The Sign It's Time To Replace Your Couch's Platform (Do It Before Guests Arrive!)

As the spot where you relax with a good book, watch TV with your family, or entertain guests, your couch does a lot of heavy lifting in your daily life. With such high use, some wear and tear — like sagging — is bound to show sooner or later. But a saggy couch is more than just an eyesore — it can make your sofa uncomfortable to sit in, putting a damper on your relaxation time and maybe causing some embarrassment when you have guests over. If fluffing your couch cushions has gotten you nowhere, you might have a bigger issue on your hands. A couch that constantly sinks likely points to a platform in need of repair.

As antique restoration expert Peter Triestman explained to The Spruce, stretched-out webbing is commonly the reason behind a sagging couch platform. If this is the case with your couch, one solution might be to replace the webbing to restore firmness and prevent further sagging. Still, Triestman warns that this approach to fixing a sagging couch is no easy feat, and it might not always be worth the trouble.

Before you embark on the journey of replacing your sagging couch platform, it might be wise to consider whether this endeavor is feasible and necessary in your case. While some solutions for making your uncomfortable couch cozier are DIY-friendly, replacing a platform usually requires a professional touch if you want it done right. As Peter Triestman told Livingetc, tasks like webbing replacement are best left to a well-reviewed reupholsterer — and professional reupholstery averages about $1,800. Because repairs require stripping upholstery to get to the bottom of any structural issues, Triestman recommends doing this only if the couch is especially valuable or sentimental (via The Spruce).

If the projected cost to replace the platform seems higher than buying a new one — and your sofa isn't all that special in the grand scheme of things — it might be time to replace your couch altogether. Whether you buy new or get the platform professionally fixed, some extra care will go a long way in preventing sagging issues in the future. As long as you avoid overloading your couch or using it as you shouldn't (like jumping on it), you can hope for an average of seven to 15 years of sink-free couch enjoyment.