How to Fix Sagging Sofa Springs

When your sofa feels like you're sitting in a hammock — sinking deep into the center with no support — the springs or webbing underneath have likely failed. This is a very fixable problem, and repairing the support structure can restore your sofa to like-new comfort. Here's how to diagnose and fix sagging sofa springs.

What You'll Need

• Jute webbing: YaeCCC Jute Webbing Tape, 3.5" x 10 Yd
• Staple gun: Metabo HPT Narrow Crown Stapler, 18 Gauge
• Upholstery sewing kit: PLANTIONAL Upholstery Repair Sewing Kit, 47-Piece
• Rubber mallet: YIYITOOLS Rubber Mallet, 24 oz
• Screwdriver set: CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set, 8-Piece
• Wood glue: Titebond II Premium Wood Glue

Step 1: Diagnose the Support Type

Remove the seat cushions and press down on the seat base. If it sags or feels soft, the support structure has failed. Flip the sofa on its side or back to inspect underneath. You'll find one of three support types:

• Jute or elastic webbing: Woven straps stretched across the frame. These stretch and break over time.
• Sinuous (zigzag) springs: S-shaped metal springs running front to back. These can pop out of their clips or break.
• Coil springs: Traditional round springs tied together with twine. The twine breaks, causing springs to tip and sag.

Fix 1: Replace Jute Webbing

This is the most common and easiest fix. Remove the old, stretched webbing by prying out the staples. Cut new jute webbing to length. Fold the end over 1 inch and staple to the frame with the Metabo HPT stapler — use at least 4–5 staples per end. Stretch the webbing firmly across to the opposite side, fold the end, and staple. Weave straps in both directions (front-to-back and side-to-side) for maximum support. Space straps about 2–3 inches apart.

Fix 2: Repair Sinuous Springs

Check each sinuous spring — they should be evenly arched and clipped securely to the frame at both ends. If a spring has popped out of its clip, use pliers to re-seat it. If a clip is broken, replace it with a new sinuous spring clip (available at upholstery supply stores). If a spring is broken, the entire spring needs to be replaced.

Fix 3: Re-tie Coil Springs

Coil springs are held in position by twine tied in a specific pattern. If the twine has broken, the springs tip and create uneven support. Re-tying coil springs is the most complex repair — each spring must be tied to its neighbors and to the frame in a figure-eight pattern. Use heavy-duty spring twine and follow the original tie pattern (take photos before removing old twine).

Fix 4: Add a Support Board

For a quick non-invasive fix, cut a piece of 1/2" plywood to fit the seat area and place it on top of the existing (failed) support structure, under the cushions. This provides immediate firm support without disassembling the sofa. It's not a permanent fix but works well as a stopgap.

Pro Tips

• Jute webbing repairs are DIY-friendly; coil spring re-tying is more advanced and may warrant a professional.
• When replacing webbing, stretch it as tightly as possible — loose webbing sags immediately.
• Inspect all springs and webbing while you have the sofa apart — replace anything that looks worn, not just what's broken.
• A sofa with a solid hardwood frame is always worth repairing — the frame can outlast multiple sets of springs and cushions.