If you’re looking to buy a new sofa, you want to ensure it is high quality. But many sofas are not built to last. For example, the frame may be made of cheap wood or particle board; joints may not fit together tightly; and there may be too much space between the seat cushions and back cushions. If so, the sofa will start to fall apart quickly.
The five factors of sofa quality
Whether you are looking for a corner sofa, a sofa bed or any other type of sofa, it’s important to consider the quality of the furniture. There are five factors that affect the upholstery quality of a sofa: the frame, joints, suspensions, seat cushioning and fill, and upholstery material.
The frame is the foundation of the sofa and should be made of sturdy wood or metal. The joints are the connecting points and should be well-crafted and strong. The suspensions hold up the cushions and should be able to support weight without sagging. Cushioning and fill provide comfort and support, and should be high-quality materials like foam, feathers, or down. Finally, upholstery protects the sofa from daily wear and tear.
Factor 1: Frame
The frame is the most important part of a sofa. It should be made of sturdy materials and be structurally sound. It should have a firm feel to the touch, with no wobbling or creaking noises when moved. Sofa frames tend to come with either square arms or flared arms. If you prefer a sofa frame with wider arms, make sure they’ll sturdy as people may use them as a seat too. The back frame is the foundation of proper back support and its shape is also important to consider. There are four main types of frames.
Particle board
Strong, durable, and affordable; usually covered with a thin layer of wood or veneer that is easy to clean and scratch resistant
Hardwood
Beautiful and sturdy; generally strong and durable, but some types of wood are stronger than others
- Unstained pine – usually not as expensive as oak and other hardwoods, but staining it can cost about the same
- Oak – strong and long lasting; best option for a stained finish
- Birch – strong and has a light colour; can be stained to any colour
Kiln dried hardwood
Extra strong and long lasting; it is strong and durable, and it can withstand a lot of wear and tear. The manufacturing process of kiln drying hardwood makes it resistant to corrosion, which makes it a good choice for a sofa that will be in a humid environment.
Metal
Lightweight and corrosion resistant; a good choice because it is lightweight and corrosion resistant. It is also a good choice for a sofa that will be in a humid environment
Factor 2: Joints
The joints are also important, as they hold the frame together. They should be strong and well-made welds and rivets, so they can withstand regular use. Wood joints hold up longer than metal joints, but they can also warp over time, especially if exposed to humidity. The more expensive the sofa, the better the quality of joints used.
Metal screws
Stronger than nylon screws and will not rust over time
Nylon inserts
Allow for a screw to be inserted tightly so there won’t be any play after installation, but they can dry out over time and become brittle
Mortise and tenon
Strong wood joint, ideal for a solid frame; used by high-end sofas
Factor 3: Suspensions
The suspension unit are what keep the sofa from sagging over time. They should be made of high-quality materials, so they can provide good bounce for the seating area and last for years.
Webbed suspension systems
The most common type of sofa seat suspensions. They use a network of webbing straps to support the cushions. Watch out for elasticated webbing as it tends to not be so durable.
Sinuous springs
Also popular, and these use metal coil springs to provide support. Also known as serpentine springs. Some times a network of solid steel serpentine springs are further enhanced with a feature known as a fishmouth sprung edge.
Eight-way hand-tied springs
Are considered to be the best type of seat suspension, as they offer great support and can last longer.
Factor 4: Cushioning and fill
Sofa cushioning or upholstered seating is important for comfort and to protect the furniture from wear and tear. It also provides comfort and insulation from the frame and suspensions. There are four main types of cushioning materials: foam, spring coil, fibre, and feather.
Foam
The most common type of seat cushion and comes in a variety of densities and firmness levels. It is usually made of polyurethane, which makes it durable and long lasting.
Spring coil
Also a popular choice for seat cushions, as it is durable and provides good support. Coiled springs are usually wrapped in foam or batting to provide comfort.
Fibre or polyester fibre
Another popular choice for cushioned seats, as it is soft, comfortable, and can be easily cleaned. Some also provide a combination of foam with a fibre wrap.
Feather
The most luxurious type of cushioning, as it is soft and feels comfortable. It provides good insulation, but it does need regular plumping (some cushions daily), as it can lose its fluffiness. A more affordable option for feather fillings is to have a foam core with a feather topping.
Other types of cushions
Foam, fibre and feather cushion fillings also apply to other types of cushions such as sofa cushion, back cushions, loose cushions or t cushion (the type of cushion that wraps around the arms). Some sofas feature fixed seats, which means they’ve been sprung and upholstered with no cushions to flip.
