. 

White wooden stool

2. Tighten Hardware and Glue Loose Joints

Hardware refers to the screws, nuts, and bolts. You will need a screwdriver or wrench to tighten up all the hardware that you can see. But remember to avoid over-tightening it! This can cause damage, risking breaking the hardware entirely.

When glueing the loose joints, clamp them together. This helps the joints to stay in position while the glue dries. Wipe off all excess glue after clamping and let it dry completely.

Fixing wobbly wooden furniture often requires tightening the hardware. Image of screws and nuts and bolts scattered over white background.

3. Replace Damaged or Missing Pieces

The pieces most likely to get damaged or go missing are legs, feet pieces, or rungs. But don’t worry, these are easy to replace and are available at most hardware stores. 

Try taking the damaged piece with you to ensure you find the closest match.

Fill in any small, damaged sections like chips or scrapes. Use wood filler as needed. Consider adding metal braces to further stabilise the piece if you need to.

Green velvet couch with wooden feet.

If the piece has screw legs, give them a turn to make sure they sit flush with the base. Use wood glue and clamps to keep loose pieces in place and add fasteners and screws if needed. You can also use furniture pads or shims to level uneven pieces.

Remember to remove all the old glue before you start any repairs! 

Wobbly wooden furniture is often due to the age of the furniture and loosening or missing pieces. Image of antique wooden chair in a green garden.

4. Reinforce With Brackets or Braces

Metal brackets and braces come in various shapes and sizes and add additional stability to the piece. If you’ve done all you can for your furniture but it’s still wobbly, then it might be time for this added support. 

When looking at bracket options, consider the piece you’re trying to reinforce. For example, you don’t want to buy brackets that are much too large if you’re fixing a dainty chair. Be conscious of how it’ll fit and look with the piece. 

Once you’ve picked out your brackets, screw or nail them in. If you place them strategically, they won’t be visible to the naked eye.

Circular coffee table with three wooden legs.

Easily Fix Wobbly Wooden Furniture

When faced with wobbly wooden furniture, you might struggle between repairing or replacing it. But with a few simple steps, you can breathe new life into your beloved pieces and restore their stability, without the need for specialised tools or expertise. So, the next time you encounter wobbly furniture, consider repairing it!

If you’ve tried to fix your furniture, but just can’t seem to get it right, consider hiring a handyman or hiring a carpenter to help you get the job done.

You’re in good company