Ordering a sofa online sounds convenient—until the box arrives and you're left wondering, “Do I have to build this myself?”
Yes, compression sofas require assembly—but the process is designed to be simple, tool-friendly, and doable by one or two people in under an hour.
Unlike traditional bulky furniture, compression sofas are made for easy transport and DIY setup. If you’ve ever assembled flat-pack furniture, this will feel familiar—only comfier in the end.
What makes compression sofas easier to assemble?
If you’re used to traditional sofas arriving in one piece (and barely fitting through the door), compression sofas flip the script.
Compression sofas come vacuum-sealed or flat-packed in boxes, with modular parts that snap, slide, or screw together easily.
Here’s why they’re so user-friendly:
- Pre-drilled holes and labeled parts
- Step-by-step printed (and often video) instructions
- No need for power tools or special equipment
- Most use clip-in backrests and slide-in arms
At HSM, we test every design with new users to ensure our instructions are easy to follow—even for someone assembling furniture for the first time.
What does the unboxing and setup look like?
Before the assembly, you’ll need to unbox and decompress the sofa.
Step 1: Open the box carefully—don’t slice too deep or you risk cutting the upholstery.
Step 2: Lay out all parts on the floor and let any foam cushions expand (usually 4–24 hours).
Step 3: Organize the frame, arms, legs, and hardware so you’re ready to start.
Most compression sofas come in one or two boxes. A typical layout includes:
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sofa base frame | 1 |
| Backrest panel | 1 |
| Arms | 2 |
| Legs or base feet | 4 |
| Cushions | 2–4 |
| Hardware pack | 1 |
| Manual | 1 |
We recommend opening your box in the room where the sofa will live—it saves the effort of moving it twice.
What tools will I need?
Good news—most of the time, everything you need is in the box.
Compression sofas usually require just a screwdriver or Allen wrench, and many models include these in the kit.
Common tools:
- Allen wrench (usually included)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Scissors or box cutter (for unpacking)
- Optional: small rubber mallet (for tight fits)
At HSM, we use universal tool slots and include extras when possible to keep assembly quick and frustration-free.
What are the steps to assemble a compression sofa?
Here’s a typical assembly process broken down into manageable steps:
-
Attach the legs
- Flip the base over and screw the legs into pre-marked holes.
-
Insert or slide in the armrests
- These usually slot into a groove or metal latch system. A “click” sound means it’s locked.
-
Attach the backrest
- Align the connectors with the sofa base and slide or drop it into place.
-
Arrange the cushions
- Wait for foam to fully expand (some may take up to 24 hours) and then cover or Velcro into place.
-
Final check
- Sit, bounce, and adjust—make sure everything feels solid.
Most customers complete setup in 30–45 minutes.
Tip: Always check that the legs are tight and the backrest clicks fully into place. Loose fits can cause wobble.
Is professional help needed?
In most cases—no.
Compression sofas are designed for solo or two-person assembly, and professional help is rarely needed unless you prefer white-glove service.
That said, if you:
- Have mobility limitations
- Are setting up multiple units at once (e.g., for a showroom or rental)
- Just hate assembling things
… then hiring help might be worth it.
HSM offers optional assembly services for bulk buyers or international distributors—just ask when you order.
Can I disassemble the sofa if I move?
Absolutely—and this is one of the best things about compression sofas.
They can be disassembled and repacked into their original or smaller boxes, making them perfect for renters, students, and nomads.
This makes returns, storage, or moves simple. Our clients in the short-term rental business love this flexibility.
Just keep the tools and packaging or grab reusable zip bags and boxes.
Conclusion
Compression sofas do require assembly—but it’s designed to be fast, intuitive, and stress-free. With clear instructions and basic tools, anyone can enjoy premium comfort without calling a handyman.