Replacing foam rubber in a sofa with your own hands
You can replace outdated foam rubber yourself or invite a specialist to do this. The first option is cheaper. Moreover, this process is quite easy. Initially, you should decide: you just need to replace the material or reupholster the entire sofa. To do this, it is recommended to evaluate the furniture: wear, sagging, appearance.
If you have no experience replacing foam rubber on a sofa, then it is best to contact a specialist.
Replacement with a new one
Many people are interested in the question: how to replace foam rubber with your own hands simply and quickly in a sofa. This process consists of several stages. The first step is to remove the sides and preferably detach the back. Then you need to remove the transformation system.
When replacing foam rubber, you must first carefully remove the upholstery.
Note! It is recommended to take photos of each stage in order to eliminate the risk of errors during the assembly process. It is advisable to make notes on the parts, thanks to which in the future it will be possible to understand from which side they were removed.
It is worth examining all the details at the same time. Perhaps some also require replacement or repair. For example, if the furniture begins to creak or make unpleasant sounds, then you should check the plywood. It is quite possible that you will have to glue it and fix it with nails.
First you need to carefully examine all the parts and decide what else needs to be replaced.
The upholstery is removed using a flat screwdriver designed for removing staples or an anti-stapler. After this, it must be washed and ironed. Thus, it will be useful for a new pattern if you want to sew it yourself. Also, such processes will restore the appearance of the material if it is still quite normal and does not need to be replaced.
Now we proceed directly to replacing the foam rubber itself.
Foam rubber is chosen based on two indicators - density and thickness.
The cut filler should be placed on the wooden base of each element, firmly fixed and secured with special staples using a construction stapler. Due to the thicker layer, you can increase the volume of the armrests and backrest. But don’t get too carried away, because then you will need more fabric for upholstery and the removed one will no longer fit in size.
The foam rubber is carefully laid out on the surface and secured with staples using a stapler.
Additional Information! For the back and sides, you can use cheaper and softer foam. These areas receive minimal load.
For the next stage, you need to take any fabric similar to canvas in density. Then tighten each element separately. Thus, the filler will fit more evenly and tightly to the product. This will also help protect the foam from contamination.
Each element of the sofa is covered separately.
What else can you replace it with?
Instead of foam rubber, you can also use a spring block, polyurethane foam, synthetic winterizer, felt, latex, Periotek, Durafil, and lamellas as a filler for a sofa. Each has its own specific properties:
- Polyurethane foam is a completely safe and environmentally friendly material, it has an excellent balance of hardness and softness. The disadvantages include the fact that over time it begins to deform and becomes too rigid.
Due to its light weight, this material does not weigh down the structure. - Synthetic winterizer - does not cause an allergic reaction, has a low price, is environmentally friendly, resilient and elastic. Its service life is not long; it is better to use it only for armrests, pillows and backrests, and not for the entire product; over time, it may begin to clump together.
Sintepon is most often used to stuff the backs and armrests of sofas. - Felt is highly wear-resistant, affordable, evenly distributes the load, does not cause allergies, has a smooth surface, and distributes heat well. Disadvantages: insects can grow in it, and it also becomes moldy over time, since it is not resistant to moisture.
Felt is rarely used in the furniture industry. Most often they cover spring blocks. - Latex is capable of restoring its shape in a short time, is non-toxic, follows the contours of the body, has a service life of about twenty years, is breathable, and hypoallergenic. It has only one drawback - high cost.
Latex has excellent wear resistance. Very popular as stuffing for sofas and mattresses.
Important! Some sofas may have a combined filling. Therefore, when replacing it, this must be taken into account or, as an option, only one type must be used.
Restoration process: step-by-step instructions
We check the frame and base of the sofa, replace it if it breaks
Before you restore the sofa with your own hands, you need to check the condition of the main frame. If there are cracked or sagging bars, it is better to replace them. Solid wood rarely requires repairs, but chipboard often breaks. It is not worth repairing; here you need to completely replace the broken part.
We drag the lower base of the sofa, using the old upholstery as a template
The repair of the back, seat and armrests is slightly different, but in general, the restoration scheme for various parts is approximately the same.
