How can I make over a bamboo couch starting from its frame?

You can put a piece of plywood for support if you need it. Is it possible to add cushions? Perhaps on top of the current frame. If not, you might possibly be able to re upholster.

Can you share a photo to help with ideas? :)

Here's an idea for fixing your broken springs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dRCIwstlLc

As for cushions, they're not that hard to make. See this tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLqwPmBVhGc

Cathy: maybe you'll get some ideas here:

https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/sofa-so-good-10-creative-ways-to-revive-a-tired-old-couch-49970

Remove the springs and replace with 3/4" plywood. You can make your own cushions. You can also reupholster the sofa.

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=make%20cushions

I have heard of people using zip ties to fix the broken springs.

This may be helpful https://www.hometalk.com/diy/living-room/furniture/outdoor-furniture-old-wicker-couch-refinish-5263914 You can try making that style of cushions for the makeover.

Cathy

Here is a quick fix for broken springs

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/98657048059912545/

Hi Cathy, here's a lovely video that will show you how to fix the broken springs - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zzHpqNgsWA

That is a complete re-upholstery job from the ground up. Basically re-making an entire couch. That is an extremely expensive to take in to a shop. You might be better off just buying a new couch for the price. However if you are good at this stuff and really want to keep it, I would do it yourself but if the springs are broken you will need to get new springs. Depending how and what type of springs were used, you can buy new couch springs on amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=couch+springs&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

I buy all types of re-upholstery supplies on amazon. They have a lot!

Then you will need to watch some videos on how the coils and springs get put in and tied together. I don't know exactly what type of springs were already used before so it is hard to say which video to watch depending on what type of springs.

As for the cushions.....you are also talking about a lot of money. When you go to Joanne Fabrics, look at the raw cushions and their prices. It's expensive. You are almost better off buying some already made outdoor cushions in the spring and seeing if you can change the fabric or use them as is. Then you will have to buy all new fabric. For a couch, you are talking at least 7-10 yards of fabric. Upholstery fabric these days will run you $25-60 per yard for good fabric.

And.... all of that cost, doesn't even add up to the amount of time it takes to re-upholster a couch. I'm not trying to talk you out of it because I have re-upholstered couches and heirloom chairs and I love doing it!! BUT the biggest thing is really evaluating if this type of couch is worth all the trouble.

Check out one of my latest re-upholstery jobs and the cost breakdown. This was a very small couch/bench. I was able to do ok on the price but the couch was in good shape and I didn't need to repair or replace any of the insides.

https://karupp-did.net/bench-beforeafter/

These are all things you will want to think about. If you are all in...yay! Go for it!!! Good luck!

If you want to abandon the springs, then look at webbing or a platform of plywood to support new cushions.

Yes this is a ton of work for a beginner.

Webbing is definitely a cool idea that someone mentioned! You can always replace the springs with plywood and then replace with cushions or futons - that would be nice and comfy!

How much are you willing to spend on this project? Upholstery foam is not inexpensive, and lumber prices are increasing as well. I would suggest that you price out the entire list of supplies needed first before you dive into this project. It may be more cost effective to purchase a new, or second-hand couch rather than trying to revive this one.