How to repair or restore an old sofa with your own hands. Basic rules for repairing upholstered furniture at home How to repair a spring sofa at home

Over the past ten years, it has become popular to restore old upholstered furniture - Soviet book sofas, seats of dining chairs, favorite armchairs. Reasons that make people give new life old things, practically sentimental - a relic sofa brought by a great-grandfather as a trophy from the war, or an armchair in which the grandmother knitted a lot of socks for a family of three generations.

But more often we are surprised to realize that good Soviet furniture in terms of quality and integrity of the frame is much better than new furniture found in the low and medium price ranges. Such furniture is often made from raw timber, cheap spring blocks, and covered with cheap and low-quality fabric on top.

A great many master restorers have appeared - there are even craftsmen who can so transform the appearance of an old sofa that it will not differ from its modern counterparts in design and content. But, in fact, with minimal business skills, desire and patience, reupholstery upholstered furniture with your own hands is a simple and even creative activity.

Do-it-yourself methods for restoring and upholstering furniture

Furniture restoration allows you to completely transform old interior items

There are two ways to update the appearance of upholstered furniture: washing and replacement. Both options are quite labor-intensive and technically cumbersome, but doable! All your efforts will pay off when you see and feel the fruits of your labor with a feeling of complete satisfaction.

This option is best suited for small pieces of furniture: chair seats, stools and small armchairs. If you like the upholstery fabric on your favorite old sofa and it is well preserved, has a unique woven pattern, and you understand that a modern analogue is unaffordable, then the sofa cover can be put in the wash.

For washing large furniture covers It is better to use the services of a professional laundry

Saving money - you only spend time with small expenses including cost detergents And furniture fittings(staples, lining fabric).
Reviving the authentic look of a piece of furniture.

There is one minus, but a significant one - there is a high probability that the cover will “shrink” during washing or even fall apart. Since upholstery fabric is not designed for washing, it is not treated for shrinkage, like clothing fabrics, for example.

Complete replacement of furniture cover

This path is the longest and most difficult, but true. Old and shabby upholstery is mercilessly thrown away, and the sofa can please you with brand new fabric in fresh colors. Complete replacement It is quite possible to make a furniture cover yourself at home. But be prepared for problems hidden under a leaky cover: cracked frame beams, broken springs, broken fiberboard or a faulty locking mechanism.

If, upon opening the cover, you are saddened to discover internal damage, do not despair - simply the operation of replacing the cover develops into a more complex, major phase of reupholstering upholstered furniture.

Padding

This relatively new concept includes not only replacing upholstery, but also: complete renovation frame, replacement of foam rubber, locks, spring blocks, everything that is needed. In essence, reupholstery is a major overhaul of upholstered furniture, as a result of which you will receive a new interior element made to your taste.

Major repairs allow you to save even the most “dead” furniture

Required tools and materials

In order for the work of reupholstering upholstered furniture to proceed comfortably, smoothly and without unnecessary nerves, you need to prepare in advance necessary tools.

Tools d For disassembly and assembly work

A large flat-head screwdriver and pliers are used to pick up and pull out old staples.
A Phillips or flat-head screwdriver that matches the size of the slot in the heads of the screws securing the lock to the frame.
Set of wrenches for nuts and bolts.

Almost all upholstered furniture frames are bolted, so you can’t do without a set of keys

Roulette - do necessary measurements when replacing housing parts.
Stapler - construction or pneumatic. The second is preferable because, without effort on your part, it drives long, strong staples deep into the wood of the frame, even through several layers of fabric.
Staples - from 6 mm to 10 mm depending on the thickness and density of the selected upholstery fabric.
Garbage bags (larger and denser).

To sew new covers you will need:

New upholstery fabric - the choice in stores is mind-boggling, choose according to taste and cost. In order not to make a mistake with the footage, sketch out approximate details before purchasing. Take into account the standard width of the roll - up to 145 cm (including the edging of the edges of the fabric) and the location of the patterns relative to the pile and shine of the material.
Lining fabric for padding the back surfaces of the back and seat. This is not necessary, but a layer of lining will protect the furniture from dust getting inside, and the cost of lining material is low. Therefore, it is better not to neglect this simple operation.
Sharp scissors, preferably special tailor's scissors for cutting.

When cutting new covers, tailor's scissors will be simply irreplaceable.

Crayons or thin pieces of soap.
Threads - no less than No. 10, and better - special reinforced ones for rigid fabrics.
Meter ruler.
Paper for patterns if you are going to modify the appearance of the product: change the shape of the legs, back and seats.
Sewing machine.

Constriction technology

Dismantling old furniture

This is the first and dirtiest stage - you have to unscrew and remove the bolts, locks and disassemble the frame. Then remove all the old staples that fasten the upholstery to the frame.

After removing the upholstery, a rather unsightly picture may be revealed to the eye.

Take care of the disassembly site - you will have to stir up the “dust of centuries” that has soaked the sofa or armchair. And staples have a sneaky habit of scattering across the floor and digging into the soles of sneakers (or feet). If it is not possible to disassemble the sofa outside, cover the equipment (TVs, computers, etc.) with film, and take everything that is possible into another room.

