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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/what parts do I need to replace?

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Expert: - 10/8/2009


Question

springs
Hi, I have a sofa that sags badly. I am not sure of the springs if they are coil or conical springs. They look quite firm and in tact. An upholsterer added more foam on top of the webbing but that didn't help. I was advised that the little tension springs need to be replaced but before I do that, I would need to know if I would need any other parts? Who would sell such parts as I do not live in the USA and would need to order them on line. Would appreciate your advice very much. Thank you. Laleh

Answer
Hi Laleh,  the springs in your sofa are coil springs, and this is called a drop-in spring unit, these springs are not hand tied but come as a unit from the factory.  They are usually found in better quality furniture.  As they become old - more than 30 years - as with any coil spring they will loose their tension and should be replaced.  There is no way to make them firmer.  Adding foam on top will cause you to sit higher but the sofa will still sag.  The springs should be replaced.  I don't know where you can purchase drop in spring units outside the United States,  however, your upholsterer should be able to replace them using standard coil springs or by other methods that he recommends,  there is no way to remedy the sofa sagging without replacing the springs.

I hope this information helps.

Mark Miller.

Mark H. Miller

Expertise

custom furniture upholsterery. Became journeyman custom upholsterer in 1969. Certified by Upholsterers Intl. Union. Worked at San Francisco`s most prestigious upholstering shop as senior upholsterer. Am now president of Domar Upholstered Furniture Inc. Have upholstered for Presidents Reagan, Nixon, Clinton and the Queen of England. formerly taught classes in custom upholstering at the San Francisco Community College. Happy to answer all your upholstering questions.

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