Alright folks, let me tell you about my latest project: breathing new life into some used Herman Miller chairs. I’m talking about those Aeron chairs, the kind you see in every tech startup. They’re usually super comfy, but they can get pretty beat up over time.
So, I stumbled upon a listing for a few “refurbished” Herman Miller chairs. The price was right, but when I got them, they were…well, let’s just say they needed some serious TLC. Scratches everywhere, the mesh was sagging, and one of them was missing a wheel. Classic!
First things first, I stripped them down. I mean, completely disassembled them. This involved a lot of Allen wrenches and some serious elbow grease. I took pictures of everything as I went, because trust me, you’ll forget where everything goes when it’s time to put it back together.
Next up, cleaning. I used a degreaser and some good old-fashioned soap and water to get rid of all the grime and dust. I even used a toothbrush to get into the little nooks and crannies. It was kinda gross, but satisfying to see all the dirt coming off.
The mesh was the biggest challenge. It was stretched out and stained. I tried a few different cleaning methods, but nothing really worked. So, I decided to replace it. I ordered some new mesh online, making sure to get the right size and fabric. Replacing the mesh wasn’t easy. It required some patience and a special tool to stretch and secure it properly.
For the scratches on the frame, I used some sandpaper and touch-up paint. It wasn’t perfect, but it made a huge difference. I also replaced the missing wheel and tightened all the screws.
Finally, it was time to put everything back together. This is where those pictures I took earlier came in handy. It was still a bit of a puzzle, but I managed to get everything back in its place.
And you know what? They look fantastic! Not perfect, mind you, but way better than when I got them. They’re comfortable, sturdy, and look almost new. Plus, I saved a ton of money compared to buying new ones.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I learned:
- Take pictures during disassembly! Seriously, you’ll thank me later.
- Don’t be afraid to replace parts. New mesh and wheels can make a huge difference.
- Patience is key. This is not a quick project.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely! It was a fun and rewarding project. Plus, I now have a much better understanding of how these chairs are built. If you’re looking for a challenge and want to save some money, I highly recommend refurbishing your own Herman Miller chair.