Austin Mobile Furniture Repair Austin Tx

Welcome to your troubleshooting guide for common furniture woes right here in Austin, TX! We understand how frustrating it can be to have a favorite piece of furniture looking worse for wear. This guide will help you diagnose and potentially fix some common issues, saving you time and money. However, knowing when to call in the pros at Austin Mobile Furniture Repair is just as important. Let's get started!

The Dreaded Sagging Couch Cushion

One of the most frequent complaints we hear from Austin homeowners is about sagging couch cushions. Over time, the filling compresses, leaving your once-comfortable couch feeling flat and unsupportive. Before you consider replacing the entire couch, let's explore some troubleshooting steps.

Step 1: Initial Assessment

First, carefully examine the affected cushion. Is it just one cushion, or are multiple cushions sagging? This can indicate the extent of the problem.

Check for Tears: Inspect the fabric for any rips or tears. A tear will allow filling to escape, exacerbating the sagging.
Assess the Foam Density: Gently press down on the cushion. Does it feel uniformly soft, or are there areas that feel significantly softer or harder than others? Uneven density suggests the foam is breaking down.
Examine the Support System: Flip the couch over (if possible) and inspect the webbing or springs beneath the cushions. Broken or loose supports can contribute to sagging.

Step 2: DIY Solutions (Simple Cases)

If the sagging is minor and there are no significant tears or structural damage, you can try these simple DIY fixes:

Fluffing and Rotating: This might sound obvious, but it's often overlooked. Regularly fluffing and rotating your cushions can redistribute the filling and even out wear. Treat it like you're fluffing a pillow! Rotate cushions weekly or bi-weekly.
Adding Filling: If you determine that the filling is simply compressed, you can add more. Purchase polyfill stuffing (available at most craft stores) and carefully open a seam on the cushion. Add the filling gradually, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Then, carefully sew the seam closed. Be sure to match the thread color as closely as possible!
Adding Support: For minor sagging, you can try adding a piece of plywood or a thick piece of cardboard underneath the cushion. Cut the support slightly smaller than the cushion's dimensions to prevent it from being visible. This will provide a firmer base and help prevent further sagging.
Steam Cleaning: Sometimes, sagging can be exacerbated by dirt and grime buildup in the cushion. Steam cleaning can help revitalize the filling and restore some of its original loft. Always test the steamer on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the fabric.

Step 3: When to Call Austin Mobile Furniture Repair

If you've tried the DIY solutions and the sagging persists, or if you notice any of the following, it's time to call in the professionals at Austin Mobile Furniture Repair:

Significant Tears or Damage: Large tears in the fabric require professional repair to prevent further damage and maintain the couch's structural integrity.
Broken Springs or Webbing: Repairing broken springs or webbing requires specialized tools and expertise. Attempting to fix these issues yourself can be dangerous.
Significant Foam Degradation: If the foam is severely degraded or crumbling, it needs to be replaced. This is a messy and complex process best left to professionals.
Frame Damage: Cracks or breaks in the couch frame can compromise its stability and safety. These repairs often require specialized woodworking skills.
Cushions Not Removable: If the cushions are sewn in and not removable, a professional is needed to access the interior and make repairs.
You're Uncomfortable With DIY: There's no shame in admitting that a repair is beyond your skill level. Professionals have the experience and tools to handle complex furniture repairs.

Remember, attempting to repair complex issues yourself can sometimes worsen the problem and end up costing you more in the long run.

Dealing with Scratches and Dings on Wood Furniture

Another common issue in Austin homes is scratches and dings on wood furniture. Whether it's from moving, pets, or everyday wear and tear, these imperfections can detract from the beauty of your furniture.

Step 1: Identifying the Scratch Type

Before you attempt any repairs, it's important to determine the severity of the scratch.

Surface Scratches: These are light scratches that only affect the finish and don't penetrate the wood.
Medium Scratches: These scratches go through the finish and into the wood but aren't very deep.
Deep Scratches: These are deep gouges that penetrate the wood and may even leave a visible dent.

Step 2: DIY Solutions (Based on Scratch Type)

Here are some DIY methods you can try, depending on the type of scratch:

