Family members, friends, visiting guests and pets all find their way to perch or lounge on the sofa. When the foundation of this favorite piece of furniture flounders, your first reaction may be to chuck it to the curb.
Not so fast. If the centerpiece of your living space begins to sag, it could be a popped spring that has wound its way from its safe housing to be a nuisance either above or below the fabric of your couch. Fixing the wonky springs in a couch that is in otherwise good condition can save you time, money and many uncomfortable sittings.
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Types of Couch Springs
A couch spring that popped out of a couch can weaken the integrity of the couch's frame. To fix couch springs, you need to identify the type of spring that keeps the bounce in your seating area. There are two main types of couch spring:
- Serpentine
– These types of couch spring look like coils. They can be large and wrapped in
cotton or small and numerous in each cushion on the couch and in the frame.
- Sinuous – A zigzag-shaped spring that bounces with each push can be more difficult to repair. Look up the make and model of your couch for the types of springs that it needs if these are the types you see pushing out of the fabric of your couch.
Replacement couch springs can be found online or at big-box furniture stores. If you know where you bought your couch, they may have some extra springs on hand. Look up your couch frame and how it was designed for tips and tricks that can make the process easier.
Tools for Couch Spring Repair
Couch springs that are shot, simply loose from their housing or misaligned can be tweaked and tightened to nearly the original position with tools.
Before you have the couch upended, and you have carved out some time to fix the springs, have all the tools you need in place and at the ready. This will save you time and get you back to lounging with the least amount of frustration. Once you turn the couch over, you may find some other issues that need repair.
Tools to have on hand include:
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers
- Fabric glue to repair any tears
- Wood slats or shims
- Extra springs
- Thick-gauge wire
What to Do First
There is a fabric lining under your couch. You can either remove the staples or cut into the perimeter of the underside. Leave at least one side of the couch lining attached so that you can pull it back taut when you are finished.
You can use a staple gun, nails or glue and clamps to return the fabric to the corners.
Fixing Springs in a Couch
If you can't find replacement sofa springs, you can possibly fix the twisted spring yourself. Pliers are the best first defense in tweaking springs back into shape. Always work gently on springs in the couch because if you twist harshly, the metal can snap.
Reconnect any loose springs to the screws or frame. Move along the line of springs under the couch to make sure they are all tight and in order with the spring you just fixed. Tighten as you go to avoid future springs popping up through the couch cushions.
One sprung spring may mean that there is a bigger problem. Spend some time investigating before you close up the couch, turn it over and take a comfy seat. Go over the spine of the couch and feel for breaks in the wood or other springs that may be out of alignment.