Which Kinds of Sofas Last Longer?
A sofa can be a big investment and sofas that last aren’t always easy to identify. When shopping for this type of furniture, you will want to look for sofas that are comfortable and well-made. The best-quality sofa brands have characteristics that are easy to recognize once you know what to look for. You need not spend a fortune to find sofas that last for many years.
Frames that use 1 3/4-inch staple will last longer, but it is not always possible to find out what size staples were used in the couch’s frame. You can check with the furniture retailer or manufacturer for some of these more technical specifications before you buy.
The longest-lasting (and most expensive) sofa frames are built by connecting wood tabs into holes, called mortise-and-tenon joinery. These sofas usually cost $2,000 or more. A more common frame construction uses dowels, screws, glue and staples plus corner blocks and extra wood pieces.
Educated consumers understand the importance of researching before making large purchases, like sofas. Wirecutter suggests starting by looking at the couch’s frame. Some are made from plastic and others from steel or laminated boards, but wood is the best bet. The most durable frames are constructed from dense hardwood, like walnut, maple or teak. These generally last longer than lower-priced wood, like Douglas fir and pine.
Pocket coils are not recommended by Wirecutter, as they are not as good at distributing weight evenly; can leave indentations in the cushions. Drop-in coils are not much better and are described as squeaky. When testing couches, sit on different parts of them and listen for any squeaks. Another less common suspension system is polypropylene webbing. This can be more affordable but may not feel as comfortable.
Just like automobiles, couches and sofas also have suspension systems. Wirecutter advises buyers that these springs add comfort, and the most common type is a sinuous system of springs. These are constructed with heavy-gauge wires formed into vertical, S-shaped coils that are then reinforced with metal tie rods. Eight-way, hand-tied, spring suspensions are also highly rated.
One way to check for poor craftmanship is to try wiggling the couch. If it does actually wiggle, this is a sure sign that its structural quality is subpar. The longest-lasting couches will remain steady and solid when you attempt to shake them.
Architectural Digest explains that fabric choice should be the last decision when buying a couch. The best-quality sofa brands usually offer their pieces in a variety of upholstery choices, from leather to luxury fabrics, like silk. Microfiber and faux suede are popular and offer many color and pattern options, and leather is among the most durable and stands up to the test of time. Families with children and pets will want to look for stain-resistant, durable materials. Textiles with tighter weaves and longer filaments pill less.
Cushion comfort depends on personal preference. Some people prefer super-soft ones into which they can sink, while others look for firmer support. Cushions can be filled with memory foam, poly-wrapped foam, innerspring cores or down. Memory foam is form-fitting and dense, while poly-wrapped is supportive and easy to care for.