Repairing a bench or stepstool
Over time, benches can become wobbly, scratched, or faded from daily use. But with a little care, you can restore their strength and give them a fresh look—ready for many more cozy moments. Follow these simple steps to fix and refresh your bench. Let’s get started!
What else do you need?
- Spare part for the broken part (contact your local store or go here)
- Free Spare parts small (screws and plugs)
- Sandpaper
- Paint (if necessary)
- Wood stain (if necessary)
Step 1: Inspect the bench
Take a close look at your bench. Are there any loose joints, cracks, or broken parts? Make a note of anything that needs fixing, so you know exactly what to tackle. Check if you have the right supplies to repair the faults you find and if you can find suitable replacement parts online or in store. A quick inspection now will make the repair process much smoother!
Step 2: Tighten any loose screws or replace missing ones
Get your allen keys or, if necessary, a screwdriver and tighten any and all joints you see or replace missing screws with new spare parts. Remember, turning goes like this: 'righty tighty, lefty loosey'.
Step 3: Remove the broken part
When a joint can't be screwed together or tightened anymore, carefully remove the broken part of the bench. Use a tool like a screwdriver or your allen keys to detach it without causing further damage to the bench. Wiggle the part loose if it’s stuck, but do not force it.
Step 4: Replace broken parts
Take the replacement IKEA part and replace the damaged sections/parts according to the assembly instruction or follow the removal instructions backwards. Make sure to tighten all screws properly. You can find spare parts at your local IKEA store or on the website.
Step 5: Sand and finish
Now for the final touch! Take out the sandpaper, paint* or stain. Smooth out rough spots with sandpaper, clean, then apply paint or stain to blend the repairs with the rest of the bench. Let it dry completely, and voilà—your bench is refreshed and ready to use again!
*Painting is only advised for untreated wooden products. Painting this step stool may increase the risk of slipping. If you decide to treat the surface, we recommend that you also attach PATRULL anti-slip strips.