Keep garbage bags on hand - you will have to throw away a lot of rubbish that the inside of the sofa (chairs, chairs, etc.) has become. Once you've finished disassembling, immediately remove all resulting debris from your home. Various nasties can lurk in the interior dust of upholstered furniture - from allergens to dust mites.

Repair work and replacement of parts

Having removed the old cover, you may find a number of serious damages under the harmless abrasions of the upholstery; do not rush to give up and throw away the sofa, calculating in your head how much it will cost to buy a new one.

All repair problems solvable, and the parts are replaceable - the list of breakdowns and ways to fix them is not as extensive and scary as you might think at first glance.

Cracked frame beams

All old sofas and armchairs are based on frames held together with locking saws and glue. This is a strong and durable system, much better than modern installation with self-tapping screws. But when the service life ends, the corners of the frames become weak and crack. The beams need to be replaced. Choose a dry tree, without knots, cracks and bark - bast or middle with a smooth, straight structure. Otherwise, the beam, which carries a large load and lacks strength and integrity, will quickly burst. Damp wood in warm and dry apartment conditions will belatedly begin to dry out and warp. It is better to repeat the lock cut - order it from a master carpenter or do it yourself. It is better to soak the joints of the frame beams with PVA glue before joining.

Broken fiberboard parts (lintels of the seat frame and backrest)

Everything is simpler here - you measure the size and cut out new parts yourself with a jigsaw or make them to order in a furniture workshop. It is better to prepare separate parts of the jumpers (in old sofas there are usually three of them - the middle and two sides), which are easier to replace in case of a break. They can be attached to the frame with nails or a pneumatic stapler.

Broken springs not only impair the cushioning properties of furniture, but can also cause injuries and cuts.

The sore spot is the middle of the seat, where children love to jump and guests love to sit. Some craftsmen manage to “twist” spring blocks, replacing broken springs with new ones. However, there is no guarantee that after some time another old spring will not burst and for its sake it will not be necessary to start all the work again. Therefore, it is more rational to replace the spring blocks completely.

Replacing seat belts

Any dense tape of suitable width can act as belts.

Typically, the frames of the seats and backs of old chairs are tightened with intertwined wide belts, on which foam rubber is laid. And the belts very rarely break; most often the place where the belt and the frame meet is worn out. Any belts that you consider durable will be suitable for replacement. The main thing is that they are tightly woven, preferably made of synthetic materials and at least 5–7 cm wide.

Caked foam rubber

Any type of foam rubber has this technical characteristics, as the number of compressions. This is an indicator of how many times the material will withstand compression and be able to restore its original shape and elasticity. Almost always in old furniture, foam rubber has long outlived its usefulness in this respect and has turned into dust or into a viscous substance reminiscent of sticky plasticine. Throw it away without regret and lay down new foam rubber.

It’s better not to skimp on foam rubber - it’s not only a soft layer, but also protects the internal structure from damage

Replacing locks

Also common problem– over time, the steel mechanism of the lock becomes loose, play appears in it, or the springs that snap the lock into the “sitting” or “lying” position fly off. Inspect the lock carefully; you may need to change the screw or install a new latch spring. If not, then the lock will have to be changed - fortunately, this is not a problem, furniture fittings stores will offer you big choice modern castles.

Master class on sewing new covers

The most creative stage of work. You can leave the look of the furniture the same; in this case, you can use old covers as patterns. Before work, they should be thoroughly shaken and vacuumed.

When cutting new parts, carefully monitor the location of the weft and warp threads, as well as the direction of the pile. This is especially true for the patterns of the backrest and seat-back, if the width of the fabric does not allow making a one-piece cover (meaning the upholstery of a sofa-book).

With creativity and sewing skills, you can transform the look of old furniture to make it more modern, comfortable and suit your taste. The main part of the modifications is achieved with foam rubber overlays - soft bolsters are added on the side panels, and backrest headrest pads are added. You can take into account the position of the body in a sitting position and add foam pads on the seat (under the knees) and inserts under the lower back.

When using darts, folds, and curly details, the covers will be completely new uniform and become more modern.

In order to do a high-quality and beautiful job of modifying the appearance of upholstered furniture, you need basic cutting and sewing skills. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better not to risk doing it yourself, but hire a specialist to do the work.

Nuances of cutting and sewing

Leave seam allowances of 1 – 1.5 cm depending on the density of the fabric.

When cutting fabric, be sure to leave 1-1.5 centimeters for seams

It is advisable to process the edges of the sewn parts with an overlock or zigzag stitch.

Upholstery fabric with a large pile must be basted by hand before machine stitching to avoid moving parts.
If leatherette, artificial or natural leather is chosen for the upholstery, then when making facial finishing seams, use a special roller as a sewing machine presser foot. As a last resort, you can coat the surface of the fabric under the presser foot with a thin layer of machine oil.
If you sew decorative overlays into the cover, baste the folds by hand.

As often as possible during the sewing process, do fittings - foam rubber, a softening hard spring frame, a pliable material, the shape of which is determined by the cover.

Attaching new covers to upholstered furniture parts

The repair work has been completed, the covers have been sewn, it’s time to begin the important stage of stretching the new upholstery. You need to clearly understand that the final result and appearance of your chair or sofa depend on the quality of this stage. You will need patience and accuracy in your work.

