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Do you have a sagging couch in your home? Want to fix it yourself and avoid the hefty repair costs? This guide will help you do it.
A sagging couch is not a pretty sight. It’s an eyesore in your interior. And it’s definitely not a comfortable piece of furniture, to say the least. So you need to fix it and do it now.
But how? Hire a repairman? Take it to the furniture repair shop? It can be expensive, and it is a hassle to bring a couch out and back into the house. If you can fix it yourself you’re a family hero. We will show you how to become one right now.
This guide is simple to follow and it has several important videos that you will want to watch. We have included some very useful links as well. Our goal is to make a go-to resource for all your sagging couch fixing needs.
Couch Repair
Sagging is a good indicator that something is wrong with your couch. Repairing the couch typically requires doing some checks to determine the cause of the sag. These include checking the cushions; if they are nice and firm, you can move on to checking the frame and springs.
This could involve removing the dust covers, which requires gently pulling off staples or using a sharp utility knife to cut a line along an edge of the couch. Doing this makes it easier to do the checks and then re-attach the fabric after the assessment is completed.
How to Repair a Sagging Couch Yourself
So you have that sagging couch and you are sure you can repair it yourself. Indeed, hiring a repairman or taking it to a repair shop is a costly and time-intensive matter. The DIY way is much more efficient. But that’s only if you know what you’re doing.
What Do You Need to Check First?
- What’s broken? Is it the frame, the springs, or just the cushions.
- Take off the cushions off the couch first and turn it over to find out.
- Is it just the sagging cushions?
- Can you see any broken or cracked wood in the frame?
- Are there any bent springs?
How to Fix It?
- Cushions are easy to fix and you can do it yourself easily. You just need to add replacement filling and batting.
- Broken parts of the wooden frame will need to be replaced. This involves woodworking. In some cases, you can fix it with metal brackets.
- To fix springs you will need special tools or to take it to a specialist.
We will go over each of the above points in this article next.
Couch Support
All couches are built with slight differences; however, the primary commonality is some type of metal or wood support frame. With wooden frames, provide support by reinforcing or replacing broken pieces. Metal frames are more challenging to repair; however, you will be able to fix bent pieces.
Wood Couch
This is the most popular type of sofa frame. And it’s the easiest to fix if broken too.
In wood couches, the boards that provide support for the frame can break and cause sagging. If this is the case, the wood and the screws will need to be replaced. Take the measurement of the slats and replace the broken pieces at a hardware store.
Metal Couch
Metal frames are more heavy-duty and they break rarely. But if it is broken or bent, you will need to straighten out the frame or weld it together.
Couch Springs
Inspecting the springs typically involves removing most of the upholstery fabric. Figure out whether the springs are broken or bent. If bent springs are causing the sagging, you might be able to repair them yourself with pliers. However, if they are broken, professional help may be needed.
Couch Cushion Support
For cushions containing the loose filling, you can use the polyester fiberfill to provide support and fix the sag.
For other cushions that need firming and have lost their shape, you can use quilt batting to wrap around them.
Replacement Couch Cushions
Replacing couch cushions is easy to do and it is very cost-effective. Doing this will give your couch a “just like new” without having to spend a fortune. Best of all, this project can usually be done in a short amount of time.
Replacement Sofa Cushion Inserts
Typically, a full foam padding replacement is longer lasting than other materials and provides the best results. Go for pieces that have similar shapes and dimensions of the existing cushions.
However, if required, sharp scissors or a utility knife can be used to get the right contour. Properly measure the foam to ensure the inserts fit snugly.
Couch Saver
These lifts are designed specifically to address sag, by providing a decent amount of support. These hard-plastic or vinyl pieces go between the cushions and the top of the frame. They are especially helpful if the issue involves a few damaged springs or slightly out-of-shape cushions.
What is the Best Foam to Use for Sofa Cushions?
Wide varieties of foam have been engineered to drain water, float, prevent mildew and mold and endure daily wear.
You should pick a foam with features that are compatible with how you plan to use it. An important factor to look for when buying foam is density; the higher the density, the longer the life of the couch will be.
How to Replace Couch Cushions
Replacing couch cushions is a great way to get rid of sagging. Doing this provides the look of a brand new couch at a fraction of the cost.
Here’s how to do it:
- Take pictures of how your old couch looked like so you have a reference point.
- Take the covers off the cushions.
- Measure the width, length, and depth of the cushions.
- Buy new cushions or make them yourself to exactly match the measurements.
- Slip the new cushions into your old covers. This might be your chance to change the covers too if you prefer.
- Add the cushions back to the couch.
Zippered Couch Cushion Covers
Zippered cushion covers provide a great way to fix saggy couches without a lot of effort. On most sofa cushions, there are hidden zippers in the upholstery.
All that is required is removing the cushions from the couch, unzipping the covers and fluffing the stuffing manually. The stuffing that has been pushed to the side and elsewhere will be re-distributed to fix the sagging issue.
Re-stuffing Couch Cushions
Re-stuffing is a remarkable way for couches to regain their former shape. Typically, you can purchase more of the same type of stuffing that is in the cushion; however, that is not absolutely necessary. Any kind of stuffing can usually be used to add extra volume.
Sofa Back Cushions
Each cushion should have a zipper underneath that provides access to the filling inside. Just unzip it and use both hands to fluff it until you get the desired result.
Move around and manipulate the cushioning; special attention should be paid to the saggy areas. Each cushion should take less than a minute to fluff up.
DIY Couch Cushions
If you want to take this DIY project to the extreme, you can make your own replacement cushions too. This way has a big benefit of making exactly what you need.
The tools and materials needed for this are typically a sewing machine, fabric, scissors, pins, foam cushions, cord, and glue. To get started:
- Cut two pieces of fabric based on the measurement of the cushion. Leave extra fabric for the seam allowance.
- The cording fabric must be cut on the bias and the upholstery fabric glued around the cord. Take measurement of the circumference of the cushion. Cut the fabric to fit the circumference and the width of the cushion. Stitch the cord to each side of the long strips of fabric.
- All the pieces should be laid inside out. The other pieces of fabric should then be sewn to the corded strip. Ensure that you leave an opening to insert the cushion. Turn over the fabric, put in the cushion and sew the fourth side.
- Cut two pieces of fabric to the desired size of the pillow, ensuring you leave the additional fabric for the seam allowance.
- Put the two pieces of fabric together on the wrong sides and sew around three of the sides. On the other side, stitch around the corners leaving an opening for the pillow insert. Put the fabric on the right side and insert the pillow. Hand-stitch shut after pinning the opening closed.
How to Fix a Sagging Couch with Plywood
Using a board of plywood is a great quick fix to your sagging couch if the frame is weak or broken. Keep in mind though, that it’s more of a temporary fix and you will need to fix the actual frame later.
Plywood adds support for the cushions but it makes them a lot firmer too. This might be not what you want.
To fix sagging cushions with plywood, you will need to take out the cushions. Take measurement of the area of the couch for which the wood is needed. Cut the plywood, slide it in, replace the cushions and enjoy.
FAQ
Add a couch saver board or thin plywood under the cushions.
Add non-slip rubber underlay under the cushions.
Turn the couch over. Remove the dust fabric. Usually, there’s a hidden zipper that allows access to the cushion filling which you can replace.
Add plywood or particleboard under the cushions for more support.
Find which springs are bent and try to fix them.
Fix it like regular cushions. You will need access to the filling which can be done by finding the cover zipper.
Leather couch cushion filling can be accessed from underneath. So turn the couch over and refill the cushions.
Any hardware store will have cushion foam. You can also try online on Amazon, eBay, and other online stores.
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