How to Fix Squeaky Furniture

Over time, the fasteners that hold furniture together, whether it be a couch, a chair or a kitchen table, will begin to loosen. You'll hear the squeaking and creaking of the furniture as soon as these fasteners come loose, and they won't be quiet until you have reseated them in their proper places. Depending on how much abuse the piece receives, it can be tricky to not only narrow down where the squeak is coming from, but also how to fix it properly.

Beeswax
Screwdrivers
Wood glue
Dry graphite lubricant

Instructions

- 1
  Remove any loose cushions or pads from the furniture, and then gently push against it to help determine the source of the squeak. Listen carefully so you can tell what side of the furniture the squeak is located on.
- 2
  Disassemble the furniture where the squeak is located using a screwdriver. Because the squeaks are often caused by two pieces rubbing together, the glue between the two components has failed or a screw has loosened itself up. If the furniture is a recliner on which the metal supports are squeaking, simply apply dry graphite lubricant to each of the pivot points. This will silence any squeaks from metal on metal contact.
- 3
  Apply beeswax to any screws that hold two pieces of wood together that are squeaking. Beeswax will hold the screw in place so that it cannot back itself out of the mounting hole as easily, and will help lubricate the wood and the metal both so the squeak will not come from a wood on metal contact.
- 4
  Glue loose dowel pins back in place using wood glue. You can also use wood glue between two pieces of wood that are connected with a screw. Allow the glue to set overnight before using the furniture or replacing the cushions.

Hickory Woodworking Techniques

How to Determine if Furniture Is Worth Reupholstering

Other Furniture