Diy Project Patio Swivel Chair Repair

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
18 min read

I’ve had a soft spot for a classic patio chair ever since I was a kid. The swivel feature of these chairs appeals to my sense of fun for some reason. Unfortunately, as time goes on and the chairs get more use, they eventually wear out and need to be repaired.

This tutorial will show you how to repair a broken vintage patio swivel chair with simple tools and materials available at any hardware or home improvement store.

What is Vintage Patio Swivel Chairs?

While the majority of old patio swivel chairs date back to the 1940s and 1950s, any chair older than 30 years is fair game.

These chairs have a metal pole in between two wooden or plastic discs, one of which is weighted and secured to the ground, and the other of which supports a fabric seat. A metal swivel joins the two discs together.

Steps on Repairing Vintage Patio Swivel Chairs

First, make sure your chair is free of any dirt or other debris before you do anything else. A vacuum cleaner can be used to remove debris and leaves from the floor beneath the seat and the back of the armrests, where they attach to the pole. Scrub the seat with your preferred stain remover if there are any stains present.

Second, if the outer frame of your old patio swivel chair has been chewed on by squirrels or rabbits, is bent out of shape, is cracked in two places, or just needs new paint and screws, it’s time to get to work fixing it up.

How to Repair Aluminum Patio Chairs - This Old House

Third, if the inner frame of your old patio swivel chair is broken in two places, or if it just needs new paint and screws, fix it.

Fourth Step: If your metal pieces have rust spots, clean them off before painting. Any rust that is easy to see can be removed with a wire brush. Metal pieces benefit greatly from an hour-long soak in vinegar and water before being scrubbed once more with the wire brush to remove stubborn stains.

Once your frame has been thoroughly cleaned, prime all exposed surfaces so they are ready to receive paint. This will improve paint adhesion.

Sixth, paint it: after priming the frame, use acrylic spray paint to give it a fresh new look. Be sure to use a color that is light enough that rust spots won’t be as noticeable in the future. After you’ve finished painting, apply an additional coat or two of primer if necessary.

Step 7: Seal it: Once you’ve painted your frame and let it dry, add a clear acrylic sealant to help prevent rust spots in the future.

What is the DIY Repair Process?

The first step in fixing your vintage patio swivel chair is to take it apart by unscrewing it from its base and examining what’s inside each disc, including removing any rust spots. After.

Some typical issues with these seats are as follows:

  • There are holes and rips in the fabric, and perhaps some fading from sun exposure.
  • Rust spots, sun damage, etc., have damaged the paint on the frame.

How to fix Sagging Patio Chairs

The fabric on your chair can be easily replaced with new fabric and a staple gun if it becomes worn or torn. Use a wire brush to remove flaking paint from the frame of your patio swivel chairs where rust has set in, and then spray those areas with rust-inhibiting paint.

How to Lubricate Patio Swivel Chair Bearings

The chairs’ many issues can be traced back to the fact that they have dried out. The bearings in a chair that has been stored in the open air are likely to have dried out and will require lubrication.

The bearings and any metal surfaces inside the chair frame can be easily maintained with a liberal application of WD-40 or silicone spray from an old can.

How to Fix Outdoor Chair Swivel Mechanism

The manufacturing process may be to blame for some of the issues with these chairs. Rust and corrosion have worn down metal components over time. The best way to fix this is to reverse your assembly process and do it all over again. New, precisely-sized screws should be used to replace any that are damaged or missing.

You should keep a small toolbox handy to keep these items in. Having everything you need to complete the project in one convenient location simplifies the process considerably. Before attempting to fix something, it’s a good idea to double-check your understanding of how it’s supposed to go together and how it works by consulting the manual.

What is the Best Lubricant for Rocking Chair Swivel Bearings?

Instead of using WD-40, I’d apply a furniture oil. In my experience, lubrication significantly increases the lifespan and smoothness of bearings.

The Best Swivel Patio Chairs

Piece Patio Dining Set

The Devoko outdoor dining set includes a large tempered anti-collision glass table, eight chairs, and four ottomans made from weather-resistant polyethylene rattan. When we set out to find the best patio furniture, our experts unanimously decided that this set was the best. The quality of the set has been praised by over 2,400 Amazon customers, who also appreciate the ottomans’ ability to be stored underneath the table.

Person Dining Set with Cushions

This outdoor set features stackable chairs, a tabletop that wipes clean in seconds, and Sunbrella Performance fabric cushion covers that come in 11 vibrant colors and are resistant to mildew, stains, and fading. The large rectangular table is perfect for your next backyard barbecue, as it can easily accommodate eight diners.

Piece Sofa Conversation Set

Setting up your outdoor space doesn’t have to break the bank if you shop for patio furniture at Walmart. The three-seater wicker sofa and two wicker armchairs in this Better Homes and Gardens conversation set can comfortably seat five people. A stylish faux-wood coffee table is included. Reviewers are raving about how simple it is to put together, how stylish it looks on their deck or patio, and how comfortable the cushions are.

Piece High-Top Outdoor Bistro Set

Set the mood for romantic dinners outside with this set of high-top patio furniture. Cushions, an incline backrest, and a footrest are all included in the design of the two wicker-wrapped bar chairs. Elegant dark tempered glass decorates the top of the round bar table. Dark-colored glass, according to many reviews, is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally beneficial in reducing glare and making maintenance a breeze.

Piece Wicker Fire Pit Seating Set

Use this top-rated patio set from Home Depot to host a meal for friends and family around the fire pit. A round 55,000 BTU fire pit table with plenty of room for plates and cups, plus four woven high dining chairs that swivel for easy access to the table, are included in this set. Cushions with your choice of a fade-, stain-, and water-resistant CushionGuard or Sunbrella cover come standard on each chair. You can customize your deck or patio furniture with your choice of three different Sunbrella fabric colors and nine different CushionGuard fabric colors and patterns.

