Sofas can wear out over time, causing the cushions to sag. You can throw it away and buy a new sofa or save money by repairing it. You need to check the sofa first, then find out the cause of this problem. Usually, the source of the problem lies in old cushions or comes from something more complex, such as a damaged sofa frame.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Checking the Sofa
Step 1. Find out the cause of the sofa slumping
A sagging sofa may have worn cushions, old springs, or a bad frame.
If the problem is the sofa cushion, you can fix it easily. If the bearings look good upon inspection, you may need to replace the springs or frame. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace the entire sofa
Step 2. Take a photo
Before disassembling the sofa, take some photos so that they can be used as references. If you can, take the photo to your nearest sofa repair shop and ask if they can help you pinpoint the source of the problem.
Step 3. Check the sofa frame
Remove all the sofa cushions and turn them over so you can see underneath. Look for torn fabrics and damaged or brittle wood.
- If you notice any cracked wood or wood sticking out, you should replace it. This will require you to remove most of the cover, which can take a very long time.
- You may need to remove some of the fabric at the bottom, also known as the dust cover, to check the springs of the sofa. Be careful not to tear the cloth.
Step 4. Record the type of springs on the sofa
Some sofas have zigzag springs known as “sagless” springs. Several other types of sofas use coil springs.
- Find out if the springs on the sofa are bent or damaged. If the spring is bent, you may be able to fix it yourself. If the spring is damaged, you will need to take the sofa to a specialized repair shop.
- Older sofas usually use coil springs while newer ones have zigzag springs. Your sofa may not have springs at all, depending on the quality of the frame.
- Check the space under the sofa cushions. You may notice that the seams or joints of the sofa are damaged.
Method 2 of 3: Filling the Sofa Cushion
Step 1. Check the density of the sofa cushions
If the pads feel too soft, you will need to add more filling. Open each sofa cushion cover and remove the contents.
This is a good time to wash the sofa cover
Step 2. Check the foam and batting of the sofa
Batting is a fabric used in a protective layer to give a sofa a smooth appearance. This part is usually made of cotton or wool, but can also be made from a mixture of various materials, including polyester.
If the foam appears to be thinning, you may need to replace the entire pad. If the sofa batting is worn out, but the foam is still good, you can replace the sofa batting instead
Step 3. Replace the foam or batting of the sofa
Determine what needs to be replaced from the sofa cushions. You can buy foam and batting online or at a specialty furniture store.
- You can also fill the sofa cushions with a variety of different materials if you want. You don't have to use foam. However, you can use cotton, down, or even patchwork if you prefer. The material used will affect the softness of the sofa. Make sure you like the density before filling each pad.
- Consider the durability of your material. Some materials may not last very long, but foam pads usually last for years.
Step 4. Cut the batting to the required shape and attach it to cover the sofa cushion stuffing
Make sure you wear batting like bed sheets. Cut to the size of the sofa, then wrap it into the cushions in several layers. Remember to smooth the surface so that the sofa does not feel lumpy.
Step 5. Replace the sofa cushion cover
After fixing the sofa cushion, you can put it back in the protective cloth. Sit on the couch to make sure that only the problematic cushion on the couch is sagging. If the sofa is still slumped, check the frame again.
Method 3 of 3: Fixing the Sofa Frame
Step 1. Check the bread
If the wooden planks that support the sofa frame are damaged, you will need to replace the wood and screws. Measure the loaf and note how much is needed. You can buy the necessary materials at a hardware store.
- If necessary, take a sofa bun as an example to make sure you get the right fit.
- You can also place a sheet of plywood between the frame and the sofa cushions to provide additional support. This isn't a permanent solution, and it can make the sofa feel a little firmer than you'd like it to be.
- Use wood glue to seal the edges. Use a staple gun with a long, thick stapler, or a hammer and small nail to secure the logs in place.
Step 2. Fix the bent spring
Twisted or bent springs can be repaired using pliers so that they return to the same shape as the other springs.
If you need to replace the springs, you should take the sofa to a professional sofa repair shop. Replacing a spring requires a special tool, such as a spring stretcher
Step 3. Remove any damaged wood
If the wood frame is cracked or rotting, you will need to disassemble the sofa and replace the wood. You may find that the wood used to support the sofa is plywood. If so, consider replacing it with hardwood.
- Remove the cloth attached to the wood to be replaced. Be careful not to damage the fabric.
- You must remove the springs attached to the frame. This requires special equipment. The process can be dangerous. So, be careful.
- Once the springs and fabric have completely loosened, remove the wood from the sofa.
Step 4. Attach the new wood to the sofa
Use a staple gun or hammer and nails, then replace the damaged wood with new wood.
- Secure the wood with wood glue and allow it to dry completely.
- Put the spring back into the new wood. This process may require a spring stretcher. Secure the spring with new screws.
Step 5. Reattach the shield and fabric to the sofa
Once the frame is replaced, you can reattach the sofa cover to the wood. Using a staple gun, pull the fabric tight and attach the stapler from the bottom of the frame.
Tips
- Consult a furniture repair expert before performing the above procedure. Without the right equipment, some of the steps mentioned above can be dangerous.
- Wear protective glasses and gloves
- If you're not sure how to fix your sofa yourself, consider taking it to a repair shop or even buying a new one.
