If you are in the market for a new sofa, you should know how to find a high-quality model. A solid wood frame is an essential feature, but you also need to consider the fabric and cushion fillings. The price should also be a factor, as well. Read on to learn more about the qualities of high-quality sofas. Then, use this guide to pick out the best sofa for your home.
Solid wood frame
A solid wood frame is a key consideration when purchasing a sofa. Solid hardwood furniture is more durable and will not dent or warp, but it also may have natural imperfections. You can also look for joints called mortise and tenon. These are square-jointed joints that join two pieces of wood. Mortise and tenon joints are common on solid wood furniture. The advantages of solid wood furniture are many.
When looking for a high-end sofa, look for kiln-dried hardwood. This wood is more stable and pliable than particleboard or MDF, which are cheaper and more commonly used in the production of lower-end furniture. Hardwoods such as oak and maple are also stronger and more durable than soft woods, such as poplar. Quality engineered wood incorporates mortise-and-tenon joints, which are permanent and durable.
Older pieces are usually made with a solid wood frame. You’ll know if a piece is solid by its age. If it is more than ten years old, it probably needs to be reupholstered, but it’s not necessarily falling apart structurally. Look for pieces that are more durable and well-made than younger pieces. By following these tips, you can determine if a sofa has a solid wood frame.
When buying a sofa, consider how much customization you want. A solid wood frame offers more flexibility for customization, which is a significant benefit for many buyers. Even if the sofa has been made in China, it’s likely made in Europe. A steel frame is not only more expensive, but it’s also harder to customize compared to a solid wood frame. Therefore, it’s best to buy a sofa with solid wood or a composite frame.
Fabric
One of the most important things to consider when buying a sofa is the fabric used to cover it. It should be made from a high-quality material with characteristics such as wear resistance, washability, and colorfastness. Ask for a fabric spec sheet when you’re buying a sofa and look at it in natural and artificial light. A few days later, you can look at it again.
The upholstery and seams should be well-done. Look for a patterned or solid fabric that matches across the base and back. Striped fabric will look unfinished and unprofessional. Check to see that the welting is even and running straight. Also, make sure the sofa has full upholstery, which means the fabric is covering the entire piece. Some cheaper manufacturers use a liner for the cushions which is unsightly and distracts from the aesthetics.
Upholstery is important if you plan to use it for several years. Quality fabrics are more resilient and can last for more than a decade. While most fabrics can be considered “sturdy,” you should be aware that these materials are not necessarily durable. Some materials, such as pine, are soft and prone to sagging. To avoid this, try to look for a higher-quality fabric.
Lastly, a good-quality sofa will be made of premium materials. Cheaper, mass-produced sofas are typically upholstered with inferior materials and suffer from premature fading and aging. They also tend to lose the “new” feel that a new sofa has. There are many factors to consider when buying a sofa. Listed below are some tips that can help you evaluate the quality of a couch.
One of the most important details to look for in a sofa’s construction is the way it is assembled. If the frames are joined by wooden corner blocks or double wooden dowels, then they are a sign of high quality. Otherwise, you should look for metal screws and brackets as well. Finally, look for high-density foam. A dense foam is essential to long-term comfort.
Cushion fillings
How to tell if a sofa is made of good quality cushion fillings is a critical part of buying a new sofa. You may be surprised to discover that down isn’t the only good quality filling, however. Polyester fiber, duck down, and down-blends are all good choices as well. These types of fillings are low-cost and easy to maintain, although they don’t rebound as quickly as down. Nevertheless, they are durable and comfortable, and are ideal for those with allergies. Lastly, a good quality sofa will have a down-poly blend as well as a down-blend filling.
A good cushion filling is not necessarily better than a cheap one, but you can use a test to determine if a cushion is good quality. When you compare two different cushion fillings on a sofa, make sure to sit on each one in the same spot. Seat positions and frame construction affect how your body rests, so try to find a middle seat and an end seat. Then, take a nap on each cushion for a few minutes and compare the two. You will probably notice a difference.
Foam density is another indicator of quality. Typically, cushion fillings are made from down or goose feathers, with down being firmer than goose feathers. In the United States, the most common density of foam used for residential furniture is 1.8. A good cushion should contain a foam core that is between four and six inches thick. The core is wrapped with a thin layer of dacron polyester fiber that is usually 0.5 to 1.5 inches thick. The fiber wrap adds a few inches to the total cushion thickness, but has no effect on its life span.
Sofa cushions should be made of the correct material. Fiber and feather fillings are fine for slouchy sofas, while foam and feathers are best for structured sofas. Foam and feather combination cushions are also an excellent option. Some producers even combine both foam and feather filling in the cushions. Regardless of the type of filling used, it is important to choose a quality cushion, so you can rest assured that it will last a long time.
Price
The upholstery of a sofa matters, both when it comes to its looks and durability. High-performance fabrics are designed to withstand daily use and can last over a decade. However, natural fibres and synthetic materials differ in durability. When choosing fabric for your sofa, you need to consider wear, colourfastness, and washability. Depending on how much you use it, a lighter fabric might only last a few years, while a heavier one may last decades.
When purchasing a new sofa, try performing simple tests to determine its quality. Lift one corner of the sofa and listen closely for creaking sounds. A sofa with poorly installed springs will make creaking noises. Also, test the comfort of the cushioning. If the cushions are loose or uncomfortable, the sofa may not be durable enough. Lastly, make sure the measurements are accurate. Ultimately, the quality of a sofa depends on how many years it will last.
Before making a purchase, inspect the upholstery and seams on a sofa. Make sure to report any tears or splits immediately. The upholstery should be clean and well-finished. Zips should open and close easily and the sofa’s upholstery should match the rest of the room. You should also check that the upholstery and seams are straight and match each other. If a sofa is made of leather, you can check whether the fabric is Staingard-treated. This is an additional layer of fabric protection that can last a lifetime.
Another important detail to consider is how the sofa is constructed. Quality sofas use premium materials for the upholstery. In fact, two identical-looking sofas can differ in price considerably. The difference between high-quality sofas and shoddy ones lies in the quality of their internal construction. A sofa’s frame and filling determine how comfortable it is to sit on. If it is not, it will feel uncomfortable or unstable.
The next factor to look for is the material used for the frame. Some sofas are made from particleboard, a soft wood that may warp within five years. On the other hand, a hardwood frame is more durable. A sofa should have three-part joints, not two. The legs should also be attached to the frame, not glued. The frame should be sturdy and the back cushions should be padded to 1.5 pounds or more. Otherwise, the sofa could become uncomfortable over time.