Sofa sectionals create an instant conversation area when set-up around a fireplace. These sofas come with multiple pieces that slide next to each other to form the desired configuration. Some of them come with hardware preinstalled to prevent the individual sections from separating when someone sits on the couch, while others require you to add the hardware yourself.
Sectional Hardware
The most common types of hardware that is already installed on your sectional include male and female metal brackets that lock the two pieces when fitted together properly. Examine the underside of each sofa section to determine the side that includes the male, the protruding bracket. The male brackets will all be installed on the same side of each individual piece of furniture, with the female units installed on the opposite side of each piece.
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For example, between two companion pieces of the sofa, look for the male hardware on the bottom right side of one section, which should match to a female unit on the left side of the next piece or vice-versa. It takes two people to lift the section with the male hardware to insert it into the female side, which locks the pieces together when you lower the male side of the sofa back to the floor.
Store-Bought Connecting Brackets
These steps work for special connection hardware or any hardware you choose to install.
Step 1: Count the Joints
Count the joints in your sectional sofa as you will need a hardware bracket -- one complete set -- for each joint. For example, if you have seven sections to your sofa, you'll need six bracket sets to connect the individual sections together.
Step 2: Turn the Sofa Over
Turn the individual sections over so you can access their undersides. Hold both sides of the bracket up to the hardwood frame beneath the couch, to test the fit between the two parts of the bracket.
Step 3: Mark and Drill
Insert a pencil or chalk through each screw hole to mark the screw locations on the frame. With the drill bit attached to the power drill or driver, create a starter hole on each of the marked locations to avoid splitting or cracking the wood when screwing the brackets in place.
Step 4: Attach Hardware
Attach the hardware to the frame by inserting a screw through the hole in the bracket and tightening it with a power drill and screw bit or a manual screwdriver. Repeat this step for all the hardware brackets.
Step 5: Secure the Brackets
Connect the two sides of the companion pieces together for the type of hardware you purchased. Some use a simple latch mechanism, while others have a fork bracket with teeth that fit onto a pin on the other piece of furniture that works the best for pivoting pieces of the sofa.
Gate Hook and Eyes
Instead of forking over up to $100 or more on specialty sofa connectors and shipping costs, visit your local hardware store for gate hooks and eyes for each sofa joint. Select hooks that have a spring and a lock slide on them to keep them from unhooking. Install them on the bottom of the sofa in the front, back or in the middle to keep the individual sections from moving apart, following the steps above.
Slide-Bolt Latches
Another simple and more inexpensive option -- available from your local hardware or home improvement store -- involves installing a slide-bolt latch beneath the sofa to keep each sectional connected to its companion. Follow the steps above to install these latches.
Low-Tech Solution
All home improvement and hardware stores carry plastic cable ties that you can attach to the front and back feet of the sofa to keep the sections from separating. Select black cable ties for dark wood furniture legs so they're not as noticeable. Wrap the cable tie around two legs of each companion section, turning the connector part of the tie to the back of the leg to hide it. Cut off the tail after tightening the cable tie in place. When you need to move the sofa elsewhere, simply cut the cable ties with a pair of scissors or utility knife, and reinstall new ties when needed.