Expert: Mark H. Miller - 12/4/2004

Question
I have printed out some information on tying the springs for a sofa.  The springs in front of the seat are 2-3 inches higher than the ones in the middle or at the back of the seat.  Is there a special way I am supposed to tie this sofa.  Or do I follow the eight way tie instructions?  The cushions have thier own set of springs.  So, I am going to tie the sofa springs flat, correct?  Thank you!

Answer
Hi,  your goal is to tie the springs so that the surface of the "deck" - which is the surface the cushions rest on - is flat.  The reason the front springs are higher is to give them more resistance, this will prevent you from sliding out of the sofa when you sit down, it is a very important step and should not be eliminated.  If you can tie the springs so that the very front edge is up to 1" higher than the deck even better.  Your goal is to create a flat surface for the cusion with a higher front edge so that the cushions do not slide out, this is called the lip.  

I certainly recommend you follow the eight way tie instructions.

I hope this helps you,  please do not hesitate to contact me should you have further questions.  Good luck.  

Mark Miller