Plastic covered tension spring 14 gauge

14 Gauge Plastic Covered Upholstery Seat Tension Springs, Parker Knoll Style

Strong Replacement Seat Springs for Sofas and Armchairs

The 14 Gauge Plastic Covered Upholstery Seat Tension Springs are designed to provide firm, resilient support in suitable sprung sofa and armchair seats, including many traditional Parker Knoll furniture designs.

These heavy-duty upholstery tension springs feature a protective plastic sleeve that helps prevent seat cushions and surrounding upholstery materials rubbing directly against the bare metal spring wire.

Unlike the lighter springs used in furniture backs, 14-gauge seat tension springs provide greater resistance, making them suitable for seating applications where the suspension must support direct body weight.

Available in seven lengths from 34cm to 46cm, these replacement furniture springs are sold individually for upholstery repairs, restoration and furniture manufacture.

Features

• Strong 14-gauge construction, provides firmer resistance for suitable sprung seating.
• Protective plastic covering, reduces direct rubbing between springs, cushions and upholstery layers.
• Parker Knoll-style applications, suitable for compatible traditional upholstered furniture.
• Hooked ends, made for attachment to appropriate spring fixing plates.
• Seven available lengths, from 34cm to 46cm in 2cm increments.
• Sold individually, order the exact number required.
• Use it for restoration, replace damaged, stretched or broken furniture seat springs.

Why Are These Tension Springs Plastic Covered?

The protective sleeve is an important feature of these upholstery seat springs.

In suitable furniture constructions, seat cushions and supporting upholstery materials may come into contact with the spring suspension beneath them.

As the seat compresses during use, movement between the spring and surrounding materials can cause rubbing and friction.

The plastic covering provides a protective barrier between the metal spring and upholstery layers, helping reduce abrasion and unnecessary wear.

This can be particularly beneficial in traditional sprung furniture where the seating arrangement places upholstery materials close to the spring system.

The plastic sleeve does not eliminate the need for other protective upholstery layers where these form part of the original construction.

Replacement Seat Springs for Parker Knoll Furniture

Many traditional Parker Knoll chairs and sofas incorporate tension spring suspension systems, with springs connected to metal fixing plates secured within the furniture frame.

Over time, springs can become stretched, damaged or broken, affecting the firmness and comfort of the seat.

Replacing worn springs with correctly specified components can help restore the original support and seating characteristics.

However, not every Parker Knoll design uses the same springs.

Before ordering, check the original spring gauge, relaxed length, hook arrangement and fixing plate to ensure compatibility.

14 Gauge Seat Springs vs 18 Gauge Back Springs

Although these two types of furniture tension spring may look similar, they perform different functions.

14 Gauge Plastic Covered Seat Springs

These provide stronger resistance for suitable sofa and chair seats. The plastic covering also helps protect cushions and upholstery materials from rubbing against the spring wire.

18 Gauge Back Tension Springs

These use lighter wire to provide a softer, more flexible response in upholstered furniture backs.

Using an 18-gauge back spring in place of a 14-gauge seat spring may result in inadequate support, while fitting a heavier seat spring in a backrest could create excessive firmness.

For compatible backrest repairs, see the 18 Gauge Upholstery Back Tension Springs.

Available Spring Lengths

Spring length	Approximate inches
34cm	13.4"
36cm	14.2"
38cm	15.0"
40cm	15.7"
42cm	16.5"
44cm	17.3"
46cm	18.1"

Important: The measurements refer to the coiled spring section only, excluding the end hooks.

Each hook measures approximately 1/2" (12.7mm), making the complete relaxed spring approximately 25mm longer than its stated coiled length.

Measure an undamaged original spring whenever possible and avoid selecting a replacement based solely on the distance between the fixing points.

Correct Spring Tension and Installation

These 14-gauge upholstery tension springs should generally be extended by approximately 1/2", 1" (12.7, 25.4mm) when installed, following the original furniture construction.

Correct fitting tension is important because it influences seating firmness and the loads placed on the fixing points.

Insufficient tension may leave the suspension loose, while excessive extension can place unnecessary strain on the springs, metal fixing plates and furniture frame.

Before installing replacement springs:

1. Identify the existing spring length and wire gauge.
2. Check the spring hooks and fixing plate for damage.
3. Confirm that the supporting furniture frame is sound.
4. Secure one spring hook to the correct fixing point.
5. Carefully extend the spring and engage the opposite hook.
6. Check the installed alignment and tension.

Always use suitable tools and eye protection when handling tensioned springs.

Don't Forget the Spring Fixing Plates

The metal fixing plates are essential components of many traditional tension spring seating systems.

They provide secure attachment points for the spring hooks and help maintain the correct arrangement within the furniture frame.

When restoring an old chair or sofa, check for worn spring holes, distortion, corrosion and loose fixings.

We recommend inspecting the 17" Nine-Hole Tension Spring Fixing Plate when purchasing replacement springs.

The plate features nine spring-fixing holes and is suitable for compatible furniture constructions. Always check the original plate dimensions, hole spacing and mounting arrangement before ordering.

Suitable Upholstery Applications

These plastic-covered tension springs are suitable for compatible furniture including:

• Traditional Parker Knoll-style armchairs and sofas.
• Sprung sofa and settee seats.
• Upholstered lounge chairs.
• Furniture restoration and refurbishment.
• Professional upholstery repair workshops.
• New furniture manufacture using suitable tension spring systems.

For alternative suspension components, see Upholstery Tension Springs and Fixing Plates.

14 Gauge Plastic Covered Upholstery Seat Tension Springs provide strong, supportive suspension for sofas and armchairs, including many traditional Parker Knoll furniture designs.

• 14-gauge spring wire, firmer support for upholstered seats.
• Protective plastic sleeve, helps prevent cushions rubbing against bare metal springs.
• Seven lengths: 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 and 46cm.
• Sold individually, select the quantity required.
• Correct measurement: Lengths exclude the approximately 1/2" hook at each end.
• Fitting tension: Extend approximately 1/2", 1" when installed.

Don't forget your fixings! Check the 17" Tension Spring Fixing Plate when replacing damaged springs or restoring the complete suspension system.

Replacing back springs too? see the 18 Gauge Back Tension Springs.