Step 1: Identify the Problem

Sit on the chair and rock it slightly. There are two different problems that cause wobbling: a loose joint (a tenon or dowel that has come loose) or an uneven leg. The fix is different for each.

Fix 1: Loose Joint on a Wooden Chair

  1. 1

    Find the loose joint

    Wiggle each rung and the back uprights to find the one that moves. Loose joints usually feel spongy or clunk when you push them.

  2. 2

    Inject wood glue into the joint

    If the joint will open slightly, inject wood glue (PVA or Titebond) into the gap. A glue syringe or toothpick helps get glue into tight spaces. Work the joint back and forth to distribute the glue inside.

  3. 3

    Clamp and leave for 24 hours

    Wipe away excess glue, clamp the joint firmly and leave for 24 hours. Use rubber bands or a ratchet strap if you do not have clamps. Do not use the chair during this time.

Old dried glueIf there is old dried glue in the joint preventing a good bond, you need to disassemble the joint, clean out the old glue with a chisel or sandpaper, then re-glue. A partially bonded joint will not last.

Fix 2: Uneven Legs

  1. 4

    Find the short leg

    Place the chair on a flat surface and press down on each corner. The corner that allows the chair to rock down is the short leg (or the opposite long leg — same problem).

  2. 5

    Measure the gap

    Slide a piece of cardboard under the short leg until the chair is level. The thickness of the cardboard tells you how much height to add.

  3. 6

    Add felt pads or trim the long leg

    For a small gap (under 3mm): stack felt furniture pads under the short leg until level. For a larger gap: either add a rubber or plastic foot, or carefully trim the long leg with a saw (measure twice, cut once).

Frequently Asked Questions

Super glue (cyanoacrylate) works for small hairline cracks but is not ideal for wobbly joints because it is brittle under flex. Wood glue is flexible when cured and creates a much stronger bond for chair joints that experience movement. Use wood glue wherever possible.
Usually because the old glue was not fully removed before re-gluing. You need to disassemble the joint completely, scrape out all old glue residue and sand the tenon lightly before re-gluing with fresh wood glue.