Armchair Repair

Overview

•⁠ ⁠DIY repair of a sagging, torn, or wobbly armchair. •⁠ ⁠Skill level 3/5. •⁠ ⁠Typical duration 2–4 hours hands-on.

Safety First

1. Sharp staples, tacks and upholstery needles can puncture skin – wear cut-resistant gloves.

2. Old springs can snap back suddenly – use eye protection.

3. Solvent-based wood glue and leather dyes give off fumes – work in a well-ventilated area or wear an FFP2 mask.

4. Heavy lifting when turning the chair over – lift with knees bent or get assistance.

5. Power-tool use (drill/driver, staple gun) – unplug or remove batteries when changing bits or clearing jams.
   

Tools & Materials

Step-by-Step

1. Assess and Strip

Remove cushions, tip the chair upside-down, and photograph spring layout and fabric folds. Carefully prise off the dust-cover underneath and label any loose screws or brackets. Why: Identifying all faults prevents repeat dismantling.

2. Tighten or Reglue the Frame

Test each joint; if loose, separate gently, scrape away old glue, apply fresh wood glue, and clamp square for at least 30 minutes (check manufacturer’s cure time). Wipe excess glue with a damp cloth. Why: A solid frame stops future squeaks and sagging.

3. Renew Webbing or Springs

Remove worn webbing or broken zig-zag springs. Stretch new webbing front-to-back and side-to-side, tacking securely. For springs, hook new clips to the frame rails and install springs with equal tension.

Why: Seat support is the main cause of “sink-in” chairs.

4. Replace or Re-pad Cushion Inserts

Measure old foam; cut new high-density foam with an electric carving knife or bread knife. Wrap in polyester wadding for softer edges and slide back into the cover.

Why: Fresh foam restores comfort and appearance.

5. Repair or Patch Fabric/Leather

For fabric: cut a patch 2 cm larger than the tear, tuck edges under, and ladder-stitch by hand. For leather: use a leather repair kit or adhesive-backed patch; blend colour with matching dye.

Why: Stops rips enlarging and refreshes look.

6. Re-upholster and Staple

Re-lay fabric, pulling evenly from centre to corners; staple every 4–5 cm, folding corners hospital-tight. Trim excess fabric, reinstall the dust-cover, and tap felt pads onto feet. Why: Secures repairs and gives a neat finish.

7. Final Touches

Re-fit cushions, buff wood with wax or furniture polish, and test recliner mechanisms (if fitted) for smooth motion. Apply leather conditioner or fabric protector as desired. Why: Ensures longevity and presentation.

Completion Checks

• Chair sits level with no wobble.

• Frame joints feel solid; no creaks when you sit or shift weight.

• Seat support feels even, without sagging.

• Fabric/leather smooth, tear invisible or neatly patched.

• Staples/tacks flush and evenly spaced; dust-cover taut.

• Recliner or swivel operates smoothly without grinding.
  

When to call a pro instead

If the chair has intricate upholstery (deep buttoning, channel-back), antique value, motorised reclining/tilt mechanisms, or you lack a stapler and clamps big enough for the frame, a professional upholsterer can preserve both aesthetics and structural integrity without risk of costly mistakes.