Most furniture problems are small, cheap to fix and get worse if ignored: a wobble, a squeak, a sticking drawer, a chipped corner. This furniture repair guide helps you find the cause, pick the right fix and decide when a piece is worth repairing. Each section links to a step-by-step guide.
Furniture Problems and Fixes at a Glance
| Problem | Usual cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Table or chair wobbles | Loose fasteners, uneven floor or legs | Tighten, level or shim |
| Chair squeaks | Loose joints, metal rubbing on metal | Tighten, glue or lubricate |
| Screw spins and won't hold | Stripped screw hole | Fill and re-drive the screw |
| Drawer sticks | Swollen wood, dirty or bent slides | Clean, wax or adjust slides |
| Cabinet door sags or rubs | Hinges out of adjustment | Adjust the hinge screws |
| Shelf bows | Too much weight for the span | Flip, brace or shorten the span |
| Scratches and dents | Everyday wear | Touch up scratches, steam out dents |
| Chipped edge or corner | Impact | Fill, shape and color-match |
| White rings and stains | Moisture or heat in the finish | Remove water rings, lift stains |
| Lifting or bubbled veneer | Failed glue, moisture | Re-glue or patch the veneer |
| Flat seat cushions | Compressed foam or fill | Refill or support the cushions |
A Basic Furniture Repair Kit
- Screwdrivers, hex keys and a small adjustable wrench.
- Wood glue and a couple of clamps.
- Wood filler or two-part epoxy putty.
- Touch-up markers and wax filler sticks in your wood tones.
- Sandpaper in 120, 220 and 320 grit.
- Paste wax or a dry lubricant, plus felt pads.
Structure: Wobbles, Squeaks and Loose Screws
Start with the fasteners. Most wobbles and squeaks come from bolts and screws that have worked loose with use and seasonal humidity changes. Tighten them by hand first; if a screw keeps turning, the hole is stripped and needs filling. If the piece is tight but still rocks, the floor or the feet are uneven.
Care instructions often say the same. The Solid Wood Dining Table with Oak Veneer tells owners to check and tighten hardware periodically to keep the table stable, and the Large Red Oak Solid Wood Dining Table lists stainless steel connector plates and felt foot pads.
Drawers and Doors
Sticking drawers usually need cleaning and a little wax on wood runners, or a check of the metal slides. The Pantry Cabinet with Rolling Storage Cart asks owners to keep drawer tracks and push-to-open hardware free of dust for smooth operation. Doors that sag or rub are nearly always a hinge adjustment, not a damaged door.
Surfaces: Scratches, Chips, Rings and Veneer
Match the repair to the surface. Solid wood can be sanded and refinished. Veneer is real wood but thin, so sand by hand and lightly. Painted, laminate and melamine surfaces are repaired with filler and color-matched touch-up, not by sanding through. If you're unsure what you have, see our furniture materials guide.
Refreshing the Finish
- How to paint furniture
- How to paint laminate furniture
- How to stain wood furniture
- How to refinish wood furniture
- How to polish wood furniture
Repair or Replace?
| Repair when | Replace when |
|---|---|
| The frame is sound and the problem is hardware, finish or one part | The frame is cracked or panels have swollen and crumbled |
| Parts are standard: screws, slides, hinges, glides | Water damage has spread through engineered wood panels |
| The fix costs far less than a comparable piece | Repairs keep failing or the piece is unsafe to use |
See how long furniture lasts for typical lifespans by type.
Prevent Problems
- Check and tighten hardware a couple of times a year.
- Keep humidity moderate; see humidity and wood furniture.
- Lift furniture instead of dragging it; see how to move heavy furniture.
- Anchor tall pieces to the wall; see how to anchor furniture.
- Follow our furniture care guide for cleaning by material.
Related: see our how to get rid of old furniture.
FAQ
Can I repair furniture myself?
Yes. Most wobbles, squeaks, sticking drawers, loose screws, scratches and small chips need only basic tools and an hour or less.
What glue is best for furniture repair?
Standard wood glue (PVA) for wood-to-wood joints, clamped until dry. Use two-part epoxy for gaps, missing material and non-wood parts.
Is it worth repairing engineered wood furniture?
Usually, for hardware, chips and stripped screws. It's rarely worth it once panels have swollen from water.
How often should I tighten furniture hardware?
About twice a year, and whenever you notice movement or noise.