Expert: Mark H. Miller - 1/16/2009

Question
I am trying to make sure I know what I am doing before I attempt to re-web my parents' couch. The couch has on three sides some sort of buckles which the jute webbing can go through and be adjusted conveniently, which is great. The fourth side of the frame instead has each strap of webbing nailed under a metal brace which fits over the edge of the frame and is attached by at least six tacks. I am wondering if I should try to take off all of the braces and re-use them the way they are now, or If I should just ignore the braces and tack the webbing directly to the frame over them. I hope I have explained my problem lucidly. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Ned,  don't take off the braces and try to re-use them,  the whole thing will come apart if you did that.  You are correct in what you want to do in that you should ignore the braces and nail the webbing directly to the wood frame.  Place the straps going front to back first and then the straps going from side to side after that.  Weaving the straps alternately going under and over the straps that are going front to back.  

Good luck,  have fun,  please don't hesitate to contact me if you need more pointers.

Mark Miller.