Surface Scratches:
- Furniture Polish: For very light surface scratches, furniture polish can often do the trick. Apply a small amount of polish to a soft cloth and rub it into the scratch in a circular motion. Buff away the excess polish with a clean cloth.
- Wax Crayons/Touch-Up Markers: Colored wax crayons or touch-up markers designed for furniture can be used to fill in surface scratches. Choose a color that closely matches the finish of your furniture. Apply the crayon or marker to the scratch and then buff away the excess with a soft cloth.
- Shoe Polish: Believe it or not, shoe polish that matches your wood stain can fill in the scratch nicely. Apply sparingly, then buff.
Medium Scratches:
- Scratch Cover Polish: These polishes contain pigments that help to fill in and conceal scratches. Apply the polish to a soft cloth and rub it into the scratch in a circular motion. Allow the polish to dry for a few minutes and then buff away the excess with a clean cloth.
- Wood Stain Pens: These pens contain wood stain that can be used to touch up scratches. Choose a stain that closely matches the finish of your furniture. Apply the stain to the scratch and then wipe away the excess with a clean cloth. Allow the stain to dry completely before applying a coat of furniture polish.
Deep Scratches:
- Wood Filler: For deep scratches, you'll need to use wood filler to fill in the gouge. Choose a wood filler that matches the color of your furniture. Apply the filler to the scratch using a putty knife, making sure to overfill the scratch slightly. Allow the filler to dry completely, then sand it down until it's flush with the surface of the furniture. You may need to apply multiple coats of filler to completely fill the scratch. Once the filler is dry and sanded, you'll need to stain and finish it to match the surrounding wood. This often requires feathering the stain to blend seamlessly.

Step 3: When to Call Austin Mobile Furniture Repair

Here's when professional help is crucial:

Extensive Damage: If your furniture has numerous scratches, dents, or gouges, it's best to have it professionally repaired. A professional can restore the finish to its original condition and make the furniture look like new.
Antique Furniture: Repairing antique furniture requires specialized knowledge and skills. Attempting to repair antique furniture yourself can damage its value.
You're Unsure About the Color Match: Matching the color of wood stain or filler can be tricky. A professional can ensure that the repair blends seamlessly with the existing finish.
Damaged Veneer: Repairing damaged veneer is a delicate process that requires specialized tools and techniques.
Structural Damage: If the scratches are accompanied by structural damage, such as loose joints or broken legs, you'll need to have the furniture professionally repaired.
Complicated Finishes: If your furniture has a specialized finish like lacquered or French polished, it’s best to have a professional handle any repairs.

Always err on the side of caution when dealing with valuable or antique furniture. Contacting Austin Mobile Furniture Repair can save you from making costly mistakes.

Wobbly Chairs and Tables

A wobbly chair or table can be a nuisance and even a safety hazard. Fortunately, many wobbly furniture issues can be easily fixed.

Step 1: Identifying the Source of the Wobble

The first step is to determine why the furniture is wobbling.

Loose Joints: This is the most common cause of wobbly furniture. Over time, the glue in the joints can dry out and crack, causing the joints to loosen.
Uneven Legs: If one or more of the legs is shorter than the others, the furniture will wobble.
Damaged Glides: The small plastic or metal glides on the bottom of the legs can wear down or fall off, causing the furniture to wobble.
Uneven Floor: In some cases, the wobble may be caused by an uneven floor.

Step 2: DIY Solutions (Based on the Cause)

Here's what you can try yourself:

Tightening Loose Joints:
- Screws: If the joints are held together with screws, simply tighten the screws. If the screws are stripped, you may need to replace them with longer or wider screws.
- Glue: If the joints are glued together, you can try re-gluing them. First, clean the joint with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Then, apply a generous amount of wood glue to the joint and clamp it together until the glue dries completely. Use clamps appropriately to avoid damaging the furniture.
Correcting Uneven Legs:
- Felt Pads: The easiest way to fix uneven legs is to attach felt pads to the bottom of the shorter legs. Add pads until the furniture sits level.
- Leg Levelers: For a more permanent solution, you can install leg levelers. These are adjustable feet that screw into the bottom of the legs.
- Shims: If the difference is quite big, consider using wooden shims carefully glued into place and then sanded down to match.
Replacing Damaged Glides:
- Purchase New Glides: You can purchase replacement glides at most hardware stores. Simply remove the old glides and attach the new ones.
Addressing Uneven Floors:
- Shims Under Legs: If the wobble is due to an uneven floor, you can try placing shims under the legs of the furniture until it sits level.

Step 3: When to Call Austin Mobile Furniture Repair

Here's when to bring in the pros:

Complex Joint Repairs: Some joints, such as mortise and tenon joints, require specialized tools and skills to repair.
Damaged Frame: If the frame of the furniture is cracked or broken, it needs to be professionally repaired.
Antique Furniture: Repairing antique furniture requires specialized knowledge and skills.
You're Unsure How to Proceed: If you're not comfortable attempting the repairs yourself, it's best to call a professional.
Extensive Disassembly Required: Some wobbly furniture issues might require extensive disassembly to properly address the problem, something best left to a furniture repair specialist.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can often fix common furniture problems yourself and save money. However, remember that knowing when to call Austin Mobile Furniture Repair is essential to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of your furniture.

We hope this guide has been helpful! Don’t hesitate to reach out to Austin Mobile Furniture Repair for expert assistance with any furniture repairs that are beyond your DIY capabilities. We’re here to help you keep your furniture looking its best!