Expert: Mark H. Miller - 7/7/2011

Question
Hi! I have an armchair with an upholstered seat that has zig zag springs. After I removed all the fabric, burlap and foam/cotton batting the springs have a convex shape to them-they crown in the center. They seem to be really secure. An upholsterer that gave me a bid told me that the springs are fine. After getting a bid from him I have decided to do it myself. Is it ok to use the springs as they are, and if so, what do I put over them before the fabric. If they are not ok can I remove them and replace them with webbing? Thanks! Anne

Answer
Is it ok to use the springs as they are, -
    
    Yes,  in fact,  I would encourage you to do so.
 

what do I put over them before the fabric.
    
    Burlap,  followed by foam,  followed by cotton,  followed by the upholstery fabric.  It may have been good to have left what was there,  if you replace with new make certain  that you use the same amount of padding materials and foam thickness so that you don't change the finished height of the seat.

If they are not ok can I remove them and replace them with webbing?

    You could but that would not be a good idea,  springs are better than just webbing.

Have fun doing the project.  :-)

Mark Miller.