How Do I Firm Up a Couch to Keep the Cushions from Sinking So Low?

Check the Springs

• Look underneath the frame of the couch to see if the springs are easily visible; remove the fabric covering the base of the couch. You may notice that the springs are not tied or that the rope or twine is either loosened or damaged.

  Try your hand at retying your couch springs, even though that is easier said than done. It requires a lot of patience and knowing how to tie the knots and loop the twine or rope to tie the springs together. You will also have to pay attention to balance the level of each spring by not compressing some springs more than others. Hire a professional if the task of tying the springs is too difficult. It will result in a couch as firm as new.

Check the Couch's Frame

• Perhaps a piece of support framing is broken or out of place. Check underneath the couch to see if any bars are loosened. You may notice a crick or squeak whenever someone sits on the couch. Pay attention to which side this noise is coming from to identify the problem.

  If you notice that a piece of the wood framing is out of place, replace it adding wood glue between the joint. Screw the piece in place with a drill or hammer a nail into it to repair the couch frame. If a piece is broken--at one end or snapped in two at the middle--take it off and take it to your local home improvement store to purchase a piece of the same thickness and length. Attach this piece at the same location of the old one and reinforce it with wood glue to prevent the squeaks.

Add Board Support

• If you cannot locate the problem, then use a wood board to prevent the cushions from sinking too low. Look under the couch to see if you can insert a board the width and length of the seat at the base of the springs. If so, screw the board to the existing framework to support the springs.

  If installing one underneath is too cumbersome, cut the board to fit under the couch cushions from the top. You will have to determine whether you need to screw it in at either ends or if it is sufficient without screws. This board will eliminate the benefit of the extra cushioning provided by the springs but it will provide sturdy support under your couch cushions, much like a cushion atop a bench.