At the stage of the last fitting, it will still be possible to correct mistakes - sew in or loosen the corners a little, alter the darts. Do not be alarmed if the cover fits very tightly onto the frame - in the process of attaching it, you will still “shoot” it even tighter. It's worse if the cover is put on loosely, because... By attaching it with staples, there is a high probability of getting unsightly folds and creases.

The sequence of work on attaching new upholstery covers:

First of all, put the covers on the parts and, while they are in a free position, straighten them as much as possible. The seams should be positioned evenly and parallel to the edges of the parts; match the corners of the covers with the corners of the frames.
Then start attaching the cover with staples - holding the stapler in right hand, with your left hand, constantly, using ironing movements, pull the fabric from the middle of the part to the edge. Make sure that the bevel is even and evenly rounded - this especially applies to the edges of the backs and seats of chairs and sofas. It is better to start “shooting” staples from the middle, so any excess tissue will move to the edges, where they can be sutured manually.

Stapler - best tool for fastening furniture covers

When upholstering the former, carefully cut out the holes for the bolts with scissors and fill the edges of the cutouts with staples. If necessary, use a hammer to drive the staples into the wood more tightly.
After stretching the upholstery, you need to cover the wrong sides with sheets of lining fabric. There is no need to waste time carefully cutting out the lining with scissors. Having outlined the approximate length, taking into account the folding of the edges 3-4 cm on each side, make a notch with scissors and tear the fabric; the synthetic lining breaks exactly along the thread, which you will not get when cutting with scissors. The inside of the lining should be shot from the corners, pulling the fabric tightly.

Byltse - (from Ukrainian) the back of a bed, chair, armrest of a sofa, armchair, etc.

The last stage of work is assembly. When assembling a sofa, first of all we attach the lock to the back and seat, then attach the resulting structure to the pallet of the sofa book and attach the bolts. When assembling a chair, you gradually install the seat and backrest to one frame, then attach the second to the structure. The legs are installed last.

Restoration helps transform old furniture into a new, stylish piece of furniture

Video: reupholstering an old chair

Since the process of reupholstering furniture is quite complex, we bring to your attention a short video that will clearly demonstrate all the stages of reupholstery, using the example of restoring an old chair.

Reupholstering upholstered furniture with your own hands is a responsible, labor-intensive task, but with excellent practical benefits and moral impact. You get satisfaction from the work done and the updated look of a piece of furniture you personally repaired. And most importantly - experience, which, who knows, can mark the beginning of a new hobby, and perhaps profitable business. Good luck with your renovation!

Intense operating loads to which a sofa in any family is exposed every day inevitably leads to wear and tear of the product. The structure becomes loose, the upholstery wears out, the folding mechanism begins to play tricks - these are signals that it’s time to restore your favorite furniture. When it is not possible to turn to specialists for help, restoring a sofa with your own hands will also help restore its luster and comfort. Do-it-yourself repairs and upgrades save on expensive professional services, while you can be 100% sure that all stages of restoration were carried out conscientiously.

Before you begin restoring a product, you should determine which parts need updating. The wear process is accompanied by violations in the design and appearance products. Sometimes it is enough to update the upholstery, but most often all structural elements need repair and restoration. It's time to restore the sofa if:

The fabric or leather covering has become dull, abrasions and tears have appeared. The filler hidden under the upholstery has become less elastic, and sagging spots have formed on the seat - in this case, replacement of materials will be required.
The structure has become loose, its integrity internal fastenings violated. A loose frame must be repaired, but if the sheathing boards are cracked or broken, they will need to be replaced.
It has become difficult to unfold and fold the sofa, it requires effort, and the transformation mechanism gets stuck. Problems may be associated with deformation of the fittings or weakening return springs– they will need to be replaced.

It is advisable to use components from the same manufacturer that were originally installed, otherwise incomplete fit of the parts and rapid failure of the mechanism are possible.

Required tools and materials

To restore the covering and interior of the sofa you will need upholstery fabric, filling, padding polyester, non-woven fabric. It is not necessary to use the same “filling” as it was. You can purchase better and more modern material.

Before you restore an old sofa with your own hands, you need to prepare the following tools and consumables:

spanner wrench or pliers;
screwdriver;
screwdriver set;
furniture stapler, needle with a large eye, strong nylon thread;
tape measure, pencil, chalk for cutting (or soap);
universal adhesive (for fixing sheets of soft filler, repairing frame elements);
screws, metal tongues.

To process repaired chipboard parts, you should prepare sandpaper. And for servicing the folding mechanism - a suitable lubricant.

Without experience in calculating the material for replacing upholstery and filling, you should not purchase it in advance. It would be more correct to go to the store after removing the old coating and measuring it.

Stages of work

Each stage of restoring a sofa with your own hands must be approached with great responsibility, because even with minor mistakes, the final result will be poor. The repair takes several days, so it is recommended to place the furniture in separate room. The procedure consists of a number of stages:

preparation and disassembly of worn-out products;
marking and cutting of material;
tightening of soft seats and backrests;
repair of the frame and metal elements of the folding mechanism;
assembly of updated sofa parts.

