There’s nothing more frustrating than sitting down at the dinner table, grabbing your first bite, and suddenly feeling the wobble of an unsteady table or chair. It’s a common problem faced by many households, and while it might seem like a minor issue, it can quickly turn mealtimes, or even work hours, into a balancing act. The good news? Fixing a wobbly table or chair is easier than you think, and you don’t need to be a seasoned handyman or spend a fortune to get it sorted.
This guide will show you beginner-friendly steps to stabilise your furniture, ensuring you can sit comfortably without the worry of spills or tipping chairs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Why Does Furniture Wobble?
Simple Steps To Fix A Wobbly Table Or Chair
Tips For Long-Term Stability
That’s All There Is To It!
Why Does Furniture Wobble?
Before we jump into the fixes, it's important to understand the common causes of wobbly furniture. Furniture can wobble for several reasons, including:
Uneven Legs – Over time, furniture legs can loosen or wear down, creating uneven contact with the floor.
Warped Materials – Changes in temperature or humidity can warp wooden furniture, causing instability.
Loose Joints – Chairs and tables experience wear and tear over time, leading to weakened joints and connections.
Uneven Flooring – Sometimes, your furniture is fine, but the floor isn’t completely level.
Identifying these issues can help you determine the best method for repair. Now, let's get into the solutions!
Simple Steps To Fix A Wobbly Table Or Chair
1. Assess the Problem
The first step to fixing wobbly furniture is identifying the root cause.
Here’s what you can do:
Place your table or chair on a flat surface and lightly shake it. Observe where the movement occurs, are all the legs touching the floor?
Check the screws, bolts, or joints to see if any are loose or damaged.
If you have one, use a spirit level to check if the floor or furniture is uneven.
Once you’ve spotted the problem, finding the solution becomes a piece of cake!
2. Tighten Screws and Bolts
Sometimes, all it takes to stabilise your furniture is tightening existing screws and bolts. Over time, these can loosen, especially if the furniture is frequently used.
What You’ll Need: A screwdriver or Allen key, depending on the type of screws.
How-To:
Flip your table or chair upside down to access the screws and bolts.
Use your tool to tighten them, ensuring they’re snug but not overly tight (you don’t want to strip the screws!).
If any screws appear worn out, consider replacing them with new ones for added security.
3. Add Felt Pads Or Furniture Shims
If uneven legs are the problem, adjusting the height of shorter legs can make a world of difference.
What You’ll Need: Furniture felt pads or wooden/plastic shims (readily available at hardware stores).
How-To:
For felt pads, simply peel and stick them to the base of the shorter leg(s).
For shims, slide them under the shorter leg until the wobble disappears, then trim any excess for a flush fit.
Test the stability by gently rocking the furniture after making the adjustment.
4. Reinforce Joints With Wood Glue
If the wobbliness is due to loose joints, adding wood glue can strengthen the connections and restore balance.
What You’ll Need: Wood glue, a damp cloth, and clamps (optional).
How-To:
Apply a small amount of wood glue to the joint where the pieces meet.
Wipe away any excess glue with a damp cloth to keep it neat.
Press the pieces together and use clamps for a tighter bond if necessary.
Allow the glue to dry for at least 24 hours before using the furniture.
5. Cut The Legs to Even Lengths (If Necessary)
If the legs themselves are uneven, you might need to trim them to a uniform length.
What You’ll Need: A tape measure, pencil, and hand saw or electric sander.
How-To:
Measure the length of all four legs, marking where adjustments are needed.
Saw or sand down the longer leg(s) to match the rest.
Re-check with a spirit level to confirm everything is balanced.
6. Address Uneven Flooring
If the wobble isn’t the furniture’s fault, an uneven floor could be the culprit. This is particularly common in older homes with wooden or tiled flooring.
What You’ll Need: A small rug or anti-slip furniture pads.
How-To:
Place an area rug under the table or chair to provide a smooth surface.
Alternatively, stick anti-slip pads to the bottom of the legs to minimise movement on uneven or slippery floors.
Tips For Long-Term Stability
Regular Maintenance – Check and tighten screws and bolts periodically to prevent gradual loosening.
Protect Against Humidity – Use furniture wax or sealants to protect wooden materials from warping due to moisture changes.
Use Quality Materials – Invest in replacement parts like high-quality shims or screws to ensure durability.
That’s All There Is To It!
Fixing a wobbly table or chair doesn’t have to be a frustrating or time-consuming task. With these simple steps and a few basic tools, you can stabilise your furniture, eliminate the wobble, and restore functionality with ease. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about solving a problem with your own two hands.
Whether it's the dining table you gather around for family meals or the chair you use for your work-from-home setup, ensuring your furniture is solid and steady transforms your space into a more enjoyable environment. Give these tips a try, and watch as the wobble disappears, bringing comfort, functionality, and peace of mind back into your home.
Now grab your tools and get started - happy DIYing!