DIY Sofa Repair. Designs and Possible Problems

In conditions of using movable transformation mechanisms in sofas, their malfunctions occur most often. But this is not the only possible problem: the upholstery can be damaged by pets, the sofa sags over time, loose fasteners cause play in individual parts, etc.

And to understand how to repair a sofa, you need to understand its main components.

• Frame. Usually made of wood or chipboard.

  

• Armrests. Made of wood, chipboard, MDF, metal.

  

• Filler. Furniture foam rubber, synthetic padding, batting are used.

  

• Shock-absorbing spring block.

  

• Upholstery: Available in leather, fabric or leatherette.

  

• Transformation mechanism. Various types of movable metal parts used to change the configuration of the sofa.

Repair of frame and armrests

If there are problems with the body or armrests, the sofa needs to be repaired urgently to avoid further problems in operation. When repairing damage to wooden parts, we will need the following materials and tools.

• Wood furniture glue.
• Paint and varnish if necessary.
• Tie or profile.
• Self-tapping screws and a screwdriver.
• A set of hex keys and furniture screws for them.
• Emery cloth.
• Clamps.
• Drill and drill bit set.

Algorithm of actions

If a part of the armrest is chipped, it is worth collecting the fragments. Do not clean the chip under any circumstances!

• Apply a layer of wood glue.
• Attach the fragment to the main part and secure it with clamps through the bars.
• Let the glue dry. On average 1 day.
• Secure with tie and screws (not from the front part).
• Clean the gluing area with sandpaper and emery cloth.
• Apply paint and varnish.

When repairing the main frame, it is better to replace the load-bearing boards with new ones, but you can also install support in non-critical cases. To do this, you need:

• disassemble the sofa to access faults;
• level the faulty plate and glue it with glue;
• install bars (ties) on the back side for additional rigidity of the structure;
• assemble the sofa.

Some tips

• Mix glue with sawdust for better adhesion and quick drying.
• This mixture can also be used to fill holes for screws and bolts.

Replacement of upholstery

Pet owners know firsthand about problems with the coating. Also, replacement is carried out after severe contamination and aging of the upholstery. Only the complexity of the procedure depends on the material, and not the process itself. But still, it is better to entrust the replacement of leather and leatherette to professionals.

Necessary tools and materials:

• Construction stapler and staples.
• Sewing kit.
• Screwdriver and drill.
• Fabric: Commonly used are flock, velour, jacquard, chenille or tapestry.

Sequence of actions

• Carefully disassemble the sofa into its component parts.
• Remove the trim without damaging the fabric. It will serve as a template.
• Cut out a new piece of fabric, taking into account the relief features.
• Start stretching from the front side, securing with staples.
• Repeat the procedure on all elements to be sheathed.

Adviсe

• The tensioning is carried out by two people.
• The fabric is folded in two layers at the points where the staples are attached.

Replacing the filler

The loss of elasticity and resilience is associated with either the spring block or the filler. Also, the filler must be replaced due to the appearance of unpleasant odors and a rupture of the upholstery from the inside.

Necessary for work

• Construction stapler and staples.
• Screwdriver and drill.
• Filler.

Repair algorithm

• Carefully disassemble the sofa into its component parts.
• Carefully remove the trim.
• Remove the old foam.
• Install a new one with a total thickness of 35-40 mm.
• Secure the filler with glue or staples.

Advice

• Replace the filler together with the upholstery. The total cost of doing the job yourself will not exceed 3,000 rubles.

Spring block repair

A properly functioning spring block determines the absence of sagging of the sofa and its comfort. It consists of zigzag springs and fastening to the body in the form of arched profile brackets.

Materials and tools for repair.

• Screwdriver and drill.
• Construction stapler and staples.

Sequence of actions

• Disassemble the sofa into its elements.
• Carefully remove the upholstery.
• Remove the filler and backing.
• Loosen the tension of the faulty spring and replace it.
• Reassemble in reverse order.

Adviсe

• If several springs are faulty, it is better to replace them as a whole block.
• Replacing the rubber bands in the back is done in a similar way.

Furniture manufacturers are increasingly moving away from springs in favor of slats. The replacement process is the same.

Repair of the transformation mechanism

A quality mechanism most often determines the cost of a sofa, since moving parts break faster. There are several types related to the operating principle. Each of them requires its own maintenance and troubleshooting.

Necessary tools

• Set of wrenches.
• Screwdriver and screwdrivers.
• Machine oil or other lubricant.
• Stapler and staples.
• Drill and drill bit set.

Repair of the sofa roll-out mechanism

The most common mechanism. Its popularity is due to its simplicity and low cost of execution. It is named so because of the principle of rolling out the section for the "bed" position. It consists of rollers on the additional section, runners with a locking bracket on the body. There is also a lifting mechanism or an additional leg. Frequent problems are braking and creaking when rolling out. It is solved by replacing the rollers and runners. It also happens that there is no complete fixation in the "bed" position. In this case, the locking bracket needs to be repaired.

Repair of the "book sofa" mechanism

It has been known since Soviet times and is already obsolete. Due to this, it is difficult to find components for the device. The sofa uses the front side of the backrest as an additional section. Transformation occurs by folding the backrest and seat together, removing the roller from the extreme position, rolling the roller and unfolding the sections. The most common problems are the inability to unfold or fold the sofa. In this case, do not use force. It is “treated” by disassembling the sofa, cleaning the guides, releasing the tension of the locking spring, lubricating the axis and correcting the jamming or replacing the roller. In the case of several problems with the mechanism, a complete replacement of the unit is preferable.

New variations use a rocker part with springs. It is more reliable. But in case of failure, a complete replacement is required.

Repair of the sofa mechanism "click-clack"

The most modern type for serial models of upholstered furniture. It has three positions. "Click-clack" allows you to use the back and armrests as a sleeping surface in addition to the seat. The interesting name is associated with the sound of transformation. Externally, it looks like a book mechanism. However, it uses a special folding mechanism without rollers. Since it is impossible to make an ideal fit of all moving parts of the device at home, it is better to change the entire unit. To do this, you need to disassemble the upholstery and filling and fix the breakdown.

Repair of the sofa mechanism "accordion"

It has three positions. Unfolding and fixing occurs due to movable axes and locks. For disassembling you will need only a 10 spanner. The locks themselves resemble clamps without a tightening bolt. Frequent problems are similar to those of a sofa bed. It is necessary to periodically lubricate all elements.

How to Repair a Sofa? Some Tips

• Do not try to replace one mechanism with a completely different one. The use of different operating principles determines not only the difference in components, but also in the purpose of the elements.
• Chipboard is more difficult to restore compared to wood.
• If the supporting metal element is bent, replace it immediately and do not try to straighten it. The metal structure will not withstand long-term loads and will deform again.
• The frame play leads to the breakage of not only wooden parts, but also rollers and guides. The friction created also damages the upholstery.
• The lubricant is applied only to cleaned surfaces.
• Do not overtighten the fasteners.
• Allen keys must be of high quality. “Smoothed” edges will stop work for a long time.
• WD-40 can be used to remove rust from moving parts.
• Do not neglect to install washers on bolts and axles.
• It is not necessary to make wooden boards or paneling yourself. It can be ordered from a furniture store.
• "Licked" fastener heads should not be rocked or attempted to be pulled out. It is better to cut it off with a metal blade.
• Monitor the condition of the pallet. This part of the frame is load-bearing and experiences high loads.
• For all types of repairs, call a partner. This will make the work easier and safer.

Video: Restoration of the sofa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILAMf3Sh9q8