Piece Patio Furniture Set

This wicker patio seating set was the unanimous favorite of our expert testers, and it has received over 9,500 overwhelmingly positive reviews from Amazon customers, making it the highest rated set on our list. They find it attractive because it is sturdy and simple to put together. Both of the rattan chairs and the accompanying side table are built to last and are guaranteed against cracking, fading, and rotting. There is a soft, washable sponge cushion in your choice of beige, blue, gray, or red on each chair.

Person Seating Group with Cushions

To say that Wayfair is a best patio furniture stores. It has a wide variety of outdoor furniture sets, including this chic and cozy seating arrangement. Its glass-topped coffee table and four available seats make it a prime choice for outdoor gatherings. Many satisfied buyers have commented on how sophisticated the set makes their deck or patio look.

Get the Latitude Run Agaran 4-Person Seating Group with Cushions at Wayfair for $499.99.

8. 7-Piece Outdoor Bar-Height Dining Set


Use this breezy set on your deck or patio to host barbecues and get-togethers with friends and family. The slings on all six chairs are made from durable and UV-resistant Sunbrella fabric. A hand-painted porcelain tabletop completes the set’s refined look. The swiveling chair, beautiful copper trim on the table, and sturdy construction are just a few of the reasons why 88% of reviewers say they would recommend this product to a friend.

Get the Home Decorators Collection Sun Valley 7-Piece Outdoor Patio Bar Height Dining Set at The Home Depot for $1,399.

9. 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set with Loveseat

Top Rated Patio Furniture

Caption: Lowe’s

This conversation set from allen roth is just one example of the stylish and functional outdoor furniture that can be found at Lowe’s. The set consists of two armchairs, a loveseat, and a coffee table, all of which are crafted from hand-woven wicker and are ideal for outdoor entertaining or lounging. All of the seats have beige cushions that are resistant to water.

Get the Allen Roth Emerald Cove 4-Piece Patio Conversation Set with Loveseat at Lowe’s for $1,528.

10. 6-Person Dining Set with Cushions

Top Rated Patio Furniture

Wayfair.com image.

This patio dining set is the perfect way to update your outdoor space. The six upholstered chairs swivel and rock for ease of entry and exit from the table and to encourage prolonged relaxation afterward. Each chair is designed with extra aesthetic details in mind, such as curving arms and curved backrests. Cushions in various shades of blue, cork, and red are available for your outdoor furniture.

Get the Alcott Hill Keeble Rectangular 6-Person Dining Set with Cushions at Wayfair for $1,799.99.

11. 5-Piece Patio Conversation Set

This set provides the ideal spot to kick up your feet and relax, with two handwoven wicker lounge chairs, each with an ottoman, plush cushions, and detachable throw pillows. Outdoor necessities can be stashed in the small end table with tempered glass top. The set has a high number of positive reviews and comes in two different wicker colors (gray and brown) to fit any decor.

Our Swivel Patio Chair Buying Guide

You should have a comfy chair on your patio if you plan on spending any time there. Patio chairs with swivel bases make it easy to get up and turn to talk to whoever is sitting next to you.

However, swivel chairs can be found in many different styles. There are chairs that are like sitting on a rock and others that are made with your hips and back in mind. Still others have plush padding to rival any indoor chair in terms of comfort. You can find outdoor seating with all of those features and more in many cases.

If you’re looking for a patio chair and have decided that you want one that swivels, there are a few things to keep in mind as you shop. You need a chair that can withstand the elements, so look for one that is rust-proof and has cushions that can be left outside. They can be made even more useful by having a solid, sturdy base and being simple to put together.

However, aesthetics likely play a significant role in your decision. Frame materials range from metal and wood to wicker and other natural materials. Finding complementary patio chairs should be simple if you already own other outdoor furniture.

DWYM Fun Fact

Although many modern homeowners favor hosting gatherings in their backyard patios, the front porch was once the place to be for socializing. In fact, the front porch is often the first place people think of when picturing a rocking chair in the outdoors. Porticos, which originated in Ancient Greece, are the ancestors of modern front porches. The idea of using breezeways to cool off the front of homes during the hot summer months quickly spread from the American South to Europe.

There’s been a recent trend toward reviving front-porch culture. Sidewalks and comfortable front porches fit for rocking chairs are being incorporated into new developments so that residents will spend more time in the neighborhood’s public spaces. As a result, there has been a resurgence in demand for stylish and functional patio furniture.

The Swivel Patio Chair Tips and Advice

  • The maximum weight a chair can support should be carefully considered. Think about the potential for future visitors as well as your immediate loved ones.
  • Some chairs have a complicated assembly process. Everything you need to assemble your new piece of furniture should be included in the packaging. Having clear, concise instructions is always helpful.
  • Make sure the chair can swivel a full 360 degrees, both clockwise and anticlockwise.
  • Take precise dimensions if you intend to use the chairs with a pre-existing table. You should have sufficient legroom to access the table from where you are seated. In order to sit comfortably at the table, there needs to be space between your seat and the table’s surface and legs.
  • Even if you put a cover on your chair, it will still be exposed to rain and snow. Find one that can withstand the elements by being made of or coated with materials that repel water.
  • Make sure the cushions on your patio chairs are fastened down in the event of high winds. If not, you might need to secure the cushions.
  • Some swivel chairs even rock ever-so-slightly to add to your relaxation. Find out if it’s a rocking chair or not before you buy it, regardless of your feelings about rocking chairs.
Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.