Factor 5: Upholstery fabric
When it comes to choosing a sofa, one of the most important factors to consider is the quality of the upholstery material. Not all fabrics and leathers are created equal, and it’s important to inspect them closely before making a purchase.
Cheap fabrics can look good at first glance, but they often fade or wear quickly. Leathers can be tempting for their luxurious look and feel, but they can also be quite expensive. It’s important to find a sofa with a leather or fabric that will stand up to everyday use.
Some fabrics and leathers are more resistant to stains and spills, while others require more regular cleaning and care. Make sure to choose a sofa with a material that will be easy to maintain.
Leather or faux leather
Make sure that the leather is thick and of good quality. Generally, the best way to do this is by touching the sofa. Good quality leather should be very smooth and free of flaws. It will have a natural sheen to it, which you should feel when inspecting the sofa. You will also find sofas with semi aniline leather or another type of coated fabric as a more affordable option.
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Fabrics
Most common types of materials for fabric sofas include cotton, polyester, acrylic, linen and velvet.
- Cotton is the most popular upholstery material. It’s a natural fibre that provides the durable upholstery.
- Polyester fibres are sturdy and long-lasting. Polyester is also resistant to stains, although oil absorption into the fabric is easy.
- Linen is breathable, comfortable, and non-toxic. You won’t cling to a linen sofa in the same way you would to a leather or acrylic sofa.
- Acrylic, another sort of synthetic fabric, is also available. It comes in bright and vivacious colours, is simple to maintain, and dries quickly. It’s ideal for outdoor seating.
- Velvet exudes luxury, however the cost is usually high, and the material has a unique texture.
Also, keep in mind that lower-quality sofas are made with fabric that can’t withstand bright sunlight or direct heat sources – if your sofa is going to be in a room with a lot of sunlight or heat, make sure it’s made of quality fabric that can stand the test against those elements.
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Checking durability of upholstery materials
The Martindale test is a popular way of checking the durability of upholstery fabrics. The test is carried out by rubbing a piece of fabric against a rotating wheel, and then measuring how much damage the fabric has sustained. The higher the Martindale score, the more durable the fabric is.
Leathers can also be tested using the Martindale method, although there are other tests that are used as well. For example, the abrasion resistance test measures how well the leather resists wear and tear.
When choosing a sofa, it’s important to make sure that the fabric or leather has a Martindale score of at least 20-25,000 – this will ensure that it will last for many years.
If you’re keen to get into more details on upholstery fabrics, check out one of our latest articles on How to Choose The Right Upholstery Fabric for Your Sofa!
Check quality of sofa beds and sectional sofas
Sofa beds
Specifically for sofa beds, it is also important to inspect the quality of the mattress. If the sofa bed comes with a pull out mechanism, you’ll likely find wooden platform of slats to support the mattress. As for sleeping comfort, sofa beds with a sprung mattress is the most common.
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Sectional and corner sofa
As sectional sofas often are delivered in parts, it’s important to check the quality of how the different modules connect. You want to avoid your sofa coming apart because of a cheap metal connector that doesn’t stand the test of time.
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How to inspect the quality of a sofa
When buying a sofa, it is important to look for certain features that indicate quality. The frame of the sofa should be sturdy and well-made, with no loose or wobbly joints. The suspensions should be strong and able to support the weight of the sofa and its occupants. The cushioning should be thick and comfortable, and the fill should be high-quality (e.g. feather, foam, etc.). Finally, feel the quality of the material and watch out for unfinished edges.
Get your hands dirty
Do not hesitate to get down on the floor and look at the underside of the sofa to get a closer look at its construction. This will also help you determine if it’s made of solid wood or particleboard. When inspecting the sofa springs, make sure that they are not torn or shredded and that the frame itself is not damaged by rust or corrosion. Take a look at the thickness of the upholstery – it should be well-made with no loose threads. Make sure there are no loose threads or unfinished edges. The fabric should be of good quality and properly attached to the frame.
Try it out!
If possible, try sitting on it for a bit. It should be comfortable and sturdy; you don’t want it wobbling or creaking with your weight! The springing system of upholstered furniture is very important. The best springs are eight-way hand-tied springs, which are more expensive but worth it in terms of quality and durability. If you’re not sure what spring system your sofa has, ask for help. If you can, test it out with your family – with this piece of furniture it’s important to have enough room and seating space for family life.
Conclusion
When it comes to buying a sofa, it is important to inspect all of its features and components in order to determine if the quality is up to par. The five factors you should look for when inspecting a sofa are: frame, joints, suspensions, cushioning, and fill. Additionally, make sure to feel the quality of the material and watch out for unfinished edges. If you’re not sure what to look for, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
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