Disassembling and reassembling the sofa is easier and safer with an assistant.

Preparation and disassembly of the product

The work begins with dismantling the structure and assessing the scale of the restoration. Operations are carried out in the following sequence:

The sidewalls with armrests are dismantled (the fastening bolts are located with inside, to remove them you will need either a hex wrench or pliers).
The seats and backrest are removed. If there are retractable parts, they are also dismantled. After disassembly, you need to check the condition of the frame elements for any breaks or cracks. In the case of a folding sofa with a pull-out sleeping block, disconnect it.

When removing fittings, they should be placed in separate bags and labeled so as not to be confused with each other during assembly.

When the product is disassembled, you can begin to remove the old upholstery. To do this, all staples securing the material are carefully removed. Under the finishing fabric there may be several layers of felt or synthetic padding, which are also removed for replacement. Next, you need to remove the filler, checking it for integrity and possibility reuse. If it is necessary to replace it, you will need to approximately estimate the size, thickness and number of new plates.

If the furniture is more than five years old, it is not advisable to leave the old filling when restoring the sofa, even if the foam looks intact and not dented.

The last thing to evaluate is the condition of the springs. If there are no burst parts, play, cracks, or squeaks, there will be no need to restore this element. Nice block can last for several decades.

Sectional sofa

Dismantling the sofa

Selection of materials

If you plan to update your sofa at a minimum cost, you should choose practical, inexpensive materials. Furniture fabrics or eco-leather can be used as upholstery. It is worth keeping in mind that the cost of leatherette is higher, and working with it is much more difficult than with woven-based materials. Fabrics used for upholstering furniture must be wear-resistant, environmentally friendly, and practical. Perfect for:

classic jacquard;
chenille;
inexpensive velor;
flock;
microfiber;
tapestry.

Polyurethane foam, foam rubber, and latex can be used as filler. Foam rubber is considered to be the cheapest option; its average service life is 3-5 years. It provides the required softness, but over time it loses its ability to restore its original shape. Latex is considered the best option when restoring a sofa with your own hands.. It is distinguished by its environmental friendliness, optimal elasticity, durability, and its porous structure eliminates the possibility of mold. The only drawback is high cost. Due to its good price-performance ratio, the most popular material is polyurethane foam. It is quite elastic, does not deform over a long period of time, and provides high level comfort.

Microfiber

Repair of elements

In most cases, the transformation mechanism, frame and spring block must be restored, and the substrate and cladding material must be replaced. Work with parts is carried out in the following sequence:

Renewing damaged or rotten frame elements. Heavily worn wooden blocks must be replaced with new ones, minor chips should be processed special composition to protect wood. Laminated chipboard is the most fragile element: even if small cracks or deflections are detected on any part, it must be removed from the structure and then a new one installed.
Repair and replacement of transformation mechanism parts. The latter is in most cases represented by metal elements that can only deform under heavy load. A bent metal support should not be straightened; it is better to replace it immediately. The type of repair performed depends on the extent of the damage. In case of slight deformation, it is enough to apply force with your hands in the direction of straightening; severe defects are removed by welding or replacing the part. The spring folding mechanism, as a rule, does not require major repairs. Usually it is enough to slightly correct it, remove rust from all parts using WD, and, if necessary, treat it with machine oil or other lubricant.
Updating the filling, covering the elements with new upholstery. The filler is placed on a felt base and glued. Between it and the covering fabric it is necessary to lay padding polyester or holofiber. Restoring upholstered furniture with your own hands is often considered impossible precisely because of the difficulties with upholstery, but with a careful consistent approach the result will be no worse than that of professionals. When cutting upholstery fabric yourself, you should leave a margin of about 5-10 centimeters along the edges of the workpiece. Size adjustments are made immediately after measuring the dimensions of the seat and backrest. It is necessary so that the material can be hemmed at the places where it is attached. The new upholstery should not be pulled too tightly, step by step, adjusting the folded material every 8-10 cm.

To calculate the amount of fabric and subsequent cutting of the new covering, you should take measurements from the old covers.

Lubrication points for the folding mechanism

Frame repair

Installing a spring block

Removing old upholstery, cutting fabric

Updating the filling, covering the elements with new upholstery

Tightening the sofa new fabric using a stapler

Any thing becomes unusable over time and upholstered furniture is no exception. But in the case of furniture, it is possible to restore its original appearance and properties. This article will discuss reupholstering a sofa yourself. How, what and in what order should be done, what materials should be used.

Damage and types of repair

Damage to a sofa or other upholstered furniture can vary in severity. Depending on the existing injuries, a different range of work is required. Here's what can happen to your furniture:

So reupholstering a sofa can involve different jobs. From simply replacing the upholstery to a complete renovation, including part of the frame. The most troublesome part is with the spring blocks. This is long and painstaking work. If the “historical accuracy” of your furniture is not important to you, it is easier to replace a failed spring block with foam rubber or (better, but more expensive) furniture silicone. If everything is done correctly, the sofa will become even more comfortable: incorrectly tightened springs cause a lot of inconvenience.

