Do Sectional Sofas Come Apart? – What You Must Know

Is there anything better than relaxing on your sofa? Well, maybe having ample seating for everyone – seating that allows everyone a great view of the tv and each other. One good way to make this happen is with a sectional sofa. But, what do you do when you want to move it?

Do sectional sofas come apart? Yes! Sectional sofas come apart. How easy or challenging it is to get them to come apart, however, depends on the kind of sectional sofa set-up you have.

This article will describe the different ways sectional sofas come apart. We will also look at several options for sectional sofas.

Top Three Methods Used to Connect a Sectional Sofa

Before you can understand how to disassemble a sectional sofa, it’s important first to understand how they’re put together. Three predominant processes are used in the assembly of sectional seating.

1. Pieces aren’t connected.
2. Pieces are connected using clips.
3. Sections are firmly connected using bolts and screws.

1. Pieces aren’t connected

In this process, the various sections of the seating arrangement simply push together. That means they’re easy to separate and put in a different arrangement. It also means that if your sectional is sitting on a smooth flooring surface, it can easily slide apart if someone accidentally sits between two of the adjoining pieces. Oops!

2. Pieces are connected using clips

With this option, the various sections are joined together by sliding one section into the clips that are at the side of the adjoining section. One of the nice things about this particular set-up is that, if the connector clips are set up correctly, you have the flexibility to change how you arrange the various sections.

3. Sections are firmly connected using bolts and screws

When furniture is delivered and assembled, the delivery crew will use hardware to make sure the sectional you purchased lives up to your expectations. Part of those expectations are that your furniture looks exactly like what you selected. To do that, the assemblers will use drills to connect the pieces together with screws and bolts.

Related Article: How To Keep A Sectional Sofa Together

How Do Sectional Sofas Come Apart?

Now that we know how sectionals are assembled, it becomes much easier to take them apart. Obviously, if your sectional uses the first method for assembly, disassembly is easy… slide the pieces apart. If not, you’ll need to determine whether your sectional is connected with clips or with a more secure type of hardware.

How to disassemble clip-connected sections

To disassemble clip-connected sections, you need to do the following:

• Determine which section is the lift section. Typically the smaller section is the lift section. It is usually the section that has been added to the larger section because it’s more maneuverable and easier to manipulate.
• Push the two sections together to disengage the clips.
• Lift the disconnected section to separate it from the main section.

How to disassemble sectionals with bolts and screws.

If your sectional was assembled using bolts and screws, do the following:

• Grab your electric or battery-operated screwdriver (chances are that it was originally put together using power tools, so it will require more reverse torque than a manual screwdriver can probably provide).
• Carefully turn the furniture upside down so that the bottom of the sectional is facing up.
• There should be some fabric connected to the base of the furniture with Velcro. Carefully remove those pieces of fabric.
• In this scenario, you will see the bolts connecting the main piece to what is most likely a chaise or recliner. Remove the bolts and washers. 
• Place the hardware you remove in a container to ensure you retain all the pieces.
• Once you have disconnected the pieces, return the individual pieces to their upright position.

Why Would Anyone Separate Sectional Pieces?

Sometimes it’s nice to rearrange furniture, but a sectional is a large piece that’s usually planned for a specific direction and space.

By asking yourself, “do sectional sofas come apart?”, you give yourself permission to have a completely different vision for your room.

Another reason to take a sectional apart is for ease of the moving process. Getting an in-tact sectional setup out of the house and into the moving van is nearly impossible. Taking it apart allows for easier packing and helps protect your furniture from possible damage of:

• Torn fabric
• Scratched hardwood
• Marred leather

Finally, and related to the moving topic, it’s nice to have the option of using your sectional pieces differently in a new home. This allows you to have matching furniture pieces without taking up a large space the assembled sectional may require.

Caveats

Unless your sectional was specifically intended to be used as an either attached/or not combination, there might be some downsides to separating your sectional.

