How to Repair Your Wobbly or Damaged Ercol Chair?

Ercol chairs are known for their classic style and expert craftsmanship. But even the best furniture can show signs of wear over time. If your Ercol chair has become wobbly, squeaky, or has loose joints, there is no need to retire it. With the right approach, ercol furniture repairs can restore your piece to its beauty. Get to know how directly from this blog.

Can You Go for Wobbly Ercol Chair Furniture Repairs?

Know the Problem First

Inspect your chair before you grab any tools:

Wobble test: Sit on the chair and rock gently to locate the loose joints.

Visual check: Look for cracks, joint gaps, or old glue residue.

Squeaks or creaks: These are common in older vintage Ercol furniture.

Disassemble Carefully if Necessary

   • If a joint is loose but intact, you don’t have to diassemble it. 
   • Use a rubber mallet and a block of wood to knock apart the affected joint.
   • Use a masking tape to label the pieces with masking tape.

Ercol furniture repairs is all about having the patience and care.

Clean the Old Glue from the Joints

If the joint is already glued, the adhesive may have dried out. You will need to remove it:

   • Use fine-grit sandpaper or a sharp blade to clean tenons and mortises.
   • Avoid sanding down the actual wood shape when reassembling.

This step is especially important with vintage Ercol furniture, where aged glue can become brittle.

Re-glue and Clamp

Once the joints are clean:

   • Apply a strong wood glue evenly inside the mortise and on the tenon.
   • Fit the parts together, wiping away any excess glue with a damp cloth.
   • Clamp firmly but not too tightly with over-clamping to squeeze out all the glue.
   • Let it dry for 24 hours for a durable bond.

Will Calling a Professional Be Helpful Here?

If your Ercol chair has severe structural damage, splitting, or you are dealing with a valuable antique, consider speaking to a professional furniture restorer. Some vintage Ercol furniture pieces are worth preserving properly, especially if they are part of an original collection.

Wobbly or damaged Ercol chair does not mean the end of its life. With a little care and patience, it can last for another generation. Looking for more tips on Ercol furniture repairs or refinishing techniques? Stay tuned for our upcoming posts on caring for vintage wood and restoring classic mid-century pieces.