How Do You Fix a Leather Couch That Is Sinking?

How Do You Fix a Leather Couch That Is Sinking? (Complete Repair Guide)

A sinking leather couch isn’t just uncomfortable—it can also ruin the look of your living room.

Whether the cushions are sagging, the support structure is weak, or the foam has deteriorated, there are several ways to restore your couch’s comfort and firmness.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ Common causes of a sinking leather couch
✔ DIY fixes for minor sagging issues
✔ When to call a professional upholstery repair service
✔ How to maintain your leather sofa to prevent future sinking

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to fix your sinking couch or when to seek expert leather sofa repair services.

Why Is My Leather Couch Sinking? (Common Causes)

Before attempting repairs, it’s essential to diagnose the issue.

Here are the most common reasons a leather couch starts to sag:

1. Worn-Out Cushion Foam

Over time, foam loses its elasticity, especially in heavily used seating areas.

If your couch feels lumpy or doesn’t bounce back, the foam may need replacement.

2. Broken or Weak Springs

Traditional sofas use S-shaped or serpentine springs for support.

If these become loose or snap, the seat will sink unevenly.

3. Sagging Support Webbing

Some couches use fabric or elastic webbing beneath the cushions.

If this webbing stretches or tears, it can cause the seat to droop.

4. Damaged Frame or Support Boards

Wooden frames can warp or crack, especially in older furniture.

If the couch feels unstable or creaks, the frame may need reinforcement.

5. Poor-Quality Padding or Filling

Low-density foam or cheap fiberfill compresses quickly, leading to premature sagging.

DIY Fixes for a Sinking Leather Couch

If your couch is only slightly sagging, you may be able to fix it yourself.

Here are some temporary and permanent solutions:

1. Rotate or Flip the Cushions

If your cushions are reversible, flipping them can redistribute wear.

Rotating seat cushions helps even out compression.

2. Add Extra Foam or Padding

Purchase high-density foam from a craft store and cut it to size.

Layer it under the existing cushion for extra support.

3. Reinforce Sagging Webbing

If the webbing is loose but intact, tighten it using a webbing stretcher tool.

For torn webbing, replace it with polypropylene strapping for durability.

4. Replace Broken Springs

If a single spring is broken, you may be able to reattach it with spring clips.

For multiple broken springs, consider a full sofa spring replacement.

5. Insert a Plywood Support Board

Cut a ½-inch plywood board to fit under the cushions.

Place it between the cushions and the frame for added firmness.

Note: While DIY fixes can help, they may not be a long-term solution for severely damaged couches.

When to Call a Professional Leather Sofa Repair Service

If your couch is still sinking after DIY attempts, it’s time to call a professional upholstery repair specialist. Here’s when expert help is needed:

✔ The frame is cracked or warped – Requires woodworking skills to reinforce.
✔ Multiple springs are broken – Replacing an entire spring system is complex.
✔ The leather is damaged along with the structure – Needs both leather repair and internal fixes.
✔ The couch is an expensive or antique piece – Professionals ensure proper restoration.

A furniture repair expert can:

• Replace old foam with high-resiliency foam for long-lasting comfort.
• Install 8-way hand-tied springs for superior support.
• Reinforce the frame with hardwood braces for stability.
• Restore leather surfaces with conditioning and recoloring.

Call us today at us for expert leather couch repairs.

How to Prevent Your Leather Couch from Sinking

Once your couch is repaired, follow these tips to keep it in great shape:

1. Rotate Cushions Regularly

Prevents uneven wear in high-traffic spots.

2. Use a Leather Conditioner

Keeps the leather supple and prevents cracking.

3. Avoid Sitting in the Same Spot

Distribute weight evenly to prevent foam compression.

4. Keep Pets Off the Couch

Claws can puncture leather and damage padding.

5. Invest in Quality Repairs Early

Fix minor issues before they worsen.

Restore Your Sinking Leather Couch Today

A sinking leather couch can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can restore its comfort and support.

While DIY fixes work for minor issues, professional leather sofa repair ensures long-lasting results—especially for high-end or antique furniture.

If your couch needs more than a quick fix, our expert upholstery technicians can diagnose and repair the problem efficiently.

Don’t Let a Sagging Couch Ruin Your Comfort—Call Us now for Expert Leather Sofa Repairs!

In addition to Charleston, WV, we also service South Charleston, St Albans, Dunbar, Nitro, and Cross Lanes.