• Be aware that feet may not be attached to the entire piece that was considered the add-on. A chaise piece, for example, may only have feet on the outside of the seat and the footrest. There may not be supports on the inside of the seat as it was supported by the attached piece.
• The fabric on the inside of where the pieces are attached may not be finished fabric. In some instances, the fabric used where the sectional joins is a more utilitarian fabric rather than in the upholstery the rest of the sectional has.
• When clips are used to connect the pieces of a sectional, the hardware will remain on the sides of the pieces of the furniture that have been disconnected. These can be rough, sometimes jagged, and cause scratches to walls, other furniture, or skin.

How to Keep a Sectional from Separating

Knowing how to take a sectional apart is fine, but what if it’s coming apart and you don’t want it to?

There are a few solutions you can consider for this challenge too.

If you have the sectional that the pieces simply push together and you want them to be more secure, you can add clips in a couple of different forms.

The nice thing about separate sectional pieces that slide together is that you know that both sections have secure feet all around each piece. One way to take advantage of that is to use Couch Clamp Sectional Connectors for Sliding Sofas These industrial-strength rubber bands go around the adjoining feet of the sectional pieces and hold the two pieces together without having to add any hardware.

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Another option is to attach Metal Sectional Sofa Interlocking Furniture Connectors with Screws (clips) to the adjoining sides of the sectional pieces. This process entails drilling holes into the sides of your furniture to attach the brackets. If you’re going to use this method, you’re going to need:

• A tape measure.A fabric marker or pins.
• An electric or battery-powered screwdriver.
• A small drill to make pilot holes for the screws.

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If your sectional already has clips that are coming loose or are bent from wear, you can simply replace the clips with new ones that will be sturdier.

If your furniture is coming apart because the bolts or screws are stripped, there are a couple of approaches you can take:

• Remove the hardware. Create a mixture of mostly sawdust combined with wood glue and fill the hole where the stripped hardware was. Let it thoroughly dry for two-to-three days. Replace the hardware. In doing this, you have essentially created your own version of press board.
• Another option is to drill new holes in a different location on the wood for the hardware to attach.
• Your third option and this is the one that will last longer, is to seek out a professional furniture repair expert.

How to Keep Your Sectional from Sliding

Now that you have either separated or rejoined your sectional, what are you supposed to do about its desire to move around your hardwood or tile floor? Amusement parks are fine, but you don’t want to feel like you’re riding in bumper cars every time you sit down.

If your sectional likes to do its own version of the electric slide, there are a few things you can do to help it stay put:

1. Rubber grippers
2. Rubber furniture cups
3. Area rug
4. Carpet runner

1. Rubber Grippers

Non-slip Anti Scratch Rubber Furniture Pads: There are rubber grippers that have adhesive on one side. You can cut to the size of the feet on your sectional and attach them to slow the slide.

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2. Rubber Furniture Cups

Rubber Furniture Caster Cups with Anti-sliding Floor Grip: Purchase some rubber furniture cups the feet can sit in. The rubber cups will naturally stick to the floor, helping keep your sectional in its proper place.

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3. Area Rugs

An area rug that will complement your décor. This will allow you to anchor your sectional while adding to your new decorating scheme.

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Related Article: How to Slide a Rug Under a Sectional Sofa

3. Carpet Runner

If you don’t want to go full-on with adding an area rug to your room, a viable option could be to put a carpet runner with double-sided carpet tape under your sectional.

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Things to Consider when Selecting Your Sectional

Maybe you’re doing some research about sectionals and want to have all of the facts together first. In addition to knowing the different ways sectional sofas can come apart or stay put, it would be helpful to know the various options you have when choosing your seating arrangement.

Shape Options

There are three general shapes with various options available when you’re sectional shopping:

1. L-Shape

L-shaped sectionals typically have a sofa with a chaise or corner section with chair or loveseat attached. These L-shapes can be designed as a traditional L or a backward L. It’s up to you to decide what works best for your room.

2. U-Shape

U-shaped sectionals are usually set up with a sofa in the long section, two corner sections, and two loveseat sections – maybe recliners- opposite one another.