We replace the upholstery on the inside of the armrests, replace the filling and sew a new cover
First of all, you need to carry out dismantling work:
- remove the side armrests (usually the bolts on them are made from the inside; here you may need a hexagonal spanner or pliers);
- remove the seats and backrests from the fasteners to the lower frame;
- remove the old upholstery, remove the staples too;
- Carefully dismantle the old filler and check for suitability for reuse;
- remove the springs, check their condition, if necessary, clean, lubricate, replace in whole or in part;
- Check the condition of the chipboard and replace the sheets if necessary.
We replace the outer part of the armrests and connect both parts together
It is better to put all the small parts from disassembly in one container so as not to lose them.
We fix the upholstery at the base, use a hammer and stapler if necessary
At the second stage, we replace the old elements. To fasten parts together, it is best to use both glue and a stapler. But if necessary, you can make do with handy means. For example, instead of a stapler, use small nails:
- lay thick fabric on both sides of the spring block, bend the edges inward on each side and stitch with nylon thread;
- lay the spring frame on a wooden base, secure the springs through the fabric with a stapler. If you don’t have a tool, you can make arched staples from steel wire, or from thin nails, driving the “head” to the side;
- lay new, or suitable old, filler;
- tighten the entire structure with fastening fabric, like upholstery, and secure it;
- put on a new cover, secure with glue and a stapler.
DIY sofa spring block repair
Repairing a spring block in a sofa with your own hands will not take much time and is not a labor-intensive process. The first step is to separate the sides of the product. To do this, it is recommended to use a wrench. The upholstery material is removed using pliers. Once the mattress is removed, the size of the problem can be assessed. The springs should first be wiped and then carefully inspected.
Before you move on to repairing a spring unit, you need to know what types of springs there are.
Broken parts are removed with pliers and replaced: the old part is cut with wire cutters, a new one is put in its place, and then tied with a rope to the remaining elements.
All types of springs have different service lives.
How to choose fabric?
The choice of furniture surface material may be affected by the frequency of use of the sofa. So, if a piece of furniture is used by many people, and also by pets, then you should choose a material that is durable and does not get very dirty. In another case, you can purchase a simpler fabric so as not to overpay for those properties of the material that are not useful. Let's look at the main types of fabric that are suitable for upholstering a sofa:
Natural or artificial leather
Furniture with such a coating has a number of advantages: dust does not collect; moisture is not absorbed; hair and clothes are not electrified; durability and so on. In fact, this material is suitable for those who do not have pets or do, but they are trained and do not scratch furniture. Artificial leather or eco-leather is an excellent replacement for natural material. It is practically indistinguishable from the original and has all the properties of genuine leather. The artificial material can last up to 10 years, and when used, allergies will not occur in people suffering from this disease. Eco-leather is also pleasant to the touch and elastic.
Expert opinion
Sofia Kovalevskaya
Experienced housewife.
Ask me a question
You should not replace the upholstery with leather material yourself: leather has many nuances that an ordinary person cannot understand. It is better to seek the help of specialists who will make high-quality replacement leather.
Flocked fabric
This material is also not entirely suitable for pet owners, as it gets dirty quickly and may require frequent cleaning of the sofa. Hair will also accumulate on the surface. But such material is quite easy to clean with a brush and soap solution.
Textile fabric
It is universal: it cleans well, stretches and holds its shape, so it can be replaced by an inexperienced person.
Important ! It is worth carefully choosing the type of material and taking into account all the pros and cons, since you need to count on a long period of use so as not to often resort to repairs and waste of money.
DIY corner sofa repair
To repair a corner sofa, the first step is to completely disassemble its frame. In this case, it is advisable to number all the details. After this, you need to prepare the fabric for reupholstery.
Prepare the fabric for the reupholstery with a reserve. It will come in handy in case of a possible error.
Along the way (if such a need arises), you can replace some parts with new ones. When assembling the device, all elements are coated with glue. Fixation is performed using cross-shaped metal dowels.
According to old standards, parts are cut out of plywood. The frame is coated with glue, then plywood is applied to it and fixed with a stapler. The springs are secured with the same tool so that they remain in one place. In this way, the necessary parts are replaced. After this, everything should be collected in its original form.
A chipboard frame is very difficult to repair. But if the frame is intact, then the sofa can be restored.
How to sleep better on the sofa: 5 practical tips
Experts advise paying more attention not only to the quantity of sleep, but also to its quality. And the main assistant in this is a spacious and comfortable sleeping place. No matter what bed advocates say, a quality sofa can give you a sound and healthy sleep. It is enough to choose the right model and properly arrange a place to sleep. We've put together 5 practical tips to improve your sleep on the couch.
