Repairing Sofa Legs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Quck answer

To repair sofa legs, follow these steps:

1. Assess the damage: Determine what type of repair is needed, such as tightening loose screws or replacing broken legs.

2. Gather necessary tools: Depending on the repair, you may need a screwdriver, drill, wood glue, replacement legs, or other materials.

3. Tighten screws: If the legs are wobbly, use a screwdriver to tighten any loose screws.

4. Replace broken legs: If a leg is broken beyond repair, remove it and replace it with a new one. Measure the length and width of the old leg to find a suitable replacement.

5. Attach new legs: Use a drill or screwdriver to securely attach the new legs to the sofa frame.

6. Test and adjust: Once all repairs are complete, test the stability of the sofa and make any necessary adjustments.

By following these steps, you can easily repair sofa legs and restore stability to your furniture.


Sofa legs can often suffer from wear and tear due to constant shifting, overloading, and misuse. One common issue is when the teeth in the T-nut, which holds the legs in place, lose their grip. Another problem occurs when the leg itself becomes cracked or split, causing the bolt to loosen. Fortunately, there are simple repair options available to ensure that your sofa remains sturdy for years to come.

Fixing Loose T-Nuts

Step 1

Start by tipping the sofa onto its back. Using a counterclockwise motion, unscrew the leg and remove it by hand. Use a hammer to tap the T-nut back into place on the couch frame. Then, screw the leg back onto the couch. If the leg still feels wobbly or tilted, unscrew and remove it again.

Step 2

If the T-nut continues to be loose, use a screwdriver to pry it out of the couch frame. Replace it with a matching T-nut and hammer it flush with the frame. Screw the leg back onto the sofa using the new T-nut. If the leg remains wobbly, unscrew it again and remove it. Then, pry the T-nut out of the frame.

Step 3

For a more secure fix, place a T-plate on the couch frame, inserting the protruding end into the hole from the T-nut. T-plates are specially designed for sofa legs and have a square shape with a threaded hole in the center. Use a hammer to tap the T-plate flush. Insert 1-inch screws into each of the four drilled holes in the plate. Use a drill/driver to drive the screws into the frame. Finally, screw the leg back onto the frame using the new T-plate.

Repairing Cracked Legs

Step 1

Begin by tipping the couch onto its back. Use a counterclockwise motion to unscrew the leg.

Step 2

Grasp the base of the bolt with pliers and unscrew it from the leg.

Step 3

Insert the tip of a putty knife into any cracks or splits in the leg. Pry them apart and apply glue to the affected areas. Rub the glue into the cracks using your finger until they are saturated. Remove the putty knife.

Step 4

Using a drill/driver and a 3/8-inch bit, drill a hole through the leg perpendicular to the crack. If the crack is longer than 4 inches, drill two evenly spaced holes.

Step 5

Apply wood glue to the hole and place a clamp across the crack to apply pressure. Insert a 3/8-by-3-inch dowel into the hole and tap it with a hammer until it extends equally from both sides of the leg. Allow the glue to dry for at least one hour, then remove the clamp.

Step 6

Using a coping saw, cut off the exposed ends of the dowel. Lightly sand the ends with 100-grit sandpaper and color them with a matching putty crayon.

Step 7

Screw the threaded bolt back onto the leg and then attach the leg back onto the sofa frame.

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