We’ve all seen a sagging couch online that’s worth saving, right? You see this couch by an expensive furniture brand and you’re convinced that with a little love it could look brand new in your space. 

While it would be easy for us to shatter your dreams with reasons not to buy second-hand couches online, we won’t. We’re aware that finding affordable couches online in South Africa can be tricky. 

So in this blog we share 6 DIY-friendly tips for fixing a sagging couch.

Table of Contents

What is a Sagging Couch?
Tip 1: Identify Why Your Couch Sags
Tip 2: Reinventing Couch Cushions
Tip 3: Tackling Loose Serpentine Springs
Tip 4: Essential Materials and Tools
Tip 5: Access the Inside of Your Couch
Tip 6: Reattach or Replace the Old Couch Springs
Pro Tip: Know When to Stop

What is a Sagging Couch?

A sagging couch is basically a worn-out sofa that’s seen better days. It has noticeable dents and sags in the cushions or all over. This blog is all about how you can give your beloved couch a second chance. It explores simple DIY tricks to fix common issues like flat cushions or loose and broken springs, helping you make your couch cosy again. 

Tip 1: Identify Why Your Couch Sags

Understanding the root cause is key to effective DIY couch repair. Is it the cushions, loose serpentine springs, or broken springs causing the sag? Start by removing the cushions and laying them on a flat surface. If the sag persists independently of the couch frame, it’s likely the cushions that need attention.

Tip 2: Reinventing Couch Cushions

For flattened cushions, a simple rotation might help, but for a more lasting solution, consider rebuilding them with new foam and a polyester or Dacron wrap. This not only revives the cushions but also enhances their longevity and comfort.

Tip 3: Tackling Loose Serpentine Springs

If the cushions are still in good condition, the sag may be caused by loose serpentine springs within the couch frame. These essential supports can often be reattached to their clips. Ensure they are secured to prevent future loosening.

Tip 4: Essential Materials and Tools

To embark on your DIY couch repair journey, it’s best to gather all the necessary materials and tools:

• Serpentine springs
• Matching attachment clips
• Paper-wrapped wire or twine
• Staple gun
• Utility knife
• Scissors
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Pliers
• Drill and bits

You should also invest in new upholstery dust cloth fabric, as you’ll need it to complete the repair.

Tip 5: Access the Inside of Your Couch

Turning your couch upside-down with the help of an assistant is the first step in gaining access to its inner workings. Be sure to level it out with dining room chairs to ease the process. 

Remove the legs, unscrew them counter-clockwise, and carefully cut away the black dust cover. This will expose the frame, allowing you to assess its condition.
If the wood frame shows cracks on the bottom rails, professional couch replacement or repair might be necessary. You could also take advantage of this opportunity to refurbish or replace scratched or worn-out couch legs. A fresh set of legs, whether spray-painted to cover imperfections or entirely new, can breathe new life into your couch.

Tip 6: Reattach or Replace the Old Couch Springs

After accessing the bottom of the couch, find the detached springs. Reattach the loose springs to the clips, ensuring a secure fit. You should also discard and replace broken springs. Assess the strength of the clips and replace any that are loose.

You can then secure the new springs with wire or twine to create a tight but not overly strained connection. Finish the repair by stapling the new upholstery dust cloth fabric to the bottom of the couch, so that it fits snuggly without excessive tension.

Pro Tip: Know When to Stop

While we hate to be the bearers of bad news, we simply don’t want to sell you dreams. The truth is – not every couch can be saved. Even the ones that come from a good home. Couch sagging is often caused by years of poor maintenance and constant use. 

Before embarking on your DIY journey, consider the cost of the repair materials, the cost of the sagging couch, and the valuable time you’ll be spending on the repair. You might just be better off exploring a sag-free, new and affordable couch online. 

Responsible DIY winners know when to stop and they know where to shop too!