How To Fix A Sagging Couch: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Fix a Sagging Couch Yourself. PDF download Download Article Repair a couch that's sagging in the middle Co-authored by Katherine Tlapa

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Approved

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  • Filling the Cushions
    • |
  • Fixing the Frame
    • |
  • Inspecting the Couch
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Katherine Tlapa. Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 990,384 times.

Couches can wear down over time, causing the cushions to sag. You can always throw it out and buy a new couch, or you can save money by fixing it up. You'll need to inspect the couch first, and figure out why it's sagging. It could be a matter of old cushions, or it could be something as complex as a broken frame.

Quick Ways to Fix a Couch that Sags

  1. Flip the cushions over to the firmer side.
  2. Fill the cushions with foam or batting.
  3. Replace any worn or broken springs.
  4. Make sure the frame itself isn't broken.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Filling the Cushions

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  1. Step 1 Check the firmness of the cushions, as well as the foam and batting. 1 Check the firmness of the cushions, as well as the foam and batting. If the cushions feel too soft, then you may need to add more filling. Open up the individual cushion cover and remove the insides. Batting is fabric used in upholstery to give the cushions a smooth appearance. It is usually made of cotton or wool, but can also be a blend of materials, including polyester.[1] [2]
    • If the foam has noticeable dents in it, you may need to replace the entire cushion. If the batting is worn, but the foam is fine, you can get by with just replacing the batting.
  2. Step 2 Replace the foam or the batting. 2 Replace the foam or the batting. Determine what needs to be replaced in your cushions. You can buy both foam and batting online or at an upholstery supply store.[3]
    • When buying new pieces of foam core, make sure to cut them to size to replace the insides.[4]
    • You can also stuff your couch cushions with a different material if you prefer. You don't have to use foam. Instead, you can find cotton, down, and even old clothing if you wanted to. The material you use will affect the softness of the couch. Make sure you like the firmness before you stuff every cushion.[5]
    • Consider the durability of your materials. Some materials may not hold up well, but foam padding could last you for years to come.
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  3. Step 3 Cut the batting into shape and layer it over the cushion filling of your choice. 3 Cut the batting into shape and layer it over the cushion filling of your choice. Make sure to use "sheets" of batting. Cut to the seat size, and wrap the cushions a few layers thick. Remember to smooth it over, otherwise you may create a lumpy seat.[6]
  4. Step 4 Replace the cushion covers. 4 Replace the cushion covers. Once you've repaired your cushions you can place them back in their covers. Sit on the couch to make sure the cushions were the only issue with the sagging couch. If the couch still sags, inspect the frame again.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Fixing the Frame

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  1. Step 1 Check the slats. 1 Check the slats. If the wooden boards that support the couch frame have broken, you will need to replace the wood and screws. Measure the slats and take note of how many you need. You should be able to buy your material at a hardware store.
    • If you need to, take a slat for reference to make sure you get exactly what you need.
    • You could also place a piece of plywood between the frame and the cushions for added support. This isn't a permanent solution, and it could make the couch a little firmer than you'd like.
    • Use wood glue to seal the ends. Use a staple gun with long, thick staples, or a hammer and very thin nails, to secure the beam in place.
  2. Step 2 Fix bent springs. 2 Fix bent springs. If they are twisted or bent, you can fix them by using pliers to bend the springs back into the shape of the other coils.
    • If you need to replace the springs, your best bet is to take your couch to a professional furniture repair shop. Replacing springs requires a specialized tool, such as a spring stretcher.[7]
  3. Step 3 Remove any broken wood. 3 Remove any broken wood. If the wooden frame is cracked or rotted, you'll need to dismantle the couch and replace the wood. You might find that the wood used to build your couch is plywood. If this is the case, consider replacing it with hardwood.[8]
    • Remove any fabric attached to the wood you'll be replacing. Take care not to damage the fabric.[9]
    • You'll need to remove the springs that are attached to the frame, which will require the use of a special tool. This process can be dangerous, so be careful.[10]
    • Once the springs and fabric have been safely removed, take the wood off the couch.[11]
  4. Step 4 Attach the new wood to the couch. 4 Attach the new wood to the couch. Using a staple gun or a hammer and nails, replace the broken boards with your new wood.[12]
    • Secure the board with wood glue and let it dry completely.[13]
    • Reattach the spring clips to the new wood. This may require the use of a spring stretcher. Secure the clips with new screws.[14]
  5. Step 5 Put the upholstery and fabric back on the couch. 5 Put the upholstery and fabric back on the couch. With the frame replaced, you can go about reattaching the upholstery to the wood. Using a staple gun, pull the fabric tight and staple it to the bottom of the frame.[15]
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Inspecting the Couch

