Expert: Mark H. Miller - 6/26/2008

Question
Hi. We bought our solid oak dining set 13 years ago. The furniture (buffet, hutch, etc) is well-made; however we've discovered the chairs...not so. They have a particle board seat base... and a few seats have broken underneath; others are threatening. We're willing to try and fix these ourselves, so...
Question 1: Where can we find the pre-cut seat bases? do such things even exist?
Question 2: Should we forget the particle board and go with a pine or stronger wood? and do these exist pre-cut?
Question 3: If we have to have shapes cut for us -- is there a warehouse-type store you might suggest? (The # on the bottom of each base is 306 70, if that helps. Thank you!

Answer
Hi,

Particle board is very poor for chair seats and and will break as you have experienced.

No, it is not possible to buy the seats pre-cut.

You should replace the particle board with ply wood,   3/8" plywood should be sufficient thickness.  You need to cut the plywood yourself to the exact size of the old seat - I recommend you use one of the undamaged particle boards as a template.

I hope this information helps.

Mark Miller.