How to repair or restore an old sofa with your own hands

Buying new furniture always comes with significant costs, which may not be affordable for everyone. Catering will help keep the budget intact. Let's see how to repair an old sofa with our own hands and what tools may be needed for this.

Benefits of restoration

Many citizens are wary of restoring antique furniture, even though it has many undeniable advantages. These include:

• to save money;
• independent choice of design;
• preservation of memories associated with an antique object;
• refinement of weak points in the design, to increase ease of use.

Save your budget

The main advantage, for which many decide to restore the sofa. Updating parts that have exhausted their resources is much cheaper, and the remaining money can be spent on more enjoyable needs.

Conservation of antiquities

Old antiques have always been prized. Why throw away a good, sturdy sofa with many memories associated with it? It is easier to refresh its appearance and continue to use it for your own pleasure. Perhaps in the future, the money saved on the purchase of a sofa will find a better use.

Choice of colors

When buying new furniture, the problem often arises of choosing the right color scheme that harmoniously fits into the current interior of the room. In case of restoration, it is much easier to buy fabric of the desired color, which not only saves money, but also time.

Self-selection of material for quality

Another undoubted advantage is the ability to choose the quality of the material used for the restoration. An old sofa can be upholstered with a more expensive fabric, which will greatly enhance its appearance. Moreover, the price of a new product made of the same material will be several times higher.

Reinforcement of weak points

Buying new furniture always carries the risk of unexpected flaws or design flaws that reduce the convenience of its use. All the disadvantages of old furniture are already known, and they can always be eliminated by buying a few additional pieces. Thus, you will update the appearance and strengthen the structure as a whole, costing a minimum of investment.

Design

The benefits of restoration are more or less clear, now it's time to understand the design of the sofa. This will allow you to determine the importance of a particular part, the amount of work to be done and the approximate cost of the repair.

Frame

The base of the structure, which supports the greatest loads. Try not to buy chipboard products. They are too fragile and deteriorate quickly. A good frame is expensive, but the life of such furniture is much longer.

Spring block base

An important detail for a comfortable fit. If it is damaged or broken, the structure becomes inconvenient in operation, and its working resource is depleted faster than usual.

spring block

The spring block provides firmness and comfort to the seat. If it breaks down, the sofa will begin to creak, wear out faster and spoil the upholstery from the inside. You should not bring furniture in such condition. Timely repairs will solve many problems and contribute to further savings.

Felt or heavy fabric

Felt is a natural material used in the assembly of sofas. Felt, or heavy fabric, is used in old fashioned sofas as a protective layer and there is usually no problem replacing them.

Polyurethane foam

A cheap and durable filler widely used in the furniture industry. Polyurethane foam is of two types:

• to block;
• discard.

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To note! For filling the sofas, polyurethane foam is used, the density of which varies from 30 to 40 kilograms per square meter. Fillers with a density of less than 30 kilograms are used only for the manufacture of decorative pillows.

Sintepon.

Synthetic filling in non-woven fabric.It is used in budget designs due to its low cost.

Most often it is not used as a base for upholstery upholstery, but is combined with other higher quality materials.

Upholstery fabric

The upholstery fabric is responsible for the decorative properties of the sofa and protects it from external influences. The more beautiful and expensive the upholstery, the longer the piece of furniture retains its fresh and presentable appearance. There are a huge number of materials for these purposes - you will always be spoiled for choice among the best option.

Kinds

The complexity of restoring the sofa and its final cost largely depends on the type of furniture. Some models are repaired quickly and without problems, while others will have to spend a lot of resources. Let's see what types of sofas exist and what to expect if they break.

Fittings

Regardless of the design of the sofa, accessories are considered a separate element. It consists of auxiliary structural elements, which also wear out over time. Sofa accessories include:

• legs;
• wheels.

They come in different sizes and shapes, and their strength often depends on the material of manufacture.

Book

Comfortable and practical models of sofas that have been popular since Soviet times. Advantages of a book sofa:

• variability. Can be used as a sofa and as a bed;
• when assembled, it has compact dimensions;
• has additional sections in which you can store bed linen or objects.

Disadvantages:

• cannot be placed near the wall, since in this position it cannot be dismantled.

Eurobook

The sofa from the Eurobook series is considered a leader in terms of structural strength. A similar effect is achieved due to the simplicity of the design, which minimizes the risk of breakage. Benefits :

• easy to disassemble and assemble;
• a large selection of sizes and shapes;
• does not need to be moved away from the wall if an extra bed is needed.

Defaults:

• the price is higher than sofa book.

Eurobook "Tick tock"

The difference with the basic model lies in the mechanism for transforming the sofa into a bed. You don't need to drag the unfoldable module and scratch the floor. The transformation process is carried out by weight, which makes the procedure quiet and convenient.

The only drawback of this design is the need to clean the special pillows during the transformation, which come with the sofa.

Accordion

Compact and practical sofa, which takes its name from the mechanism of transformation into a bed, reminiscent of accordion fur. Advantages of the model:

• small folded size;
• high orthopedic qualities;
• ease of use.

Defaults:

• there are many complex parts in the mechanism, some of which rub against each other during processing. This greatly increases wear on the upholstery and the structure itself.

Click-gag

A kind of sofa-book, equipped with a modified dismantling mechanism. The model has three working positions:

• Sitting;
• lying position;
• "lounger" position.

The name comes from the characteristic sounds emitted by the furniture during the transformation.

Dolphin

Universal cabinet with an elongated corner part. It is used in the interior of spacious living rooms, but, if necessary, it harmoniously fits into small rooms. Advantages of the model:

• the berth is flat, without drops;
• easy to disassemble and assemble.

Defaults:

• if poor quality and cheap materials are used in the assembly process, the product will quickly become unusable.

Materials (edit)

When buying a sofa, first of all pay attention to the upholstery and upholstery.These materials are the most exposed to mechanical stress, which reduces the shelf life of the product.

Polyurethane foam

High strength, low cost material. It is not used as the main load. In most sofa modifications, old and new, polyurethane foam acts as a padding, combined with other fillers.

Holofiber

Synthetic material with the following distinctive characteristics:

1. Easily restores its original shape thanks to the porous structure of the substance.
2. No harmful chemicals are used in the production process, so the material is classified as environmentally friendly.
3. Sustainable.
4. Sustainable.

Defaults:

1. It requires proper care, otherwise it quickly loses its properties and becomes unusable.

Sintepon

A common synthetic material used, among other things, in the manufacture of furniture. Among the advantages of synthetic winterizing are:

• cheap;
• when deformed, quickly reverts to its base shape;
• the fibers of the material are strong and do not break, but stretch under strong impact.

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Disadvantages:

• can have a negative effect on health if the manufacture was carried out by the glue method;
• creates static electricity when rubbed.

vatnik

It is used as a floor covering in combination with other fillers. Hardware Features:

• soft, pleasant to the touch;
• does not harm health;
• cheap;
• good air permeability.

Defaults:

• not suitable as the main filler, since the fibers of the fabric have low elasticity. Because of this, a quilted jacket product does not return its original shape well, which affects its appearance.

Periotec

Extra comfort nonwoven used as filler in:

• mattress;
• furniture;
• pillows;
• blankets.

Benefits:

• quickly recovers even with repeated deformations of the canvas;
• makes furniture more comfortable;
• hypoallergenic;
• good air permeability.

Herd

Textiles chemically treated with a light pile on the front side. Many ordinary people confuse it with velvet. Benefits :

• dense;
• soft, tender;
• increased wear resistance;
• air passes freely.

Negative qualities:

• substances containing alcohol have a destructive effect on the herd;
• strongly electrified.

Velvet

An economical alternative to velvet used in the production of bedroom furniture. Has a pleasant and soft fibrous structure. The material is dense, which increases its wear resistance.

Jacquard

An expensive material made from various fabrics. Its main feature is considered to be an exceptional appearance and the laboriousness of the manufacturing process. The product covered with jacquard will adorn any home.

Caterpillar

A kind of jacquard fabric, which differs from ordinary fabric in the complexity of yarn weaving. Used for upholstery:

• chairs;
• the couches;
• canapes.

Tapestry

A fabric for furniture upholstery, the threads of which are intertwined in a special way, creating a certain pattern on the surface of the material. Among the advantages are:

• beauty;
• sustainability;
• wide range of colors and patterns.

Materials and tools needed

In a situation where you decide on an independent sofa restoration, do not forget to prepare well. For the repair you will need:

• electric jigsaw;
• building glue;
• furniture stapler;
• Screwdriver;
• pliers;
• stuffing and filling material.

Upholstery, velvet or suede

Professionals who have been restoring furniture for a long time are advised to choose one of the following materials for upholstery:

• tapestry;
• Sweden;
• velvet.

They have the best performance in their price segment, and everyone will find an option in their pocket.

plain plain canvas

Used to create a connecting sheath. Any fabric you can afford will do.

Furniture foam rubber

Used as sofa filler. It is considered the best option in terms of value for money. If you have wide financial possibilities, you can purchase other more expensive materials.

Thick fabric

A thick cloth, such as a carpet, is used to protect the spring block. A large piece of fabric will be needed as protection is required on both sides.

To note! Try to buy quality materials, otherwise another restoration will soon be needed.

construction adhesive

Glue from any manufacturer will do. During the restoration process, no more than one tube of the substance is useful, so there is no need to carry large stocks. Glue is used to carefully fix the material.

furniture stapler

The furniture stapler is used to fix the upholstery of the sofa. The stapler must be delivered with at least one clip with staples.

If there is no stapler, you will have to buy in a store or ask your neighbors for a tool.

strong nylon thread

The sofa cover made in the upholstery fabric of your choice will be sewn with nylon thread. A strong needle should be included with the thread.

Socket wrench, pliers and screwdriver

Useful when working with mechanical parts of the sofa, in case of replacement or adjustment. Any of these tools available at your hardware store will work.

Jigsaw

An irreplaceable thing when working with wooden parts of the sofa. If you need to saw, cut or adjust something, there is no better tool to be found.

It is advisable to buy it for permanent use, as it will come in handy more than once in the future.

Instructions

After all the materials for the restoration have been purchased and the tools have been prepared, it's time to carry out the repair itself. This process is not complicated, you just need to be careful and follow all the steps described in the instructions systematically.

Verification and repair of the frame of upholstered furniture

The first step in restoring a sofa is to check the integrity and functionality of all its components. If any boards are rotten or cracked, try replacing them.

This approach will allow you to qualitatively repair old furniture, after which it will serve for many more years.

Disassembly and verification

After checking the frame, the process of dismantling individual structural elements, such as:

• armrests;
• the back of the sofa;
• tapestry;
• filling;
• springs.

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Side armrests

In most models, the fasteners are on the inside, and to access them you will need:

• hex key;
• pliers.

If these tools are available, there will be no difficulties in dismantling.

Seats and backrests

Seats and backs are attached with special fasteners to the lower frame of the sofa. The tools that you prepared before starting the repair of the product will help to cope with the fasteners.

Old upholstery, staples

The old upholstery is attached to the wooden parts of the sofa with special brackets. They must be carefully removed, after which it will not be difficult to remove the upholstery.

old filling

Once the upholstery is removed, the sofa upholstery is accessible.It is advisable to immediately replace it with a new one, but if it is in acceptable condition, you can also leave the old filling.

Springs, checking their condition

Once the filler is removed, move on to evaluating the springs. If the inspection result showed a satisfactory condition, it is enough to clean and grease the old parts.

In the event that some springs are damaged, be sure to replace them with new ones.

Checking the state of the agglomerate

Often it is the chipboard sheets that fall apart in the first place. Replace damaged parts of the structure or leave the old ones if their condition allows reuse.

Repair and replacement of old elements

After all the components of the sofa are dismantled, you can proceed to the repair and replacement of old parts. Subject to inspection:

• base for the spring block;
• spring block;
• mechanisms responsible for dismantling the sofa;
• slats.

Spring block base

The base of the spring block is completely replaced if defects or malfunctions are detected. Fastening to the block is carried out by means of a stapler. If we can't find the stapler, we take:

• fine eyelets;
• steel wire.

We make staples from it and attach the springs.

spring block

To repair the spring unit, you must:

• replace unusable springs;
• cover each side of the block with a thick cloth, which is tied to the piece with a nylon thread.

To note! The edges of the fabric are folded inwards.

Cover and wrap

Fixing the cover and sheathing the frame with upholstery is carried out using construction glue and a stapler. Do not forget to replace the old filling or replace it with a new one.

Repair of mechanisms

Repair of sofa mechanisms has its own nuances, depending on the principle of operation used:

• folding;
• to go out.

In rollers, the roller most often breaks down, and in folding ones - springs, which eventually lose their shape and burst.

Slats

Reasons for slat breakage:

• poor quality of material;
• high load on a single section.

Damaged strips are bent until they completely come out of the fastening grooves, after which a new part is installed in their place.

Decoration

The decoration of the sofa is carried out using:

• create beautiful pillows;
• trolley hitch;
• figured solid wood.

beautiful pillows

Pillows are made independently, from leftover or store-bought materials. It all depends on your financial capabilities.

Trolley hitch

The back of the sofa is decorated with a wagon hitch. To do this, small circles are cut out of the foam rubber when stuffing, after which buttons will be sewn in their place. This will help avoid warping the material. After that, the frame is covered with fabric and decorative elements are sewn.

Shaped wooden board

Wooden armrests can be decorated by gluing solid wood to them. Such a sofa will look much more beautiful and last longer than usual.

Features of choice

When choosing a fabric for upholstery and upholstery, it is worth considering some of the nuances, which we will discuss below.

Furnishing

When choosing a fabric for upholstery, keep the following details in mind:

• the fabric should be easy to clean from dirt;
• the fabric should be attractive;
• resistant to exposure to ultraviolet rays and humidity.

Filling

With the constant use of furniture for its intended purpose, choose:

• latex;
• durafil;
• spring block;
• holofiber.

Rules of operation

The basic rules for the operation of sofas include:

1. When rearranging furniture from place to place, do not drag the sofa across the floor, but lift it up.
2. Periodically check the fasteners, as they loosen over time.
3. Do not exceed the lifting capacities allowed by the manufacturer.
4. Sofas with built-in mattresses are arranged at least once a month.