Zig-zag Springs Wearing Out

I have inherited a couch and love seat with zig-zag springs on the bottom. When I sit in either piece, I sink very low (I weigh only 160 pounds!). Before I begin finding new cushions and so on, I want to make sure that the pieces' fundamental support (the springs) are adequate. I've seen several articles around replacing BROKEN zig-zag springs - but these springs are all in place and connected (not using a laird, but with individual wire pieces connecting each zig-zag spring). Is it possible that the existing zig-zag springs are worn-out or stretched? Or would it be foolish to replace what seem to be intact zig-zag springs (if it is the case that they do not wear out)?

AnswerEdit

The answer to your question regarding if zig-zag (no-sag) springs wear out is no, they never wear out. If they are not broken they are as good as the day they were new.

Unfortunately that does not mean that the problem is not with the springs. People very often assume that when a sofa sits too low that it is the cushions. That is actually rarely the case, it may be that your furniture always sat low. A person who weighs 160 lbs should be supported by the springs and not sag into the furniture. Remove the cushions from the sofa and sit on the sofa without the cushions. If you still sink into the sofa then the problem is with the zig-zag springs and is inherent in the design.

The loops on the springs should be about 1.5 inches, if the loops are 3 or 4 inches then it is an inferior spring and they will not support even your weight and never have. They should be spaced no more than 5 inches apart, the metal straps connecting them is good, it means that all the springs work as one unit.

If you sag into the seat without the cushions then you need to make the seat firmer, that can be done without replacing the springs, if that is the case let me know and I will advise you on how to make the seats firmer without removing the springs.

If the springs properly support your weight, meaning the seat goes down no more than a few inches when you sit down then the problem is indeed with the cushions and their filling should be replaced. You can also test the springs by placing a very firm cushion on the seat, if you still sag into the sofa the problem is with the springs, it almost always is.

I hope this helps, please don't hesitate to contact me if you need further pointers.