Dining Chair Risers: How to Raise Chairs to the Right Table Height

If your dining chairs sit too low for your table, you don't need new chairs. A set of risers under each leg usually fixes it, as long as they match your leg size and add the right amount of height. Here's how to work out both.

Why dining chairs end up too low

Most dining tables are about 28 to 30 inches tall, and most chairs are made for that. The trouble starts when the pieces come from different sets: a taller farmhouse table with older chairs, a counter-height table, or a new rug that sinks the chair legs. Some people also just need a bit more height. Taller adults, anyone with sore knees or hips, and kids who've outgrown a booster all find it easier to sit down and stand up from a slightly higher seat.

Step 1: Measure how much lift you need

A comfortable dining setup leaves about 10 to 12 inches between the seat and the underside of the tabletop. To find your number:

1. Measure from the floor to the underside of the table (the apron, if it has one).
2. Measure from the floor to the top of the chair seat. If the cushion is soft, press it down slightly.
3. Subtract the seat height from the table height. Then subtract 10 to 12 inches. What's left is the lift you need.

Most dining chairs only need 1 to 2 inches. Start small: a little lift goes a long way, and you can always go higher later. Before you settle on a number, check that your knees will still clear the table apron.

Step 2: Measure the chair legs

Off-the-shelf risers often fail on dining chairs because chair legs are thin, tapered, or angled. Measure the very bottom of each leg, where it touches the floor:

• Square or rectangular legs: measure both sides in inches, to the nearest 1/8 inch.
• Round legs: measure straight across the bottom (the diameter).
• Tapered legs: measure the bottom, not the middle of the leg.

Measure every leg. Front and back legs on the same chair are often different sizes. If there's a felt pad or glide on the leg, measure with it on if you plan to keep it.

Step 3: Get a snug pocket

The best chair risers have a pocket that each leg drops into. That keeps the chair from sliding off when someone leans back or scoots in. Aim for about 1/4 inch of total clearance, so the pocket is a little larger than the leg. Too tight and the leg won't go in. Too loose and the chair wobbles.

That's why custom sizing matters for chairs. Riserman makes every riser to your measurements, with decimal sizes, so a 1.35" square leg gets a pocket made for 1.35", not the closest size off a shelf.

Step 4: Match the look

Dining chairs are on display, so a bright black plastic block stands out. Pick a finish close to your chair: wood tones like walnut, oak, or birch for wooden chairs, or solid and metallic colors for painted or modern sets. Riserman risers are 3D printed from PLA in many finishes, and wood tones and solid colors cost the same.

Step 5: Check stability before everyday use

• Put all four risers on before anyone sits down. Never raise just two legs.
• Rock the chair gently forward, back, and side to side. It should feel as solid as it did before.
• Check that the chair still slides under the table and that knees clear the apron.
• On slick hard floors, add felt or rubber pads under the risers.
• Check the fit now and then, especially on chairs that get pulled in and out a lot.

Common questions

How much height should I add to dining chairs?

Usually 1 to 2 inches. Measure the gap between the seat and the underside of the table. A comfortable gap is 10 to 12 inches.

Do I need a riser for every leg?

Yes. Raise all four legs by the same amount so the seat stays level and the chair stays stable.

What if each leg is a different size?

That's common. With custom risers, you can order each size separately and still get the same height on all four.

Can I get help with sizing?

Yes. Use the chat on any page or text 860-856-3633 with a photo of your chair leg and a tape measure, and we'll help you choose the right size before you order.

Ready to raise your dining chairs?

Build your custom chair risers: enter your leg size and height, and see the price as you go.