DIY sofa frame repair
The frame carries the main load, so if damaged elements appear in it, it is better to replace them with new parts. To do this, you should take their measurements, and then make the necessary product in the carpentry shop. You can do this yourself or find a professional. The connection is made using wood glue, but for greater efficiency it is also recommended to use metal dowels.
If the frame is damaged, then you should not delay repairs and it is better to do it right away.
First, glue the connection and then clamp it in a vice. Plywood is used as a base, the thickness of which is approximately four millimeters. For better reliability, joints are made on jumpers. It is recommended to support the joints with a beam.
Typically the sofa frame is made of wood or chipboard.
How to replace a spring block in a sofa
Instead of a spring block, you can use types of fillers such as foam rubber, felt or padding polyester.
The first one is an elastic material, provides elasticity, can serve as both a softening and a supporting product, while it is highly breathable and has a fine-mesh structure.
Foam rubber is soft polyurethane foam. The name comes from the Porolon supplier company.
The second is environmentally friendly, durable and reliable. Due to the increased strength, its service life is significantly extended.
Felt is a dense non-woven material made from natural wool.
The third one is low priced, environmentally friendly, does not cause an allergic reaction, resilient and elastic. In this form, fungus or other harmful bacteria do not grow.
Sintepon is one of the most popular materials in the modern world. The leader among synthetic insulation materials.
How to replace the cover
Replacing the covering consists of several stages. The first step is to remove the pillows, backrest, decor and sides. Then the furniture is separated from the base, that is, the seat is disassembled. After this, the old fabric is separated, but do not rush to throw it away, because it will be convenient to make a new pattern using it. The next stage is removing dust and dirt, as well as replacing foam rubber.
First, remove the old upholstery, cushions, and sides.
Now the pattern is being made, be sure to leave some space for the seams. The parts are fastened with needles and stitched on a machine. The new upholstery is attached separately to each element. Everything should be done very carefully to avoid tension. It is recommended to use a stapler for this; there should be a distance of about four centimeters between the staples.
You should remove the old upholstery carefully; you can use it to make a new pattern.
Repairing the transformation mechanism
At home, you can repair the transformation mechanism.
For example:
- Sofa book - the mechanism is attached to the table, the broken rivet is drilled out. To select the correct size, a special compass is used. If repairs cannot be made using a rivet, then use a nut or bolt.
This type of furniture unfolds like a book and has two positions - sitting and lying. - Accordion - the rollers are replaced, but to do this, the first step is to find wheels that are exactly the same size and height. To do this, drill out the mounting axis. It can be easily replaced with ordinary bolts so that the rollers are better fixed. You can also replace the lamellas: drill out the rivet, change the product, secure with bolts.
The accordion sofa is very compact and can easily fit even in a small room. - Click-clack - the spring is replaced, which over time begins to deform. Instead of old rivets, ordinary bolts are installed.
The click-klyak sofa is an improved version of the book sofa. Suitable for permanent or guest sleeping space.
As can be seen from all of the above, repairing a sofa with your own hands will not cause any difficulties, but it will save money. It's relatively easy to do. This process will not take much time.
Stages of work taking into account the type of breakdown
To figure out how to repair a sofa yourself, you need to clarify the characteristics of each element, methods of restoration or replacement. The course of action depends on the type of problem. Often you have to perform several operations at once.
Replacing foam rubber
The procedure is performed when the sofa has sagged, and when you press on the seat, dents remain. Over time, the filler loses its elasticity, crumbles or tears from the inside. Replacing foam rubber is carried out in stages:
- The furniture is disassembled, the upholstery is removed, and the internal contents are taken out.
- To replace worn-out filler, the necessary elements are cut out of new material. To do this, a piece of foam rubber is laid on a flat floor, and the part that has become unusable is placed on top. The contours are outlined with a marker, then cut out with a stationery knife.
- The workpiece is applied to the body for inspection, the protruding parts are cut off.
- The underside of the foam rubber is treated with wood glue.
- The workpiece is placed on the frame and pressed evenly to the surface.
To replace the foam rubber in a sofa with your own hands, no special skills are required. After the glue has dried, a layer of padding polyester or batting must be laid on the filler. The upholstery must be returned to its original place using a furniture stapler.
