Buying springs?

[gatsby989]

Two questions:

1.   Where is a good place to buy coil springs? I've looked through many of the suppliers listed, and most carry only seat springs. Any ideas where to find softer back springs?

2.   How tall of springs should I order, for both the seat and the back? On the seat, the webbing will be about 2.75" below the top of the seat rail. On the back, the webbing will be only about 1" from the front of the frame.

Thanks all!

[sofadoc]

Seat coils are usually around 9 gauge in heights ranging from 4" to 10".
Softer back coils are a little harder to find.
Last time I checked, Masco in Birmingham had some 13 gauge 8" pillow back coils, RETAIL PRICE: .80 each (800) 326-2726
Some chair backs have a Marshall unit:
http://www.rochfordsupply.com/shop/Upholstery_Accessories/Springs_and_Accessories/Spring_Units_(Marshall_Units)/index.html

Depending on dimensions, you might have to remove a row(s) of coils.

[kodydog]

On another post I said for the seat, only coil springs will do. But for the back, and some might disagree, I'd say use the sinous springs. Easier to find and install and you wont be able to tell the difference in the way it feels.
This company sells both types in different gauges.
http://www.hickorysprings.com/2008/furnituresprings.html

As far as height for the seat springs, you'll want them to compress about 3". This means order them 3" higher than the width of the rail.

Are you building a tight seat or installing a cushion? Either way when you get finished tying the springs they will bow up in the middle somewhat. To help get it more flat, after you cover the springs with burlap, use edge roll on top of the front rails and stuff some cotton along the bottom of the arms and back. Just enough to get the deck fairly flat before you add the final padding.

[kodydog]

Here's another good site created by Steven Winters, a member on this board. Lots of useful info.

http://www.upholsteryresource.com/node/17

[bobbin]

This is kind of related but not totally on topic.  I have an old armchair I want to reupholster, the webbing has failed on the seat and the previous owner used wood to support the springs.  Is it necessary to replace springs when reworking a chair, or can they be recycled into the new work?

How do you determine if the springs are junk and need replacing or if they're "good to go" for the next round?

[sofadoc]

How do you determine if the springs are junk and need replacing or if they're "good to go" for the next round?

In most cases, as long as they're not broken, they're OK. They may be squashed down, and need to be stretched back out. Re-tying and re-webbing will usually restore their effectiveness.

[MinUph]

Springs as sofadoc mentioned are almost always still good. If they have taken a set (squashed down) I would replace them. Spring steal once it looses its spring most times will not hold up again. That said if the springs are glossy black and not badly set I would also pull them into shape and reuse them in a spot that didn't take much use like the edges toward the back. There are some coil springs that are copper in color, I throw them away if they have set. They are pretty crappy springs.

[gatsby989]

Thanks all for the info and the helpful links. I'm planning on making a fixed / solid seat. Or whatever you call it when there is not a separate, removable cushion.