Originally, the word “couch” comes from the French word “couché”, which means “to lie down”. Couches have covered a long journey from being invented in ancient Egypt to now, where they have become one of the most important pieces of furniture in our homes.
But what happens when your couch starts to sag or become uncomfortable? Well, sagginess may be there due to compressed foam in the cushions, broken support from the couch, or single/multiple damaged springs in the frame.
Be with me as I will show you how to fix a couch with non removable cushions in this guide. I will cover three methods to fix the sagginess, one of each cause or the problem I told you above. I will also give you some tips on locating the best way to stuff your couch’s cushions.
Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]
- A common problem with a couch with attached cushions is sagging, which can be caused by compressed couch cushions, broken support frames, or broken springs.
- To fix a couch with non-removable cushions, find the hidden zipper, remove the foam, replace it with high-density foam, and optionally re-wrap it.
- To cop with a broken support frame, flip the couch, remove staples, identify broken boards, cut and position a new board, drill pilot holes, and secure with screws.
- To fix broken springs, flip the couch, remove staples, remove broken springs, compress a replacement spring, insert it, release tension, and secure it with staples.[/su_note]
What Are Common Problems With a Couch With Attached Cushions?
With years of experience purchasing, repairing, and designing couches, I have found that a couch with attached cushions can face many problems. And the most common one is sagging. But how to fix sagging couch cushions that are attached?
For this, you have to know the reasons first. sagging itself can be caused due to various problems. Most importantly, it can be due to compressed couch cushions, broken support frames, and/or broken springs. Let me tell you more about these issues!
Compressed Couch Cushions
In one of my guides on reupholstering a couch with attached cushions, I have highlighted that I wish I had chosen a sofa without attached cushions instead of mine with attached cushions.
This is because the couches with attached cushions tend to sag over time due to the foam inside the cushions compresses. This sagging effect can become more pronounced as time goes on, making the cushions look unsightly and uncomfortable to sit on.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: The sagging problem is not usually noticeable right away after buying a couch. It may take a few weeks or even months for the cushions to start to sag.[/su_note]
Broken Support Frame
One of the common problems with couches, whether they have attached cushions or unattached cushions, is a broken support frame. The support frame refers to the internal structure of the couch that provides stability and structural integrity.
Over time, the continuous pressure and weight applied to the attached cushions can lead to stress on the support frame, causing it to weaken or break. When the support frame fails, the couch may become unstable, lose its shape, or develop noticeable dips and sags.
Broken Spring
You may be facing the issue of broken springs like me, which typically arises in couches that feature pull-out beds or recliner functions that rely on springs for support and functionality. If these springs become broken or damaged, it can result in a sagging sofa.
The presence of broken springs compromises the structural integrity of the couch, leading to a noticeable sagging effect. As the springs lose their ability to provide proper support, the cushions and the overall seating area may sink or dip unevenly.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: In the below sections in this guide, I’ll teach you how to fix sagging couch cushions that are attached for all the causes I have told you so far. I’ll start by replacing the foam inside the cushions, repairing the frame, and replacing the spring. [/su_note]
What Is Best Way To Fix the Sagging Couch Cushions?
If you have a couch with non-removable cushions, it may have started to sag over time. As I told you earlier, this is because the foam inside the cushions compresses, and the batting and netting surrounding the foam can also break down.
To fix the sagging couch cushions, all you have to do is to find a hidden zipper at the bottom of the cushion, as it was given on my couch. Once you unzip the cushion, get the foam out. If the foam is enveloped in batting, you must also get rid of the batting and netting.
For your information, you can then replace the foam with high-density foam, making the cushions firmer and helping to prevent them from sagging again. You can also re-wrap the foam with batting and netting if desired, followed by reinstating it.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: If you found it difficult to replace the foam for the couch cushions with the information I have provided so far, below is a detailed, step-by-step guide to fix the issue.[/su_note]
How To Fix a Couch With Non Removable Cushions? (Fixing Sagginess)
1. Find the Hidden Zipper On the Cushion.
Start with finding the hidden zipper, usually located at the bottom of the cushion, near the edge. If you find it difficult to see, feel it around. Once you find the zipper, unzip it with a zipper pull or a small screwdriver.
2. Remove the Foam From the Cushion.
Once you have opened the zipper, remove the foam from the cushion. The foam may be wrapped in batting and netting; if so, remove those as well. The batting and netting can usually be discarded.