Restoring the spring block
Repairs do not always mean completely replacing the old spring unit. If the base is in order, it is enough to restore the damaged areas. To do this you will need wire cutters, pliers, and not too thick hardened wire. Work always begins with a thorough inspection of all elements. Bent springs are straightened without dismantling, deformed parts are replaced with new ones. To do this, you need to cut off the damaged element and install another one in its place, connecting it with wire to the rest.
The procedure for making a sofa with your own hands, recommendations for craftsmen
If there are a large number of broken parts, a new spring block is removed and installed in the sofa. In economy class models you can often find the so-called “snake” - a structure consisting of individual elements that are located at equal intervals. Repairs are carried out by restoring the structure of products or fastening cracked parts with strips of fabric.
If the sofa squeaks and the seat sags, then the spring unit needs repair. The work is carried out as follows:
- To access the structure, remove the upholstery, remove the soft backing and filling.
- If the twisted parts are torn from the base or from each other, the connection is restored using pliers and wire.
- The broken or stretched spring is removed and replaced with a new one.
- To repair a completely broken spring block, you will have to select a different design.
If, upon inspection of the shock-absorbing system, serious damage to the unit was identified, there is no point in repairing individual elements. After some time, the spring will still become unusable, so it is better to change it immediately.
To get rid of the unpleasant creaking sounds that furniture makes under mechanical stress, it is necessary to press through its entire surface and identify the source of the problem. To troubleshoot problems, a substrate is usually installed between the rubbing metal springs. This solution helps to achieve only a temporary effect, so the ideal option would be to repair or replace damaged elements.
Remove the upholstery
Inspect the spring block
Replace damaged springs
If you fill the distance between the springs with foam rubber, the soft part will become more comfortable and durable.
Repair of frame and transformation mechanism
If a piece of furniture falls in the middle, this is a clear sign of problems with the frame. You can correct the situation as follows:
- The structure is disassembled, the armrests, upper and lower elements are removed.
- Carry out a thorough inspection to identify any damage.
- If there is a crack on the frame, the parameters of the broken part are measured, then a new one is made according to the sample.
- To create a structural element, only dry wood is used; raw material can become deformed during operation and provoke the development of even more serious problems.
- The finished part is installed in place and secured with fasteners.
To strengthen the frame, wooden beams, cross boards or metal corners are used. If the fasteners become loose, tighten them tighter and lubricate the joints with glue. Repairing armrests from which a piece has broken off involves fastening the fragments with glue, sanding the joints and treating them with a layer of varnish.
Development of a drawing of a corner sofa, DIY assembly step by step
When a sofa does not fold out, there can be only one reason - a breakdown of the transformation mechanism. In this case, replacement of the device or its individual elements will be required. Rust often interferes with the normal functioning of equipment. It is removed using special products with anti-corrosion properties.
To carry out repair work on the sofa mechanisms, it is necessary to disassemble the furniture and inspect it. If the rivets connecting the moving parts of the device are faulty, they must be replaced. The bearings of the “Eurobook” most often become unusable, and the slats of the “click-clack” type.
Assess the extent of damage
Fasten a broken mono beam with a corner
Remove the cracked part
Cut a new piece of plywood and install
Upholstery replacement
If the sofa cover is faded by the sun, dirty or torn, reupholstering the furniture will help solve the problem. In the process of work, you can use textiles, leather or leatherette. Regardless of the material chosen, the replacement process will be the same:
- The sofa is disassembled into its component elements. Old filler and upholstery will be used as a template.
- The selected material is placed on a flat surface, the removed covers are placed on top and traced along the contour with the addition of allowances - about 7 cm.
- After cutting, a piece of upholstery is laid on the work surface, a structural element is placed on top, and the covering is fixed using a stapler.
- Each element is pulled in turn: armrests, backrest, seat.
It is not recommended to use cheap fabrics or leatherette for furniture finishing. Low quality materials will negatively affect the operation of structures. When attaching upholstery to the surface of a folding sofa, it is not recommended to leave very short ends. Under the influence of loads, the upholstery will gradually crawl out from under the brackets.
Often, a special product based on a water-soluble polymer is used to eliminate minor upholstery defects. Not everyone knows how to use liquid skin. Simply apply the composition to the prepared surface, smooth it with a soft sponge and dry.
Work related to the repair of straight and corner sofas is not considered technologically complex, but requires precision and care. Thanks to a competent approach, you can return your favorite furniture to its former functionality and aesthetic appeal with minimal financial investment. Also, repairing a sofa will allow the master to master the most basic skills.
