The Upholstery Forum

What is the difference between coil springs and zigzag springs? Obviously one is a coil and one is a zigzag … but what is the performance difference, and when do you use one type or the other?

Reason i ask … my first rocker rebuild had coils, and i replaced the old ones with new coils and webbing. Came out nice, very comfortable. My current project has zigzags, and i’m wondering if i should keep them or convert to coils.

Coil springs are considered the 'gold standard' of comfort and quality. They usually require a deeper seat frame than zig zag.

Zig zag springs are cheaper, easier to use and are generally used in lower end furniture, and can use a shallower seat frame.

I suppose the amount of time it gets used will determine how important max comfort is. If it's going to be used for longer periods of sit time, the upgrade would surely be worth the extra cost of material and labor, imho.