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  1. Step 1 Take pictures. 1 Take pictures. Before you start taking your couch apart, take some pictures so you have something to refer to. If you can, take the pictures to a local furniture repair shop and see if they can help you determine the problem.
  2. Step 2 Determine why your couch is sagging. 2 Determine why your couch is sagging. A sagging couch could be the result of worn out cushions, old springs, or a bad frame.
    • If the problem is the cushions, you're in for an easy fix. If the cushions seem fine upon inspection, you may have to replace the springs or the frame. Depending on the level of damage you may need to replace the entire couch.
  3. Step 3 Inspect the frame of the sofa. 3 Inspect the frame of the sofa. Remove all the sofa cushions and turn the couch over so that you can see the bottom. Look for torn fabric and broken or rotted wood.
    • If you see any cracked wood, or wood that is "bowed" out, you'll need to replace it. This will involve taking off most of the upholstery fabric and can be time-consuming.[16]
    • You may have to remove some of the fabric on the bottom, known as a dust cover, to inspect the springs. Be gentle and take care not to rip the fabric.[17]
  4. Step 4 Take note of what kind of springs your couch has. 4 Take note of what kind of springs your couch has. Some couches have zig-zag springs which are also known as "sagless" springs. Other couches use coiled springs.
    • Determine whether your springs are bent or broken. If the springs are bent you may be able to fix them yourself. If they're broken you may need to bring your couch to an upholsterer.
    • Older couches tend to have coiled springs, while newer couches have zig-zag springs. Your couch may not have springs at all, depending on the quality of the frame.
    • Check the space beneath the cushions. You may find that the slats or straps of the couch have snapped.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question How do I size a board to place under the cushions? Community Answer Community Answer Size it so it rests on the wood frame, not just sitting on the springs. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 75
  • Question Can I put a piece of board under the cushions to stop the sagging? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, this will provide additional support. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 31 Helpful 75
  • Question How do I fix a sagging couch? Community Answer Community Answer You can try changing the foam underneath, or check if you have a warranty. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 19
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Video

Tips

  • Always wear safety goggles and gloves. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Consult a furniture repair specialist before attempting these procedures. Without the proper tools, some of these tasks can be dangerous. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
  • If you don't feel comfortable repairing the couch on your own, consider getting it repaired, or even buying a new couch. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.todayshomeowner.com/homeowners-guide-to-furniture-stuffing-upholstery-foam-batting-and-animal-hair/
  2. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/budget-fixes-for-sagging-sofas-235957
  3. ↑ Katherine Tlapa. Interior Designer. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ Katherine Tlapa. Interior Designer. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ Katherine Tlapa. Interior Designer. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/budget-fixes-for-sagging-sofas-235957
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x401TcR026w
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJKpqiaHBs
  9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJKpqiaHBs
More References (8)
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJKpqiaHBs
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJKpqiaHBs
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJKpqiaHBs
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJKpqiaHBs
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJKpqiaHBs
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJKpqiaHBs
  7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJKpqiaHBs
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYJKpqiaHBs

About This Article

Katherine Tlapa Co-authored by: Katherine Tlapa Interior Designer This article was co-authored by Katherine Tlapa. Katherine Tlapa is an interior designer, currently working as a Design Specialist for Modsy, a design service based in San Francisco. She also runs her own DIY Home Design blog, My Eclectic Grace. She received her BFA in Interior Architecture from Ohio University in 2016. This article has been viewed 990,384 times. 5 votes - 60% Co-authors: 16 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 990,384 Categories: Featured Articles | Couches and Sofas Article SummaryX

To fix a sagging couch, start by feeling the firmness of the cushions. If they feel too soft, you may need to replace the foam and batting inside of the cushions so they don't sag. You should also check to see if any of the wooden boards on the couch frame are broken. If they are, you'll need to buy replacement wooden slats from a hardware store. Also, examine the springs on the couch to see if they're bent out of shape. If they are, use pliers to fix them. For more tips, like how to attach new wood to your couch frame, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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    "Worn coil spring couch repair is more valuable as a topic than cheap zig zag style repair when so much affordable..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Katherine Tlapa Co-authored by: Katherine Tlapa Interior Designer 5 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 16 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 990,384 Anonymous

Anonymous

Apr 7, 2023

"Worn coil spring couch repair is more valuable as a topic than cheap zig zag style repair when so much affordable..." more Katie Shelton

Katie Shelton

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"Putting a board under my sofa, chair and love seats. I haven't completed the job yet; however, I feel..." more Susan Stephens

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Mar 28, 2022

"I was looking for ways to repair my couch and loveseat. This site gave me many ideas how to do that. Thank you!" Mary R.

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"Now I know exactly how to go about fixing my sectional. Very thorough description. Thank you!" Jess Segal

Jess Segal

Aug 27, 2016

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