Restoring the Inside: When to Replace Webbing or Springs

June 24, 2025

The unseen structure of your upholstered furniture—its Springs and Webbing—is essential to comfort, durability, and longevity. Over time, these hidden supports can begin to sag, wear out, or fail entirely. Restoring them is vital to preserving the shape and enjoyment of your furniture.

In this guide, we’ll explore when and how to replace webbing or springs and how JA Milton Upholstery can support your restoration projects.

webbings or spring

Signs a Restoration Is Needed

1. Sagging or Uneven Seating

If cushions no longer feel firm or seat bottoms dip in certain spots, the support is likely failing. Zig-zag (no-sag) springs should retain tension; if they droop or stretch, they need replacing. Coil-spring-supported seats can feel flat or hollow when springs break or their ties disintegrate.

2. Audible Creaks or Pops

Noise while sitting often indicates weak, shifting, or broken components—whether it’s webbing or springs.

3. Visible Wear or Breakage

When webbing loses its tension or frays, it can’t support weight properly. Springs bent, stretched, or loose from clips or webbing are signs that replacement is due.

Webbing: Jute vs. Pirelli (Elastic Webbing)

Jute or Cotton Herringbone Webbing

  • Used under traditional coil-spring support
  • Signs of failure: fraying, loose weave, lack of tension
  • Should be taut and resilient—looseness means support structures above won’t work correctly

Pirelli (Elastic Rubber) Webbing

  • A modern elastic alternative, often used solo or beneath Zig-zag springs
  • Maintains tension by nature, but may start sagging if stretched or improperly installed

Springs: Coil, Zig-Zag, and Pocketed

Zig-Zag (Sinuous) Springs

  • Should remain taut and provide even support
  • If they sag or lose tension, replacement is necessary

Coil Springs

  • Require jute or webbing support and secure tying
  • Sagging, broken coils, or broken ties mean the structure’s failed

Tension (Wire) Springs

  • Found in curved or modular furniture
  • Signs of overstretching or loss of support require replacement

When to Replace

Webbing

Replace Webbing when it sags, frays, or breaks, or you’re updating springs. This restores the foundation.

Springs

Replace Springs when sagging, broken, or no longer offering proper support. Even if ties break but springs remain intact, re-tying can temporarily restore structure—but replacement may be needed soon.

Often, replacing webbing and springs together creates a strong, unified support system.

How to Replace Webbing and Springs

Webbing Replacement Steps

  1. Remove old webbing
  2. Attach jute or cotton webbing evenly across the frame using webbing stretchers
  3. Weave strips over/under to ensure consistent tension
  4. Secure with staples

Zig-Zag Spring Installation

  1. Mount springs using new clips
  2. Stretch springs across frame and fasten at both ends
  3. Tie adjacent springs with twine for stability

Coil Spring System

  1. Install jute webbing first
  2. Place coil springs and tie them in an 8-way pattern using twine

Tips and Expert Recommendations

  • Always sand with the grain to avoid scratches
  • Use proper tools like webbing stretchers, spring clips, and quality twine
  • Replace both webbing and springs together for long-lasting structure and comfort
  • Test after webbing—sit on the unfinished frame to assess support

Final Thoughts

Neglecting Webbing or Springs turns functional furniture into sagging, uncomfortable seating. Regular inspection, accurate assessment, and timely replacement of these inner components preserve both comfort and structure.

For professional-level restoration, JA Milton provides the products, tutorials, and expert advice you need to refresh your support system—so your furniture can look and feel its best for years to come.

Explore JA Milton Upholstery Today

JA Milton Upholstery offers everything needed to rejuvenate furniture support:

  • High-quality jute and Pirelli webbing
  • Zig-zag and coil springs with matching clips
  • Webbing stretchers, twine, and spring tools

Whether you’re rebuilding a family heirloom or refurbishing your favorite chair, we supply the products and guidance you need.

Explore our full collection at: JA Milton Upholstery