Types of "soft part"

Let's talk in general terms about what the seat and back of the sofa can be made of. There are options:

Without springs:
- High-density foam rubber (polyurethane foam, also called PU foam) (also called furniture foam).
- Foamed latex. In terms of quality and convenience, it is better than foam rubber, but also much more expensive.
With springs:
- with classic springs connected into one block;
- snake springs that support the foam/latex filling.

These are the most common types of sofa seats. In more expensive models, the spring block can be supplemented with a layer of polyurethane foam or latex, which makes the seat more elastic and comfortable at the same time. When reupholstering, they then look at the condition of both parts, replace or leave them - depending on desire and capabilities.

But that's not all the layers. In addition to springs, polyurethane foam/latex, padding polyester or thermal felt (or regular felt) are also laid. This is if the sofa is more or less modern and not too expensive. Older exhibits may contain matting or burlap, batting (or something very similar), horsehair, dried seaweed and other now almost exotic materials for sofa stuffing. When repairing a sofa, they will need to be replaced with the same ones (if you want to look) or similar in thickness and properties. So, to understand how a sofa should be reupholstered, first understand what’s inside it.

We disassemble the sofa and assess the scale of work

Reupholstering a sofa begins with disassembling it. During the process, you will be able to assess the extent of the damage and decide what exactly you need to do. For this part of the job you will need:

a large screwdriver to unscrew visible bolts (if any);
a small flat-head screwdriver, pliers or staple remover - to remove the staples that secure the upholstery.

The main thing is to remove old upholstery. Then everything will become clear

Actually, that's all. First, remove the individual pillows, if any, and remove the side panels. It’s difficult to suggest here - there are many designs. Look carefully, you are sure to find something. If you have retractable parts, you can try starting with them.

Separating the upholstery

The next step is to separate the fabric from the frame. It is attached with staples to the wooden bars of the frame. We pry the staples with a flat screwdriver and pull them out. Some may fit very tightly; it is easier to pull them out by grabbing them by the raised back with pliers or pliers.

We remove the fabric carefully, trying not to damage it too much. We will then use it as a sample for new sofa upholstery. There are several layers underneath the upholstery fabric. Maybe felt, padding polyester, some kind of fabric. If the sofa repair was started only to replace the upholstery, look at the condition of these materials. If there are signs of wear, it is better to replace. After all, it will be a shame if in a few months the sofa needs to be reupholstered again, but this time because the layers of the lining have been removed.

Once the fabric is removed, it's time to evaluate which parts you'll need to replace. Everything is clear with the upholstery and lining underneath. It is advisable to keep the pie in the same composition. If old materials were used that are not currently on sale or are too expensive, replace them with modern analogues. The main thing for folding sofas is to reach the same height of the seat and back that were before, since folding mechanisms are designed for certain parameters of the “pillows”. In order not to be mistaken with the thickness of materials, find unworn (or least worn) areas and measure the thickness.

Assessing the damage

This stage is needed if the sofa seat is uneven, there are humps and depressions, protruding springs (and from below too). In seats that consist only of foam rubber, everything is simple: they are usually replaced. They can be made from high-density foam rubber by folding several layers; you can order ready-made foam rubber at a store that sells furniture spare parts. It is wise to order a latex mattress according to exact dimensions (measure after removing the fabric and all layers).

If the sofa has springs, remove all the covering layers to get to them. If there are no burst springs, the frame and its connections are strong, without play or cracks, the backing for the springs is in good condition, you can stop there. We change the covering layers, sew new case, tension and fasten. This completes the reupholstery of the sofa.

One of the common defects of spring blocks is a broken spring. There are also sofas with spring snakes that are attached to the frame and give elasticity to the foam mattress standing on top

If there is any damage listed above, the spring unit will have to be separated. It is attached to the frame frame using U-shaped brackets or nails. Now you have completely disassembled your sofa into its components. Next is the replacement and repair of damaged parts, and then reassembly.

Classic sofa pie with a spring block and possible problems

To understand how to repair a sofa at home, you need to know what layers of materials are needed and in what order. For example, in a sofa seat with a spring block the sequence will be like this (from bottom to top):

Frame made of plywood or wooden blocks. A plywood frame is more reliable, but it takes longer and is more difficult to make. Therefore, pine bars are usually used. They are connected according to the tenon-groove principle, gluing the joint with wood glue. If desired, the connections can be strengthened with dowels or corners (aluminum).
Spring block base. There may be options: lamellas (straps of elastic material), fiberboard, plywood. The most budget option is fiberboard, the most expensive is lamellas. The lamellas are attached to special stops (lamella holders). When using plastic stops, there is a risk of them breaking. At the same time, low-quality lamellas can bend (in normal condition they are curved slightly upward) or break - to reduce cost they are often placed at large intervals. All this leads to the fact that the sofa seat is pressed through. Instead of wooden slats, there may also be snake springs. They also have sufficient elasticity, but cost less. The problems with them are the same.
The spring block itself. The block can be with independent or dependent springs. The first one is cheaper, the second one supports the body well. Such mattresses are also called orthopedic.
Felt or thick fabric(teak or other similar dense fabric will do). This layer is needed so that the springs do not push through the foam rubber located above.
If the fabric is thin, it will tear, then the foam will begin to crumble. But this is not the saddest thing - the lamellas were bent in the opposite direction. In normal condition they should be curved upwards
Polyurethane foam(PPU, foam rubber - all names of the same material). Special dense foam rubber is used. If you choose, in addition to density, look at such an indicator as the durability coefficient - the higher the number, the better (and more expensive). This indicator reflects how long the foam will take to restore its original shape after removing the load. Its thickness is taken according to the original, factory cake. You can make it thicker without restrictions only on upholstered furniture that does not fold out (banquette, sofa, armchair).
Sintepon. This is necessary so that the fabric does not “erase” the polyurethane foam. It is usually glued to a layer of foam rubber so that it does not bunch up during use. The glue is taken in a can.
Upholstery fabric. The best are tapestry, chenille. They don't fray and it's easy to sew with them. Flock and jacquard are good fabrics, but some of them “creep” at the seams. Therefore, when you sew, the seams need to be strengthened. By the way, it is better to sew upholstery for a sofa using special Tytan brand threads. Regular ones, even thick ones, will quickly tear.

