Setting Up Your Egg Chair Safely

The excitement of receiving a new egg chair can quickly turn to frustration if assembly proves challenging, or worse, into a safety concern if installation isn't done correctly. Whether you've purchased a hanging egg chair with a freestanding frame, a ceiling-mounted model, or a standing egg chair with a swivel base, proper setup is essential for both safety and enjoyment.

This guide walks you through the complete installation process for different types of egg chairs, highlighting critical safety considerations and common mistakes that even experienced DIYers sometimes make. Take your time with setup—a few extra minutes spent on careful installation will reward you with years of safe, comfortable use.

Before You Begin: Preparation Essentials

Gather Your Tools

Most egg chairs come with the basic tools required for assembly, but these are often low-quality and can make the job harder than necessary. Having your own quality tools on hand makes assembly faster, easier, and reduces the risk of stripping screws or damaging components.

• Socket set or adjustable wrench: For tightening bolts and nuts
• Phillips and flathead screwdrivers: Multiple sizes are helpful
• Allen keys: Various sizes; the included set is usually adequate
• Rubber mallet: For persuading stubborn parts without causing damage
• Spirit level: Essential for ensuring frames are properly aligned
• Tape measure: For checking clearances and positioning
• Work gloves: Protect your hands from sharp edges and pinch points

Choose Your Location Carefully

Before assembling your chair, decide on its final location. For hanging chairs, you'll need to consider swing clearance—at least 1.5 metres in all directions from the suspended chair is recommended. Standing chairs need less clearance but still require room for the swivel radius if applicable.

Consider these factors when choosing a location:

• Surface stability: The floor or ground must be level and stable. On outdoor surfaces, ensure decking or pavers can support the concentrated load at the frame's feet.
• Obstacles: Ensure there's nothing that could be struck during swinging or rotation, including walls, furniture, and overhead fixtures.
• Weight capacity: For ceiling mounts, verify the structural capacity of your mounting point. For floor stands, consider the load distribution on the surface below.
• Access: Leave room to safely enter and exit the chair.

Assembling a Freestanding Frame Hanging Chair

Freestanding frame hanging chairs are the most common type and generally the easiest to set up safely. The frame supports the chair independently, eliminating concerns about ceiling structure.

Step 1: Assemble the Base

Start with the base of the frame, which provides stability for the entire structure. Most frames have curved feet or a rectangular base. Connect all base components before moving to the vertical sections. Tighten bolts firmly but not completely—leave them slightly loose to allow for adjustment as you add more components.

Step 2: Add Vertical Support Sections

Attach the vertical support poles or curved sections to the base. These components are usually the heaviest and most awkward to handle. Having a second person to hold parts steady while you tighten bolts makes this step much easier and safer.

Step 3: Install the Top Crossbar

The top crossbar, from which the chair will hang, connects the vertical sections. This is a critical component—ensure all bolts are properly seated and aligned before tightening. Use a spirit level to verify the crossbar is horizontal. Any tilt will cause the chair to hang unevenly and swing off-centre.

Step 4: Attach Hanging Hardware

Install the carabiner, hook, or spring mechanism from which the chair will hang. Follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely for this step—different systems have specific requirements. Ensure the hanging point is centred on the crossbar unless otherwise specified.

Step 5: Hang the Chair

With the frame complete, attach the chair basket to the hanging hardware. Most systems use a heavy-duty carabiner or S-hook. Ensure the connection is fully closed and secure before allowing anyone to sit in the chair.

Step 6: Final Tightening and Inspection

Now return to all bolts and tighten them to their final torque. Work systematically around the frame, checking each connection. After tightening, conduct a thorough inspection: look for any gaps between components, ensure all bolts are flush, and verify the frame doesn't wobble when pushed from various directions.

Ceiling-Mounted Installation

Ceiling-mounted egg chairs create a stunning visual effect but require more careful installation. Incorrect ceiling mounting is one of the most common causes of hanging chair accidents.

Assessing Your Ceiling Structure

Before attempting a ceiling mount, you must verify your ceiling can support the load. You need to mount into solid structural timber (a joist or beam) or engineered steel. Never mount into drywall, plasterboard, or decorative timber alone—these cannot support the dynamic loads of a swinging chair.

Use a stud finder to locate ceiling joists. Most residential ceilings have joists spaced 450mm or 600mm apart. Once you've located a joist, verify it's solid timber by driving a small nail into it—there should be significant resistance.

Selecting the Right Hardware

For ceiling mounts, use hardware rated for at least twice the weight capacity of your chair. This provides a safety margin for dynamic loads. A chair rated for 150kg should be hung from hardware rated for at least 300kg.

Spring-loaded ceiling mounts designed specifically for hanging chairs are ideal—they're engineered for the unique stresses of swinging motion and help absorb shock loads. Generic hardware like simple eye bolts may not be designed for dynamic loading and can fatigue over time.

Installation Process

1. Mark the exact centre of your chosen joist where you want the chair to hang
2. Pre-drill a pilot hole using a bit slightly smaller than your mounting hardware
3. Install the mounting plate or eye bolt, ensuring it's flush against the ceiling
4. Add the spring or shock absorber if your system includes one
5. Attach the hanging chain or rope using appropriate hardware
6. Connect the chair basket to the chain

Standing Egg Chair Setup

Standing egg chairs with fixed or swivel bases are generally simpler to set up than hanging models, but still require attention to detail.

Base Assembly

Most standing egg chairs have a multi-piece base that requires assembly. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully, as base components are often designed to fit together in a specific way. Ensure all parts are properly seated before tightening—forcing misaligned components can cause damage or create weak points.

Attaching the Shell

The chair shell typically attaches to the base with a central mounting plate or multiple attachment points around the perimeter. Ensure all fasteners are properly tightened and the shell sits securely without wobbling or tilting.

Swivel Mechanism Setup

If your chair has a swivel feature, ensure the mechanism is properly lubricated and moves freely. Some swivel bases require adjustment to ensure smooth rotation. The swivel should move easily but not feel loose or unstable.

Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

• Rushing assembly: Take your time. A chair that takes an hour to assemble properly is better than one assembled in 20 minutes that fails after a month.
• Ignoring instructions: Even experienced DIYers can miss critical steps unique to a particular model. Read the full instructions before starting.
• Over-tightening: More isn't always better. Over-tightened bolts can strip threads, crack components, or create stress points.
• Skipping the test: Always test your installation before regular use, with a careful, controlled first sitting and systematic checks for issues.
• Inadequate clearance: Failing to leave enough room for swinging or rotation leads to frustration and potential damage to surrounding items.
• Mounting into inadequate structures: This is the most dangerous mistake. When in doubt, consult a professional.

For ongoing safety information, see our safety tips guide. For maintenance after installation, check our maintenance guide.