3. Rounded

Rounded sectionals are usually a gentle C-shape with no straight lines. They can give a room a subtly refined look.

Seating Options

One of the beauties of sectional seating is that you have nearly an unlimited combination you can create:

• Several armchairs strung together.
• Seating that includes either chair or loveseat electric or manual recliners.
• Three full-sized sofas connected and arranged in a U-shape are another possibility.
• If you are concerned about domain challenges over the chaise and want two chaise lounges – one on both ends of a sofa, love seat, or chair, you can design your seating to accommodate everyone.
• If you’re planning for this furniture to double as an additional guest sleeping area, sleeper sofas or modular options are often available.
• Don’t worry about having to give up conveniences like cup holders and/or storage consoles. You can find those options as well.
• Maybe you want a storage drawer where you can store afghans under your seating. Those are available too.
• Some designs even have hidden lighting options for those who want to read quietly or study while others are watching television.
• Generally, if you can imagine a combination or arrangement, you can create it. You are only limited by the amount of space you have, your budget, and what you decide will work best for you.

Fabric Options

The fabric you choose will set the tone for your room’s environment. Here are some things you can consider:

• Decide what kind of feel you are going for with this furniture.
• Think about whether you want something light and airy. If you do, maybe a cotton fabric with a breezy floral, wash, or check pattern will meet your expectations.
• If you want something cozy and comforting, maybe you’re longing for a smooth microfiber, suede, velvet, or chenille.
• If you want a sleek look, maybe leather, faux leather, or vinyl will suit your fancy.

Style Options

Style selection is another thing that will give your room a feeling of comfort, formality, or somewhere in between. You’ll be able to think about things like:

• Contemporary styles 
• French country or farmhouse designs. 
• Traditional styles.
• If you aren’t tied to a particular look, transitional styles are a combination of all three of the styles discussed.

Cushions

If you thought you were finished making decisions, you still have to make some more design choices! 

When you think about the cushions on your sectional, you generally have four choice combinations:

• All are attached, so nothing gets moved around.
• Loose seat and back cushions that can be removed for cleaning or flipping.
• Loose seat cushions and overstuffed pillow back cushions can be arranged to meet your desired comfort level at that moment.
• Firm cushions or overstuffed cushions with lots of accent pillows give you that extra amount of comfort and/or style.

Related Article: Choosing a Sectional Sofa That is Right For Your Home

Understanding Orientation Language

Sometimes the verbiage that furniture manufacturers use regarding the design of their product can be confusing at best. Really annoying at worst.

Right or Left Facing

It may seem that right or left facing should be related to when you’re sitting on the furniture, but it isn’t. A right-facing arm is to your right when you are standing looking at the furniture. It makes it obvious that the left-facing arm is on your left side when you’re looking at the furniture.

These are important terms to understand. Particularly when you are designing your room around an L-shaped design. If you are planning on a chaise or sofa sitting in a particular spot in your room, making sure that you have the correct piece on the end you want is critical. 

It’s important to understand that not all sectional pieces are reversible or interchangeable. It could be disastrous for your room arranging if you intended for the chaise to be left facing, but you accidentally ordered it to be right facing because you were thinking about how it would be while you were sitting on your new furniture.

This is an important piece of information to know when you are buying not only a sectional but also if you are buying a one-armed chaise. Can you imagine how you would feel if your furniture was delivered and the open side ended up being against the wall you wanted to have the arm against?

The Shintenchi Sectional Sofa with Chaise is a classic example of a right-facing sectional and chaise. This particular example also includes a storage ottoman.

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Making Your Furniture Work for You

Sectionals are a wonderful way to organize a comfortable conversation corner or a theater-viewing-worthy seating arrangement. 

You can choose to spend a couple of hundred dollars for a first-time sectional or several thousand on a long-term investment.

Regardless of what you’re working on designing, formal fashion or casual comfy, you can find it in the sectional setup of your dreams.