REUPHOLSTERY

We have all experienced it .. sinking into that sagging couch that seemingly pulls you into the pits of it’s bowels; threatening to never let you go. As we struggle to get back out there is that ever pressing question we can no longer ignore, "is it time to buy a new one?" Yet there may be may reasons we will search for a means of fixing the problem as opposed to replacing our beloved piece of furniture. It may be for the sake of nostalgia, finance, or the piece is an antiquity that is irreplaceable. As an old familiar saying goes, "there is no need to throw out the baby with the bath water" and in this case there is no reason to throw out the couch over a simple spring issue.

However hitting the streets and asking advice for a quick fix can yield some very interesting solutions. Surprisingly at the top of the list is the suggestion to use a plywood sheet over the springs. Although the sagging issue is quickly resolved it will be at the cost of comfort, not to mention the cost of purchasing and cutting the plywood sheet to fit suitably for it’s application. It sounds a bit like an over-kill, and surely there has to be a better answer.

Another suggestion is to apply hay-wire to bind the broken spring together and while this is a quick fix that will provide some degree of success, it is certainly no long term solution. The hay-wire is substantially less strong than the spring itself and in time it will give way and break as well. In addition, it is very difficult to bind the springs together tight enough to replicate the firmness the working spring once had. There will still be some degree of sagging, however not as pronounced.

Ideally the entire replacement of the spring will be the best bet. It will not only be cost effective, it will restore the original firmness and comfort of your piece of furniture as well. It is not a difficult fix either, what is difficult is finding the supplies. Now we are not talking you regular "coil spring,." this is a specialized "conical spring," something you just cant get in the hardware stores. If you are looking to do it yourself you might want to locate a re-upholsterer and order your springs through them, or contact diyupholsterysupply.com. Conical springs are sold by the foot and are relatively inexpensive. There are accessories you will need to get along with the spring like clips that go on the end of it so don’t forget to add those to your order.

If you choose to have your piece restored professionally make sure you seek out a re-upholster whose practice is to tend to the springs as part of the service. Ensure they will replace the bent or stretched springs. In doing so this will not only restore the look of the piece, but it’s functionality as well. This will extend the life and enjoyment of your furniture and provide great utility for your investment, which chances are, will still cost less buying brand new.