Good Questions: Sectional Duct Tape?

Hello AT,

I just bought several pieces of the West Elm armless sectional (in espresso) so that now i have a L shaped sectional. The problem is that when laying down and shifting positions the pieces often slip apart a bit. Are there any resources to clip the legs together.

I've also thought about using brackets on the underside of the pieces but was hoping not to do anything like that before I checked out other resources. Any ideas?

Thanks, Ann

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Dear Ann, high end sectionals all come with systems for holding them together and the smartest kind we've seen is a heavy duty velcro strap that is screwed with a grommeted fastening into the hardwood frame, which then goes through a buckle and returns to stick to itself. By doubling back on itself, you get much more leverage.

If you were doing it yourself, we would use thick velcro sewn back to back on one side and a the end of a cheap belt on the other (the buckle side). You can then Run the velcro through the buckle, double back, cinch it tight and stick it to the other sided velcro. We would also do this in two points for maximum holding power.

Anyone else??

Comments (9)

What does West Elm have to say? They ought to have some special brackets and fixers specifically made for your pieces.

If they don't, I would certainly say something to them. Though I did not read the catalog ad fully, it conveys the idea that these pieces can be configured in various ways. The manufacturer ought to be able to make that happen: comfortably, efficiently, and without duct tape.

posted by Terry on 2006-03-27 11:14:26

Put them on a carpet - we have a sectional on a wood floor and occassional the parts do move -but not noticeably when shifting position when sitting/laying on them. Go for a carpet - or maybe carpet underpadding cut in the shape of the sectional so as to hide it underneath.

posted by tanya on 2006-03-27 11:31:43

ann - there are small hooks that can be screwed onto the legs in the back of the sectional to keep them from sliding apart. The workrooms I've used in the past have done this. It's a simple latch, really. And if the back legs are visible then you can put the latch(es) as close to the frame as possible or on the underframe itself.

posted by anne on 2006-03-27 12:30:40

Haven't tried these myself but this may be what you're looking for:

http://www.furniturepartsonline.com/sofa-connect.htm

posted by Sarah D. on 2006-03-27 12:50:29

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp&BV_SessionID=@@@@1312634122.1143491238@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdfaddhghihedgcgelceffdfgidgll.0&MID=9876

If you prefer not to pay $30 for a $.150 part.

posted by JDuB on 2006-03-27 15:28:48

JDuB, your link doesn't take us to the specific part. If you give us the name then we can just search for it on the site. Please tell us so we don't have to pay $30 for the cheaper version. thanks

posted by Lisa from VA on 2006-03-27 20:48:47

I HAVE THAT WEST ELM SECTIONAL! I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM!

SOLUTION: ------->> The Container Store

The Container Store sells black giant rubber bands marketed as bungee cords. The don't look like conventional bungee cords -- instead they are flat and simply made of black rubber with plactic connections at the ends, no fabric surrounding the cord. They cost less than five dollars and work perfectly.

posted by Vanessa on 2006-03-27 23:56:45

I just checked the Container Store site so that I coulds include a web link to the bungee cords that I am suggesting that you buy. I can't find the product online. It's possible that you can only buy these at the store. I live in Manhattan. I bought these cords at the 6th ave 18th Street store. They are located in the back of the store, near the ironing boards, bike hooks and bungee cords! :P
They rubber cords are large, flat, black and come in simple packaging. You can attach the bottom u-shaped legs of sectional pieces together using two bungee cords. You can't see the cords when the couach is in the upright position. After the sectional pieces have been attached together the rubber cords even help to stop the entire sectional from sliding on wood floors.

posted by Vanessa on 2006-03-28 00:11:45

Thank you all so much for your comments. I will start searching for the products this weekend! You guys are all great.

posted by Ann on 2006-03-28 00:35:19