7 Things to Put Under Couch Cushions for Added Support

In 2020, people consumed 480 billion hours of streaming content. And most of that was likely spent sitting on a couch.

So, it’s no wonder your sofa cushions have taken on some damage. 

Let’s look at what you can put under sofa cushions for support so you aren’t buying one every year.

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Why do couches start to sag?

We break a couch in, and it’s comfortable for a few months. Then, suddenly, it’s not offering any support, and you stand up hurting after a long lounge.

When a sofa loses support, it’s one of three problems – the frame, the springs, or the cushions (or all three if it’s a bad sofa brand).

Good news! You don’t have to start over with a new couch. There are ways that you can salvage your favorite piece of furniture.

6 Options To Put Under Sofa Cushions For Support

You’ve got DIY and store-bought options for fixing a sagging couch.

Foam Inserts

You will want to yank out and replace the used and probably flat foam from your cushion. Try not to think about all the grossness it’s soaked up over the years.

The best part of investing a bit in new foam inserts is that you have the option of choosing a more robust material that will conform to you without sagging. And they come in different sizes, so you aren’t struggling to cut foam.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly foam, it’s going to be harder to find polyethylene foam inserts, and they tend to be more expensive.

Couch Cushion Filler

Sometimes all you want is a little lift. You can use various materials to add height to a sagging cushion. 

• polyester
• wool
• cotton

You can add an inch at a time to get the comfort level just right. 

Plywood and Particle Board

While more complicated than replacing inserts, you can go the DIY route and add plywood or particle board underneath the cushions for additional support.

1. Remove the failing cushion and measure it, so you’ll know what size of plywood you need.
2. You don’t want the wood sticking out under the cushions, so it needs to be just right.
3. You can either buy or cut down the wooden support.

What can I put under my couch cushions to make them firm?

Many go with a wood solution because it not only fixes annoying sagging, it offers firmer support. And it’s incredibly easy and affordable to replace.

Buy Couch Cushion Supports

DIY is not for everyone, and there are plenty of sofa support options for sale. Most are a heavy-duty wood board that is covered with vinyl. They typically arrive folded, but that’s just because it’s easier to ship.

You can find couch cushion supports as thin or as thin as you want.

Couch Frame Repair

When the frame breaks, you’ve got to make a decision – fix it or trash it. It really comes down to what you’re willing to spend and sacrifice.

You can find professionals that can repair a broken sofa frame, or you can try to do it yourself with some super strong glue.

In an ideal world, the break is clean enough that glue will do the job. But, sometimes, we must accept that our sofa has died and it’s time to bury it.

Couch Springs

Sometimes you can add all the foam and additional support, and it’s still all saggy and uncomfortable. Try checking the springs because it may be time to replace them.

Replacing sofa springs isn’t the easiest of DIY jobs, so you might want to consult a professional.

Or, just invest in a new couch.

How do I keep my couch cushions from sinking?

Wear and tear is unavoidable unless you don’t let anyone sit on the couch, ever. But there are ways you can make couches last longer and sag less.

• Avoid the temptation of sitting in the same spot. Habits are hard to break, and there’s just something special when a cushion remembers you. But you do spread the load more evenly when you sit in different spots every time.
• Avoid the temptation to jump on the sofa. Jumping up and down on any furniture is going to cause damage. With couches, it will destroy the frame, springs, and cushions.
• Avoid the temptation of sleeping on the couch. We know it’s becoming unreasonable, but you asked. You can sometimes sleep on the sofa, but constantly lying on the couch will cause more wear and tear than sitting on it.
• Flip your cushions. It’s a good idea to flip couch cushions every week, though if you rarely use them, you don’t have to do it as often.

How do you reinforce couch cushions?

The quickest way to reinforce the couch cushion is to replace the foam inserts.

1. You’ll remove the cushion from the sofa.
2. Find the zipper and unzip the side.
3. The foam will need to be removed.
4. Sometimes it’s wrapped in batting, so you will want to remove that and the netting.
5. You’ll then replace the foam insert with more high-density foam.
6. If it requires rewrapping, do so now.
7. Lastly, put the foam inset and its batting back into the cushion and zip it closed.

Oh, and give it a test run. There’s no reason to settle for less than comfortable when you have many options.

What is the best foam density for couch cushions?