These are all the layers and their features. You can add something (for example, a double layer of padding polyester), but removing it is highly undesirable.

The design of a sofa on snake springs and options for its restoration

Snake springs in expensive models are used as additional remedy to increase elasticity. IN budget models A foam block can be placed on this base. They are attached to a wooden or metal frame across the seat - each spring separately. The installation step depends on the planned load. If your sofa begins to sag, or the springs have lost their elasticity or are broken, the solution is to replace them.

To increase elasticity and extend service life, when reupholstering a sofa, the number of “snakes” can be increased. Another option is transverse reinforcement with rigid corsage ribbons (which are used for straps on bags and backpacks).

The tape is nailed on one side to the frame. Professional furniture makers then stretch it using special tool, but you can replace it with a regular block wrapped around the middle with coarse-grain sandpaper. You wrap a couple of turns of tape around this beam, pull with both hands (make sure that the frame does not bend), secure the tape with staples or nails, release and cut off the excess. The same method is also suitable for increasing the service life of a mattress with slats.

An example of sofa repair with step-by-step photos

The old sofa became completely uncomfortable, began to sag in places and creak. There is no way to buy a new one, it was decided to reupholster and change the upholstery. As usual, reupholstering a sofa begins with disassembly. The legs were removed first. The railings were fastened with two large bolts; they were unscrewed and removed without any problems. Further disassembly is also not difficult - we unscrew the bolts that appear one by one.

When all the components were separated, the old upholstery was removed. The staples were easy to remove - the frame was made of pine timber. The spring block itself turned out to be without defects, but there was a crack in the frame, one of the frame beams sagged, the fiberboard sagged, although there were no cracks.

Frame repair

Since the frame bears the main load, it is better to replace damaged elements. We carefully measure them, draw them schematically, and put down the dimensions in millimeters. With the drawing we go to the carpentry shop. Please pay Special attention: the wood must be dry, preferably kiln drying. If you know how to work with wood yourself, you can do it yourself.

It was decided to connect the frame, as it was, with a tenon/groove, coated with wood glue. But to prevent it from coming loose, the connection was reinforced with metal dowels.

First, the connections are glued and clamped in a vice. A hole is not drilled under the dowel large diameter, the dowel is hammered in. The frame stands in a vice until the glue dries.

We will use 4 mm thick plywood as the base for the spring block. The sheets are standard, a little more than 1.5 meters, and the length of the sofa is almost two. It turns out two pieces. It is better to make the joint of the pieces on a jumper, it is more reliable. Cutting out rectangles the right size, coat the frame with wood glue, lay down the plywood, and nail it with small nails. The length of the nails is so that they do not stick out outside the frame. We additionally support the joint with a plank (50*20 mm).

The updated sofa will serve in the country house, so we try to keep the budget to a minimum; we use an old blanket instead of a backing for the springs. We stretch it well and fasten it with staples using a hand tool.

The base for the springs is an old fleece blanket

If possible, it is advisable to put thermal felt here. It is more reliable and not so expensive. It is cut to size, straightened and nailed around the perimeter. You can use staples or nails with large heads.

Repairing and fixing the spring block

To fasten the spring block, you can use powerful U-shaped brackets, and it is better if their legs are sharpened. But the stapler does not work with these, so we cut staples from steel wire with a diameter of 1.5 mm and hammer them in with a hammer.

In addition to being attached to the frame, the springs are also secured with nylon straps. Twine was taken, folded in two layers, secured with the same wire staples. We tighten the constriction so that it does not press down on the springs, but the tension should be sufficient so that the block “does not move.”

Some dense material should be placed on top of the springs, usually felt. In this case, old flooring was used. Something like felt. It is quite dense and durable. Fold in two layers, cut to size. This layer must be attached to the spring block. The coating is dense, you can’t pierce it with a needle, even a gypsy one. A large diameter awl would be suitable, but there isn't one. We pierce the coating with a nail, which we push through with the handle of a screwdriver. We thread a thick thread into the holes made. The stitch pitch is about 3.5 cm. To speed up the process, we use several nails at once.

