In this how-to article, we will discuss how to change a swivel rocking chair into a regular chair. This is an easy project for anyone who has some basic knowledge of how furniture works. You will need a screwdriver and hammer as well as the right type of staple gun.
For this project you’ll also want to remove any fabric that might be on the back of your current chair, so make sure you are comfortable with taking apart furniture before starting!
Ways to Change a Swivel Rocking Chair into a Regular Chair
#1. Place the chair on its feet with the back facing you. You must place it right side up so when finished, your original swivel rocking chair will be transformed into a regular one.
#2. Grab an old towel or rag and put it under the seat of the chair to protect any surfaces from scratches or marks as we work here. This should also make removing staples easier later by grabbing them out without damaging anything else!
Get your hammer and screwdriver ready for this next step; take off all four legs by unscrewing each leg at both ends, then pull it straight up until they are fully removed. To remove nails holding some pieces together, use your hammer gently to tap them loose before pulling them out.
#3. Put the legs together and fix them with nails or screws to create two long pieces of wood. The height should be about how tall you are, so adjust accordingly!
Take your chair and place it on top of one side so that all four ends fit snugly into the hole where a leg used to go in; this is how we will attach these two new boards for our frame. Now screw each end tightly using an alternating pattern as shown below:
#4. left board – right board – left board – right board etc., until both are secure. Repeat this step on the other side now too! You may need to make small adjustments by rotating things around if any parts aren’t fitting correctly yet but don’t worry, it’ll all work out in the end!
Now take your chair and put it back on top of how we originally had them set up. This time you can now attach the screws to each end as they fit into the hole where a leg used to go in – again using an alternating pattern beginning with left board -> right board -> left board etc. until both are secure.
One thing that should be very clear is how this will create a frame for our new regular chair; any gaps between boards just means there needs to be more screwing involved but don’t worry, if something isn’t fitting correctly yet then simply rotate things around until everything lines up properly! You’re almost done creating your own rocking chair transformation kit.
How do you remove a swivel base from a chair?
Starting with the front board, remove the screws and place them in a Ziploc bag or container.
Remove one screw at a time – do not rush this process as it is key to how your new chair will be fitted together. Repeat for all boards, including those on the back of the chair from the swivel to the bottom of the seating area.
Next, stand up the frame so that you have something resembling an empty rocking chair base surrounded by four boards that are attached at their ends (refer to “Before” photo).
Now take off any legs still on either side of where your new regular chair will sit/stand when put into position; these too should go in a separate container or Ziploc baggie just like before! Rotate the seatback frame and measure how wide you need to cut each board to have a perfect fit.
Now use your hacksaw or saw of choice for making straight, clean cuts. If you’re not using a power tool like an electric jigsaw then be sure to leave yourself plenty of room on either side so that when attaching boards they will form neat edges with no overlaps (refer to “After” photo).
How do you remove the wheelbase of a chair?
If the chair has a swivel wheelbase, you’ll need to disconnect it before removing it. If screws are holding the seat onto the frame of the chair and they’re not welded on then undo them with your screwdriver set – how many depends on how many threads have been drilled into each hole to hold hardwood together).
Remove all non-welded wood pieces that are screwed or nailed down. There should be no loose metal left on any part of our chair if this is done properly!
How do I attach new boards?
Start by laying one board horizontally (lengthwise) across another; now using a drill/screws go through both boards about an inch away from each other, but only do one side of the board.
How do you dismantle a chair?
Remove all non-welded wood pieces that are screwed or nailed down. There should be no loose metal left on any part of our chair if this is done properly! How do I attach new boards? Start by laying one board horizontally (lengthwise) across another; now using a drill/screws go through both boards about an inch away from each other, but only do one side of the board.
Start at the bottom point where the two boards are meeting and drill at least two screws in. Now, use your hands to gently pry the board upwards so that it is not touching any other part of the chair before screwing another row of screws about an inch away from each other on opposite sides of the board.
Continue this process until all four legs have been secured by a new piece of wood. How do I secure the seat? You can either replace or repair the original seat with a sturdy one made out of plywood (or something similar).