How To Fix A Broken Sofa Frame? The Easiest Method

You can learn how to fix a broken sofa frame in three easy steps. This guide will talk about the best way to re-align a broken sofa frame by fixing the poorly constructed board that supports the couch. This leads to a sagging sofa with an uneven-looking base. 

Note that we are only concentrating on repairing the sofa frame in this article. If you want to address other issues, check out the complete guide on repairing a sofa. It also talks about the fixes for the sofa covers and cushions.  

How To Fix A Broken Sofa Frame

 

How To Fix A Broken Sofa Frame At Home

 

Step 1. Reveal the sofa frame

  • Take out the cushions and tip the sofa forward to make it easier to access its bottom portion
  • Remove the upholstery cover underneath to reveal the frame
  • In some furniture types, you will need to remove the sofa legs to make the removal of bottom upholstery easier
  • Take out the staples with a flat-head screwdriver or pliers, but be careful not to damage the upholstery material
  • Flip the unstapled material over to reveal the internal structure of the couch
  • Find the issue in the frame that causes the sagging or uneven look
  • Take out more staples to get better access or view of the frame if needed

Step 2. Repair the damaged portions of the frame

  • Re-align the parts of the frame that should be flushed 
  • Some sofa frames, especially in the middle portion, will need reinforcement with screws to support the couch better
  • Broken portions on the sofa frame can be fortified with a metal mending plate
  • Measure the damaged part of the frame and use the applicable size of metal mending plate
  • Position the plate against the sofa frame and mark where you’ll place the screws to secure it in place
  • Drill pilot holes on the frame with a drill bit and replace it with a screw-tip bit
  • Install the screws on the repair, working with one side at a time
  • Use a clamp to bring the frame and metal plate together if needed

Step 3. Re-attach the sofa upholstery 

  • Once done with the sofa frame repairs, re-attach the material at the bottom of the couch
  • Install it with staples by following the previous pattern of placement
  • Replace the sofa legs and turn your sofa upright to check if the issue was solved
  • If you still notice a crater in the seat, you may need to fix the sagging sofa cushions instead 

 

How Do You Fix A Broken Wood Sofa?

  1. Remove the sofa cushions and tip your sofa forward to reveal its underside
  2. Take out the staples on the upholstery covering and get it out of the way
  3. Find the damaged piece on the wood sofa, such as the wood strut
  4. Prepare a wood mending plate made from plywood using the measurement dimensions of the broken strut between the sofa support braces
  5. Position the plywood against the broken strut with a large clump
  6. Screw the wood mending plate in place 
  7. Check the wooden frame for other issues and repair them as well
  8. Turn the sofa over to see if the plywood worked in fortifying it 
  9. Re-staple the upholstery at the bottom 

How Do You Fix A Broken Arm On A Couch?

  1. Remove the filet on the front of the couch arm by prying it off with a screwdriver
  2. Use pliers to remove the nails and a staple puller for the staples that secure the upholstery on the front of the arm
  3. Flip the fabric back to reveal the inside of the couch arm
  4. Peel back the foam and batting 
  5. Check the arm for issues such as loose bolts or screws
  6. Inspect the arm frame for cracks and splits
  7. If the couch arm has a crack portion, pry them apart and apply wood glue to the issue
  8. Clamp the cracked piece together and drill through it
  9. Drill holes perpendicular to the ones you made and add glue
  10. Install dowels to connect the holes and wait for the glue to dry
  11. Cut the ends of the dowels 
  12. Replace the batting, foam, and fabric cover of the arm with staples
  13. Hammer the filet in place

Can A Broken Couch Frame Be Fixed?

A broken couch frame can be fixed at home, depending on the severity of the issue. You may also need some special tools that getting the sofa repaired by a professional would be more convenient. However, assess if fixing the sofa frame is more reasonable compared to getting a new couch.

Ask yourself when to replace your furniture since the sofa might have passed its life expectancy anyway. Turn your sofa over and remove the fabric cover to reveal the frame. Some repairs such as loose screws, unattached parts, bent metal, or broken wood pieces should be simple to fix. 

In some cases, you may also need to learn how to fix sofa springs

 

Conclusion

A poorly supported couch can sag. Therefore, you must learn how to fix a broken sofa frame as taught in this tutorial. To recap, you only need to tip the sofa over and reveal the frame underneath the bottom cover. 

Inspect for any parts that need reinforcement with screws or replacement with plywood. Then, staple the bottom upholstery in place. However, the expenses will depend on the damage, the parts you’ll need, tools, or maybe even labor. 

Repairing the sofa is a decision that needs careful thinking, especially if the costs are the same as a new couch. 

 

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