Next “according to plan” there should be foam rubber, on top of which a padding polyester is placed. IN this project it was replaced with two layers of densely elastic material, which had long been stored in the attic. Instead of padding polyester, another old blanket was used. To prevent the blanket from moving around, it was grabbed around the perimeter with threads (in conventional technology, synthetic winterizer is glued to polyurethane foam or latex using glue from a can).

Case and cover

Upholstering this sofa turned out to be easy: the shape is simple, without decoration. Old case they ripped it open and made a pattern from it using new, not very expensive upholstery fabric. In the place that falls on the corner of the sofa cushion/seat, a thick tape was sewn from the inside to prevent the fabric from fraying. The fabric is inexpensive, so the edges had to be rolled up to prevent fraying. They are often left unprocessed.

The finished cover was laid out on the floor, and the restored part of the sofa was placed in it. At this stage it is important that the fabric is stretched evenly and does not wrinkle. We started nailing the cover from the middle, moving towards the edges. Staples with thick backs were used to avoid damaging the fabric.

The back of the sofa was restored in the same way, the armrests were covered, then all the parts were screwed to the folding mechanism. The thickness of the pillows matched, so there were no problems.

The reupholstery of the sofa is finished. The result has been verified :)

According to the test results: the seat turned out to be a little hard, but it’s just right for a tired back. For the home, of course, it is better to use foam rubber, and for those who like comfort - latex.

Even the highest quality pieces of furniture can fail. Most often, sofas break, or rather, the springs fail. However, you can cope with this problem yourself, at home, without the help of specialists.

When to carry out repairs?

Everyone knows that a sofa is a comfortable, soft piece of furniture, created for comfort and relaxation. Of course, like any furniture, it consists of several parts.

While the product is new, everything is great, and it’s a pleasure to relax on it. However, after some time, malfunctions may appear. You may find that a spring has come out, the frame has broken, or there has been a problem with the upholstery material.

The better quality each of these parts is, the longer the sofa will last without losing its original qualities.

Replacing the spring block may be necessary due to various reasons . For example, when the action of the springs weakens, dents can be seen on the surface of the sofa. As a result, the level of comfort decreases, and using the furniture is no longer as pleasant. Sometimes you may find that a spring has snapped shortly after purchasing your sofa. This may be due to manufacturing defects or low-quality spare parts.

The solution to such a problem is clear - replacing the entire spring mechanism or, if possible, one spring.

It is necessary to resort to premature replacement of springs even if they remain intact. This happens if the rigidity of the sofa does not satisfy full comfort. This parameter cannot be adjusted in any other way. You will have to choose a more suitable spring system, which will be softer or stiffer. Of course, you can cheat and use one or more additional layers of foam rubber for softness.

Types of springs

For upholstered furniture, the spring system is one of best fillers providing comfort. This also allows you to significantly increase the service life of products. When you have to come to terms with replacing springs, you first need to better know what types of springs exist.

After this, repairing a sofa at home will not be difficult.

Flat snake springs characterized by durability, simplicity and low cost. At the same time, they provide the necessary comfort. Among their inherent disadvantages, it is worth noting excessive softness. As a result, you get the feeling that you are sitting not on a sofa, but in a hammock. Because of this, the snake is rarely found in folding models.

The most commonly used springs are in the form of a solid block, it is called a bonnel. They are able to last for a long period without losing their comfort. However, under heavy loads, upholstered furniture with such filling may begin to creak. If one spring fails, the entire unit will need to be replaced.

Springs in the form of a block in which they are independent of each other are called Pocket Springs. In such a system, each spring is in a separate case. As a result, a sofa with such “internals” allows you to relax with maximum benefit for the spine. Of course, the cost of such a block is quite high. Among the advantages, it should be noted that if one spring bursts, it is easy to replace it with a new one.

Work order

Repairing upholstered furniture with your own hands is not difficult and even pleasant. Moreover, this can be done at home, without even removing the sofa from the living room or kitchen. Among the advantages this method There are also significant savings, because professionals charge quite a lot for replacing spring systems. In addition, when choosing a filler yourself, you can choose the best.

Of course, before you repair the sofa yourself, you will have to carry out some preparatory work. First you need to purchase suitable springs.

In this case, you can choose similar ones to those that were or install more a good option. It is also better to write down the sequence of actions in advance so that everything goes correctly.

It is important to have all the necessary replacement tools on hand.

To take measurements you will need a special tape measure. The frame of upholstered furniture is dismantled using wrench. Staples on the upholstery can be easily removed using a flathead screwdriver.

Metal products cannot be changed without pliers. The easiest way to cut off the underlying layer is with a utility knife or scissors. At the last stage, when the upholstery needs to be fixed to the frame, you will need a construction stapler and staples.

When everything you need is ready, you should disassemble the sofa. At the same time, experts recommend photographing all stages of disassembly, so that later it will be easier to return the furniture to its original condition. Dismantling should begin with the side parts and armrests. In some models they are attached to the legs. If there are such fastenings, you need to place a block of wood under the frame of the object. This is necessary to avoid the furniture sagging on one side. After this, the seat is raised and the bolts are unscrewed. It is important not to miss any of them.

