Deconstructing the Platform Rocker

Ahhh, the Platform Rocker – also called the swing rocking chair.  These rockers move on a stationary base as opposed to the floor.  These little beauties were introduced back in 1870 in the United States. Traditionally made from wood with an upholstered seat and back, today you will find many versions, from ornate finials to carved details such as the gooseneck armrest – they are quite ingenious.  I have come across those made from wicker, both wicker and wood and even bamboo – some with footrests, most without.  Although, like so many things throughout history, designs and styles have been modified to keep up with the times - but one constant in recognizing the platform rocker is the stable base. 

You may remember the platform rocker from time spent at your grand-parent’s home. Maybe your parents had a matched pair – or you have been the proud recipient of a platform handed down as you set up your first apartment! At one time or another I’m pretty sure you have had the pleasure of sitting in one of these chairs.  I must say, they are comfortable! The easy rocking ability, the comfort of the old coil springs, the well-padded seat and back and the construction at just the right angle so you are neither sitting straight up nor leaning too far back lends credence to their brilliant design.

So, Here’s the Thing….

I received a call from a friend of a friend of a friend…..she has four, yes FOUR platform rockers.  She asked if I would drop by to take a look at her family heirlooms as she was interested in having them reupholstered.  While visiting with her, I asked what the attachment was to the chairs, suggesting she could easily find replacements on kijiji or craigslist and alleviate the expense of fabric and my services. Her story is what resonated with me.  She told me they were handed down from her husband’s family and, although she had tried to convenience him to throw them away over the years, he refuses – they are sentimental to him. I get respect that. 

All too often we are quick to throw out an item that no longer fits with our lifestyle regardless of the reason we received it in the first place.  When I hear a story like this from a new client I am moved by her husband’s refusal to throw out his collection of platforms just because they don't fit with today’s trend - or they require some tender loving care.  It is the journey of the chair from one generation to the next that counts – memories of the weary bones that have rested in these comfortable places -  the hand knitted or crocheted baby’s blanket that was created while relaxing on that platform, or the many rocks to sleep with that newborn nestled in a grandparent's arms. It is the story, these are the sentimental attachments that move me to tackle projects like this.

Today we are going to show you "the deconstruction" of this great little chair and will follow up in a later post with the finished project.

After my consultation and discussion with my client, I collected one of the rockers with the fabric she had chosen and headed home.  Here is what I am rescuing - a platform rocker that has been passed down over the years, full of stories, memories, history and comfort.

As you can see I had my work cut out for me.  The first step was to remove the arms from the main frame.  The bolts and washers were easily removed from the inside base and backsides. I then removed the well worn upholstering, batting, form cushions and buttons.  The time then came to remove all of the old staples. Don't forget to remove all broken staples and the upholstery tacks as well.  This is really a must. Yes, it is tedious and time consuming, but when you reconstruct your chair you want the new staples to go in clean and be secure.  Removing all of the old product now will ensure a beautiful finished product. It's worth the time and effort.

After this preliminary work had been completed, the real fun began!  My client is a farm girl red fan, so she chose "Dutch Door" by FAT Chalk paint to add some life to the rocker frame and exposed arms of her chair. Two coats of this gorgeous color, hemp oil as the protective top coat....and that was the end of a long day!

My client had a bolt of this pineapple upholstery fabric in her stash and asked if it was possible to use the 'wrong' side instead of the true side of the fabric. Why not? I have done this on previous projects and they have turned out to be spectacular.  Using the wrong side of the fabric turns this every-day pineapple, run-of-the-mill fabric into a colorful, creative and fun chair.  And I love how the Dutch Door Chalk paint pulls the red out of the fabric....it was meant to be!

With the framework and arms painted, I moved on - adding extra batting to the arms for a more comfortable armrest. Reusing the original foam forms for the back and seat, I chose to cover the entire chair with new batting and secured everything in place with my trusty pneumatic upholstery stapler. Thus ended another long day!

Join me soon as I move to the next phase of the Deconstructed Platform Rocker!  I will walk you through the reupholstering, offer tips on working with a design in the fabric such as the pineapples so everything lines up properly. We will also show you how to make your own piping, the seat cushion cover and the final details. At that time, we will also reveal the  ultimate restoration of this treasured platform rocker!

The platform rocker - a unique creation. I can see why it is difficult for those who have owned one or more to part with them.

Until Next Time - Live Simply!

- Mary Elizabeth