STRUCTURAL SPECIALISTS

Broken Furniture Joints Repair & Structural Restoration

Wobbly chairs? Loose table legs? Separated joints? We specialize in structural furniture repair using traditional joinery techniques. From single loose joints to complete structural restoration, we make furniture rock-solid again. Expert joint repair across Langebaan, Saldanha Bay, Paternoster, and all West Coast areas.

Signs Your Furniture Joints Need Repair

Wobbling

Chair or table rocks when you sit or lean on it

High Urgency

Creaking Sounds

Furniture makes noise when weight is applied or during use

Moderate Urgency

Visible Gaps

Separation visible between joints that should be tight

High Urgency

Loose Legs

Table or chair legs feel loose when moved or shaken

High Urgency

Drawers Misaligned

Drawer fronts no longer sit flush or straight

Moderate Urgency

Doors Sagging

Cabinet doors hang crooked or don't close properly

Moderate Urgency

Complete Separation

Parts have completely come apart from joints

Critical Urgency

Frame Distortion

Furniture frame is twisted or out of square

Critical Urgency

Why Furniture Joints Fail

Age & Glue Failure

  • • Old animal glue breaks down over time
  • • Natural aging of wood and adhesives
  • • Decades of stress on joints
  • • Original glue may have been poor quality
  • • Historical furniture with weakened joints

Humidity & Climate

  • • Coastal humidity causes wood swelling
  • • Seasonal expansion and contraction
  • • Glue weakens in moisture
  • • Wood movement stresses joints
  • • West Coast conditions accelerate wear

Heavy Use & Stress

  • • Daily use puts constant stress on joints
  • • Leaning back in chairs repeatedly
  • • Moving furniture frequently
  • • Weight exceeding design limits
  • • Children climbing or jumping on furniture

Poor Construction

  • • Inadequate glue in original assembly
  • • Weak joinery techniques used
  • • Missing reinforcements or dowels
  • • Mass-produced furniture shortcuts
  • • Wrong wood species for application

Don't Wait - Loose Joints Get Worse Fast

A wobbly chair or loose joint will only deteriorate. Movement causes more damage. What starts as minor looseness can lead to complete joint failure and expensive structural damage. Early repair saves money and prevents accidents.

Our Joint Repair Process

1

Structural Assessment

Identify all loose or broken joints. Test structural integrity. Determine root cause and best repair approach.

⏱️ Timeframe: 1 hour

2

Careful Disassembly

Separate joints without damaging wood. Number parts for correct reassembly. Preserve original joinery.

⏱️ Timeframe: 2-4 hours

3

Clean & Prepare

Remove all old glue completely. Clean joint surfaces. Ensure perfect fit for maximum glue contact.

⏱️ Timeframe: 3-5 hours

4

Repair Damaged Wood

Fill gaps or damaged areas. Build up worn mortises. Replace broken tenons if needed.

⏱️ Timeframe: 1-2 days

5

Re-gluing with Proper Technique

Apply professional wood glue. Use correct clamping pressure and time. Ensure joints are perfectly square.

⏱️ Timeframe: 1 day + cure time

6

Reinforcement

Add dowels, corner blocks, or traditional reinforcements. Make joints stronger than original construction.

⏱️ Timeframe: 1-2 days

7

Finishing & Testing

Touch up finish if needed. Stress-test all repairs. Ensure furniture is rock-solid before return.

⏱️ Timeframe: 1 day

Total Repair Time: 1-2 weeks depending on number of joints

Cost Range: R1,200 - R7,000

Preventing Future Joint Problems

Avoid Stress

  • Don't lean back on chair back legs
  • Lift chairs by frame, not back
  • Avoid rocking or tilting
  • Keep furniture level on floor

Control Humidity

  • Maintain consistent indoor humidity
  • Use dehumidifiers in coastal areas
  • Avoid placing near heaters or AC vents
  • Allow furniture to acclimate before use

Regular Checks

  • Inspect joints quarterly
  • Tighten loose screws promptly
  • Check for wobbling or creaking
  • Professional inspection every 2-3 years

Proper Use

  • Respect weight limits
  • Don't drag furniture across floors
  • Lift to move, don't push
  • Supervise children on furniture

Early Intervention

  • Address looseness immediately
  • Don't wait for complete failure
  • Small repairs prevent big problems
  • Professional assessment for antiques

Moving Precautions

  • Disassemble furniture for moves
  • Use proper padding and support
  • Hire professional movers for valuables
  • Reassemble carefully after transport

Make Your Furniture Rock-Solid Again

Don't live with wobbly furniture. Our expert joint repair makes pieces stable and safe for decades of use.

Get Free Joint Repair Assessment

Serving Langebaan, Saldanha Bay, Paternoster, Vredenburg & All West Coast Areas