3. Replace the Foam Using High-Density Foam.
Now, it’s time to replace the foam with high-density foam. Well, high-density foam is firmer than regular foam, which will help prevent the cushions from sagging again. You can purchase high-density foam at most home improvement stores.
4. Re-Wrap the Foam With Battling & Nettling.
If you want, you can re-wrap the foam with batting and netting to help in keeping the foam in place and prevent it from shifting. However, this step is optional.
5. Reinsert the Foam and Zip Up the Cushion.
Once the foam is replaced, reinsert it into the cushion and zip it up. Keep one thing in mind: your couch cushions should now be firmer and less likely to sag.
How To Fix the Broken Support Frame of a Couch?
If there is sagginess in the couch due to the broken or damaged frame, I can help you with it. I have recently fixed one of my couches, but that was with unattached cushions.
Although your couch has attached cushions, the steps to fix the frame are the same. Anyhow, follow the following steps to fix the broken support frame of a couch.
1. Reveal the Framing & the Springs.
Flip the couch upside down and carefully remove the staples that secure the cover with the help of a pair of pliers. Doing this will expose the framing and springs so that you can identify the broken boards.
2. Examine the Framing to Find Damaged Parts.
Carefully examine the framing that holds the springs in place. Identify the broken boards that are causing the sagging issue.
3. Cut New Board Piece to Replace Damaged One.
Using a miter saw, cut a piece of 1-by-2-inch board the same length as the broken board. Remember, this newly-cut board piece is the new board that will replace the broken one.
4. Position the New Board Precisely.
Straighten out the broken board so that it forms a straight line. Position the new board over the broken board, aligning them along the length of the frame.
5. Take a Drill and Create Pilot Holes.
Take a drill and create pilot holes at regular intervals, approximately every 4-6 inches, along the entire length of the new board. Maintaining this length will prevent the wood from splitting when you insert the screws.
6. Safely Secure the Broken & New Board.
Insert wood screws through the new board and into the broken board with the aid of a screwdriver. Secure the new board to the broken board, acting as a splint and adding stability to the couch.
How To Fix Broken Spring For Sagging?
Suppose when identifying the couch’s frame (as I told you in steps 1 & 2 of the previous fix), you found that the frame isn’t damaged but the springs. And these broken springs are causing the sagging in your couch.
If this is the case, the only method to resolve this issue is to substitute the broken springs with new ones. Well, if you don’t know how to do that, the following is my personal guide to help you through the process.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]Note: For this process of fixing a couch’s broken spring for sagging, step 1 & 2 is the same as the previous one where I taught you to fix the broken support frame.[/su_note]
1. Flip the Couch & Identify the Broken Springs.
Flipping the couch upside down will allow you to see the springs and framing. The broken springs will be easy to spot because they will no longer provide tension between the support beams.
2. Explore the Inside & Remove the Broken Springs.
Use a pair of pliers to get rid of the staples that secure the cover. Set the cover aside to expose the framing and springs. Then, remove all the broken springs from the couch.
3. Compress the Replacement Spring.
Take a spring compressor tool and position it on each side of the new spring. Use a wrench to turn the handles of the compressor tool, compressing it.
4. Insert the Compressed Spring & Release the Tension.
Insert the compressed replacement spring between the supports in the couch. Then, turn the handle of the compression tool counterclockwise to release the tension and secure the spring in place. Remove the compression tools from the spring.
5. Place the Cover Back & Secure It.
Place the cover back onto the bottom of the couch. Use a staple gun to securely staple the cover in place, ensuring it hides the springs and framing.
FAQs
What Can I Stuff My Couch Cushions With?
One popular option for couch stuffing is foam wrapped with batting. Other commonly used materials include polyester stuffing, batting without foam, and feathers.
What Types of Foam Is Best for Your Couch Cushions?
Polyurethane foam is considered the ideal stuffing for couch cushions. It is cost-effective and delivers a rugged base for the cushions, ensuring long-lasting support and comfort.
Where Can I Get Foam for Seat Cushions?
You can purchase foam in various sizes and densities from numerous online retailers. Additionally, local fabric or craft stores usually carry standard sizes of foam. However, if you require unusual sizes or thicker foam densities, you may need to visit a specialty shop that specializes in foam products.
How Can I Make My Cushions Firmer?
You can achieve firmer cushions by replacing the existing foam with a denser one. The density of the foam directly correlates with the sturdiness of the cushions. If you prefer a slightly softer feel, you can wrap the foam with batting and netting to provide a subtle cushioning effect.
Related articles:
