How To Fix A Sagging Recliner Chair

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The only positive thing that can be said about your sagging recliner is that you really love it. The sagging is a sign of constant usage.

Luckily, you can restore the lost comfort of your favorite seat if you have the know-how and a little time in your hands.

Here at cozy seats, we’ll share the common causes of recliner sagging with you and teach you how to fix a sagging recliner chair so you don’t have to expose it yet.

Table of Contents

Why Does A Recliner Sag?

A recliner starts sagging when the cushions, paddings, and springs are not working correctly. This could be due to old age, and these parts of the recliner are worn out or breakage.

Your recliner may also sag due to a broken or a sagging spring. Additionally, if you misuse the recliner by maybe allowing your kids to often jump on it, your recliner will sag.

The other apparent cause is the poor-quality material construction of the recliner.

How To Fix A Sagging Recliner Chair

Detect the Problem

you can’t fix a problem without knowing its source. Your first step is therefore finding what exactly is making your recliner sag. Check all the possible problematic areas: the cushions, padding, springs, or even the leather upholstery.

Once you identify the source of the problem, you can then procure the replacement kit or tools to fix it. For example, if the springs are broken, then you should get new springs. If the problem is loose nuts and screws, get a screwdriver or an Allen Wrench.

Remove the Coverings

Now it’s time to fix the defective part of your recliner. However, you can’t do it while the upholstery still covers it. Remove all the fabric and foam that covers the cushions and the springs.

If the cushions were the main cause of the sagging, replace them with new cushions of the same size. You can buy the cushions from a local furniture store or order from your recliner model manufacturer.

Sometimes the cushions are not the problem. It could be the cushion support. If that’s the case, then you should take the entire support out.

Tighten Up Everything

Sometimes the age of the recliner has nothing to do with the sagging of a recliner but the mishandling of the seat. If you have kids who use your recliner as a tambourine, the screws and bolts could loosen up.

Tighten the loose bolts and screws using either a Phillips screwdriver or an Allen Wrench. Ensure you don’t leave any loose screws if you want to regain your chair’s comfort, support, and firmness. For easy access to the screws, tilt the chair to its reclining position.

Sometimes, the recliner may start sagging again a few days after you’ve retightened the screws. If it happens, then it’s time for you to buy new screws and bolts or get a new frame.

Replace the Spring

A broken or sagging spring can cause even high-end cushions to sink, making the seat uncomfortable. The only solution is to replace it.

Here is our easy-to-follow step by step DIY guide on how to replace a Recliner spring.

Add a Support Board

If you don’t want the hustle that comes with replacing the spring or tightening the screws, you can add a large piece of plywood below the seat to add firmness. Ensure that the board is slightly smaller than the chair’s cushion, so it isn’t visible.

This method is particularly a good solution for broken seats. The piece of wood can be a temporary or a permanent solution depending on the severity of the breakage.

Restuff the Seat

Low-quality foam is the most common cause of sagging chairs. Within a few weeks of use, it starts losing its ability to support the occupant’s body weight hence sinks whenever one sits.

The alternative to replacing the foam with a high-quality one is restuffing the seat. You can restuff with down feathers, cotton, or high-density padding.

You will need a razor blade or any other sharp object to cut open a seam on the side of the cushions. Add the stuffing through the opening to plump up the sides. When you are done, sew the seam back to prevent the stuffing from coming off.

Bottom Line

if you have read this guide, you now know how to fix a sagging recliner. With a bit of time and effort, you can sit comfortably again on your favourite chair. Follow each step we have shared carefully to solve the problem.

Author

Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith is the founder of CozySeating, is a father of 2, and an engineer from one of the leading furniture stores in the country. Due to his 10 years of experience, he has proved to be the best person to offer advice to clients regarding different seating furniture based on their needs and performance. Besides, he is a specialist in product reviews and always keeps up with the current trends in the market.

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