How do I make wobbly wooden chairs sturdy?

Annie
by Annie

I moved back to my hometown and was given the table and chairs from my childhood but they’ve been very used and the wooden chairs are wobbly. How can I make them more sturdy and safer? They have little gaps between pieces that were once tight, where they now wobble so I wonder about pushing wood glue into the gaps. I’m not capable enough to take them apart and rebuild. Suggestions please. Thank you.

  6 answers
  • Glue isn't going to help. Take to a local woodworker or cabinet builder to fix for you.

  • Gk Gk on Jan 12, 2019

    They can be glued but they will have to be clamped as well. Find someone who can do it for you so that the chairs are safe and secure! I too have my table and chairs from my childhood. The set is now close to 100 years old and my children and grandchildren have been able to use them!

  • Karen Karen on Jan 12, 2019

    You say little gaps? What, the size of a toothpick? If so, you can use them to close the gap.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Jan 12, 2019

    Hi Annie,

    I'm Linda. I agree with Naomie. You need to have the legs reattached so that they are sturdily into the wood. The glue won't really do the job. If you can't do it, then you're need the help of a local woodworker, a carpenter, or a cabinet builder. What a wonderful treasure you are saving!

  • Annie Annie on Jan 12, 2019

    Okay thank you everyone. I am out of work with a broken right shoulder so as resourceful as I usually am (self taught stone sculptor 25 years) I will have to wait until I am again earning $ to pay someone who can do it properly. I just moved here so will have to find some reliable person in a few months. I’m still open to some information that might help me in the meantime. I’m ready to heal and get back to doing everything again. I think patience is suggested here. This is a great way to get information. Happy new year to all.