Foam density can get complicated because it’s measured in pounds per cubic foot. The range is 1.5lb to 3lb density. The higher the number, the higher the density and firmness of the couch cushion.

Most recommend you go with at least 2lb for sofa seat cushions. You can go with a lower density for back cushions.

How long should a good couch last?

Most good couches will last you 10 to 15 years – if the frame doesn’t break.

Couch cushions will sag sooner, but replacing them is easy peasy.

How can I make my couch cushions more supported?

1. foam inserts
2. sofa cushion filler
3. plywood, or particle board
4. buy cushion supports
5. fix the frame
6. replace the springs

More FAQs about Support Cushions

How can I make my couch cushions more supportive?

To make your couch cushions more supportive, you can consider adding a foam-wrapped board cut to size underneath the cushions. This quick fix can help address any lack of support in the sofa. If you prefer a ready-made option, SagsAway is a good choice for DIYers looking for a convenient solution.

How can I make my couch better for my back?

To make your couch more back-friendly, you can enhance its comfort by adding cushions. Since many sofas have deep seats, sitting upright comfortably can be challenging, especially for individuals with shorter legs. By placing two or three cushions behind you, you can provide additional support to your upper back and prevent slumping.

What causes sagging couch cushions?

Sagging couch cushions are typically caused by worn out cushions, old springs, or a faulty frame. If the issue lies with the cushions, there is a simple solution to fix it.

Is it better to have couch cushions attached?

Attached cushions may not be the optimal choice for several reasons. It is important to have the flexibility to flip and rotate cushions to ensure even wear over time. Additionally, if an attached cushion becomes stained or ripped, it becomes more challenging to repair, clean, or replace it.

What can I put under my couch cushions to make them firmer?

You can make your couch cushions firmer by placing a piece of plywood underneath them.

Why is my couch sinking in the middle?

The reason your couch is sinking in the middle could be due to worn out cushions, old springs, or a faulty frame. If it is the cushions that are causing the issue, it can be easily resolved. However, if the cushions are in good condition, you may need to replace the springs or even the entire frame. Depending on the extent of the damage, it might be necessary to get a new couch altogether.

What is Supawrap?

Supawrap is a type of material that combines foam core with fibre wrap, providing both the supportive qualities of foam and the softness of fibre. It is resilient, non-allergenic, and requires minimal maintenance to keep its appearance intact.

Do sofa supports work?

Sofa supports work by restoring firmness and providing extra support to saggy, lifeless, digging, and lousy seat cushions. They also help reshape the sofa, giving it a new lease on life and saving you the expense of replacing your living room suite.

Why does my couch sink in too much?

My couch sinks in too much because it could be due to worn out cushions, old springs, or a bad frame. If the cushions are the issue, it can be easily fixed. If the cushions appear to be in good condition, then the springs or the frame may need to be replaced. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may be necessary to replace the entire couch.

Why do cushions flatten?

Cushions flatten due to regular use and compression of the interiors, especially in softer seat ranges like those with fibre filled cushions.

What is a sofa saver?

A sofa saver is a cost-effective remedy for the issue of drooping armchairs or sofas. By placing this sofa saver underneath the cushion(s), your seat will experience a remarkable revitalization.

What density foam for couch cushions?

The best foam to use for couch cushions is High Resilience foam at a density of 2.8 – 3.0 lb. per cubic ft. This type of foam is highly responsive, providing a quick return action and an extra bounce. High Resilience foam is considered the top choice for sofa cushions.

Can I put plywood under my couch cushions?

Yes, you can put plywood under your couch cushions. I had my husband cut pieces of plywood, which I then covered with some old fabric I had. I placed them under the cushions, and now when we sit down, we don’t feel like we are sinking to the bottom. Initially, I used them in an old set of furniture, but when we got a new set, I also put them in there.

What is the material that goes under couches?

The material that goes under couches is called cambric. Cambric is used to cover the underside of furniture in order to prevent dust and loose stuffing from falling out onto the floor. Its main purpose is to serve as a dust cover, giving finished projects a polished and professional appearance.

How do you fix a sagging sleeper sofa?

To fix a sagging sleeper sofa, one can reinforce it by adding support. A simple and effective method is to place a piece of plywood underneath the mattress, creating a sturdy and level foundation that helps prevent sagging.