What’s Actually Causing Your Sofa to Sag?

If your sofa feels more like a hammock than a couch, you’re not alone. Sagging is one of the most common furniture complaints — and it’s rarely just about “old age.”

The good news? Most sagging sofas can be repaired. The key is understanding what’s happening underneath the cushions.

Let’s break it down.

1. Worn-Out Cushions (The Most Common Culprit)

Over time, foam cushions lose their density and resilience. What once felt firm and supportive begins to compress and flatten.

Signs this is your issue:

• Cushions look deflated

• You can feel the frame when you sit

• Fluffing helps temporarily, but they flatten again quickly

In many cases, replacing or rebuilding the foam inserts restores comfort immediately — without replacing the entire sofa.

2. Weak or Broken Springs

Under your cushions, most sofas rely on a system of coil springs or sinuous (zig-zag) springs for support. With years of regular use, springs can stretch, shift, or break.

When springs fail, you may notice:

• A dip in one specific seat

• A squeaking or popping sound

• Uneven sitting height across cushions

Spring repair or reinforcement can bring back proper support and extend the life of your sofa significantly.

3. Stretched or Broken Webbing

Some sofas use webbing straps beneath the cushions instead of springs. These straps can stretch over time or tear entirely.

If webbing is compromised:

• The seat feels unstable

• You sink more than usual

• The support feels “loose” rather than firm

Replacing webbing is often a straightforward repair that dramatically improves structure.

4. Frame Damage or Loose Joints

This is less common — but more serious.

If the wooden frame underneath has cracked, warped, or developed loose joints, your sofa may feel unstable or uneven.

Warning signs:

• Noticeable shifting when you sit

• Creaking from the frame

• One side leaning lower than the other

Quality furniture often has solid wood frames that can be reinforced or re-glued rather than discarded.

5. It’s Not Always Just One Thing

In many cases, sagging is a combination of worn foam and weakened support systems underneath. That’s why simply adding a board under the cushions is only a temporary fix — it doesn’t address the real problem.

A proper repair evaluates the full structure:

• Cushion integrity

• Spring tension

• Webbing condition

• Frame stability

Why Repair Instead of Replace?

Many older sofas were built with stronger frames and better craftsmanship than today’s mass-produced options. If your frame is solid, repairing internal components is often more cost-effective — and more sustainable — than buying new.

Sagging doesn’t always mean “end of life.” Often, it simply means “time for restoration.”

Give us a call and we can help you find the problem and provide options for repair.