The next step is to remove the backrest and then the transformation mechanism. You will see a block with springs. It is advisable to take it out completely in order to immediately check the condition of the frame. After all, if there are faults in it, they must be eliminated. All necessary elements are sold in special stores. Repairing modern fillers is not difficult. They most often take the form of spiral-shaped blocks. Typically, the thickness of the blocks is 2.2 millimeters. To repair a broken element, unscrew it from one side and then unscrew it from the other.

If the springs are old, up to five millimeters thick, then they can be strengthened. This is done using strong wire or twine. They are needed for tying the block. If there are parts that are completely out of order, they should be removed. Of course, if possible, it is better to completely replace the filler with a new one.

It also happens that the problem lies in twisted elements that are simply disconnected. You can restore the fastening of such springs to each other or to the frame using thin (preferably hardened) wire and pliers. In this case, the sharp parts should be bitten off and then bent down. A broken spring must be replaced with a new one. They do the same if it has simply become less elastic.

Sometimes the entire spring system fails. In this case, it is necessary to choose a different design. It would be better if it was of higher quality.

Blocks with weak points should not be repaired, as they may soon break again. They should be replaced.

Unpleasant sounds that occur when the sofa is impacted should alert you. To determine their source, you should carefully examine the entire surface of the sofa using squeezing. Most often, this problem is resolved by installing a gasket between the metal elements that rub. However, after a while you will still have to resort to replacing the springs.

When repairing spring blocks It is important to vacuum the machinery and everything around it. This is necessary to remove debris that has accumulated in the sofa over the entire period of its use. When the spring is repaired or the entire block is replaced, the underlying layer in the form of foam rubber or other material must be returned to its place.

It is important to tighten all the bolts well.

After this, the upholstery fabric is secured using a stapler and staples. The final touch is to return the armrests to their place and attach them to the frame.

However, in some cases it is still better to entrust the sofa repair to professionals. This is necessary if the furniture is antique - such models have complex design issues. Problems may also arise with leather sofas, or rather, with them top layer. You can replace such upholstery yourself with a simpler fabric one, or you can trust a specialist.

In the next video you will learn how to operational repair broken springs in the sofa using a wire tie.

An important detail of the interior is the sofa; most people spend a considerable amount of time on it. Over time, it becomes unusable, and the paradox is that no matter how you sit or lie on it, it will sag in the middle. The casing and some parts also wear out.

When such a moment comes, there are two options. Either throw it away and buy a new one, or breathe new life into it, repair the subsidence area yourself. It won't take much time and will save the family budget.

We will tell you how to fix a sofa yourself if it has fallen in the middle.

Materials and tools for work

Upholstery material (if necessary to completely change).
Filling: foam rubber, padding polyester, etc.
Strong thread for re-upholstery (if necessary).
Furniture stapler with staples.
Flat head screwdriver for removing old trim.
Furniture belts. If they are unavailable, strips of durable fabric are used.
Wooden blocks (In case of frame failure).

How to fix a sofa

First of all, it is necessary to determine the location and extent of the damage. To do this, you need to look at the root of the problem. Pull the sofa to the center of the room and look inside. Perhaps the breakdown is hidden inside.

Often in such cases, the frame bar breaks or the filling in the pillows is pressed through. If the sofa has a spring base, this may be the problem, but do not despair.

Once we have identified the problem, we move on to repairs.

How to replace the filling of sofa cushions

There is nothing easier to repair a sofa than replacing the filling.

And sometimes you don’t need to change it completely; simply adding filler inside the pillow can save you. This happens if the pillows have been washed several times. During washing, the filler clumps or simply becomes softer. This gives the feeling of the sofa sagging.

Fixing the pillows will not be a problem. We carry out the work in this sequence.

Carefully open the seam on the side of the pillow.
Add filling, being careful not to overfill, otherwise the pillows will become hard and uncomfortable.
If necessary, replace the filler completely.
Don't forget to sew the seam carefully.

Important! Try to use the same filling that was used in the pillows.

If the casing becomes worn, it must be replaced. Choose a color similar to the original, or use a contrasting combination.

How to repair a spring block

Sometimes it happens that, in addition to squashed pillows, springs break.

In this case, it is necessary to remove the casing without damaging it, unless it is worn out and requires replacement.

After this, you need to find the broken springs, carefully remove them and replace them.

Furniture springs can be found in hardware stores, or you can use an old mattress that has become unusable.

In some cases, the springs are simply compressed, and their repair consists of re-tensioning the spring.

After replacing the spring, make sure to secure it correctly, otherwise you risk getting an injection when using the furniture.

If the trim does not need replacing, simply put it back on and secure it with a furniture stapler.

Advice! To avoid injury, use pliers to replace the spring.

How to fix a frame

If, after looking inside the sofa, you find that a part of the frame is broken, do not panic. Any damage can be repaired with your own hands.

To replace a broken frame part, make required material the same. Disconnect the broken part, if necessary, replace the fasteners; sometimes moisture causes the fasteners to rust.

Advice! Do not use raw material. During the drying process, it will lead, after which another repair may be required.

Install the new part. Carefully inspect the entire frame; there may be cracks in other parts. Therefore, they also need to be replaced.