Expert: Mark H. Miller - 11/25/2007

Question
I have a new recliner. I'm a big guy. The floor model in the store doesn't sag but my seat cushion has sagged from day one. I've had it in for repair and they improved it but it's still not like the floor model. I grew up repairing and refinishing furniture so I feel pretty confident I can fix it myself but what should I use to support the seat cushion on the recliner so there is little if no sag ?

Answer
Hi,

The problem you experience is a common one,  the reason the cushion in your chair has sagged from day one is that there is a different density foam in your chair from the floor sample, or more likely that the foam is of a poor quality and has lost it's firmness.  

The remedy is to replace the foam with a firmer foam and a better quality.  most cushions will have a zipper in the back so you should be able to remove the foam,  there should be some kind of batting wrapped around the foam which is Dacron,  remove that as well and save it.  

Measure the size of the foam and order a replacement filler from foamorder.com ask for medium firm foam HR quality,  HR means high resilience, and that quality foam will maintain it's firmness for 15 plus years.  If you are a heavy man, over 200 lbs. ask for firm foam.

When you get the foam, replace the Dacron batting and put it back into the cover.  

I hope this information helps,  please don't hesitate to contact me if you have further questions or need more help.

Mark Miller.