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The Secret About Sofas
If you are not familiar with the manufacturer or the quality of the product line, there are things you should ask the salespeople about. What is the frame made of, and how is it constructed? Try to purchase one that is built with kiln-dried hardwoods and maybe with plywood. Ideally, the frame should be glued, screwed, double-dowelled and have corner blocks. These will all mean a stronger structure/base that will hold up well over time. Generally, if you hear that the frame is joined using staples, keep looking; this sofa will not last long, nor if it is built with any softwoods such as pine, although these will be very affordable. If the construction is a combo of staples and screws, softwoods and plywood, the sofa will stand up for a bit longer. For the legs, if they are part of the frame (the back ones mainly), that will mean a stronger structure as well. What is the deck construction (what is under the seat cushion)? The really good quality sofas will have eight-way hand-tied springs.These are coil springs with twine strings tied in eight ways by hand to support the seat. These last very long, but because of it being done by hand, the price goes up. There is a newer, more cost-effective method of still using the coil springs, but they are covered by Pirelli webbing (material that is very resilient and supportive). The webbing is strong and will still last long. It hasn't been around as long, so no one can say for sure if it will beat out the eight-way kind. However, since most people don't really care if their sofa lasts for 50 years choosing the Pirelli still will mean you are getting a sofa that will last long enough. There is also sinuous strung wire that are "S" shaped, and these are the preferred option for sleeker, modern sofas because they usually don't have the height for the normal spring. Since it is affordable, they are also being used in regular style sofas. These hold up fairly well and have a softer feel to them. The low-end is a web-suspension (like a hammock) that is attached to the frame creating a platform. It is more affordable, but will not last as long because it lacks the support. What are the cushions made of? This is where things can get really confusing because of the variety out there, so here is an abbreviated explanation. The top end is down, which has a wonderful feel, but they do require a lot of fluffing to keep them from compacting. A good alternative is High-resilient (HR) foam that is wrapped in polyester batting or down -- the latter being more expensive. Overall these are a good balance of strength and softness. The HR foam will not break down and will spring back to its original shape. Regular polyurethane foam is inexpensive and will not last long. If you just need a sofa to last for a few years and you would rather not put much investment into your sofa then this type will be good enough. Inspect the sofa! Feel the arms and back. If you can feel the frame through the fabric and padding that is a sign of lower quality. Move the arms around, too. If there is noticeable movement the joinery isn't very strong and this will loosen over time leading to squeaks. Lift the front corner of the sofa. If you are about 6" up and the other side at the front hasn't lifted off the floor there is too much flex in the frame and that is another sign of lower quality. After all this, you still have to trust what you are told or read about the sofa. If the manufacturer provides a warranty, which they should, make sure you are given a lifetime warranty on the spring system, at the minimum. Having them stand by their product is always a good sign. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com Melinda Richardson is co-owner of Premise Design, an interior design firm in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, providing interior design services including renovations and drafting for the home or office. Visit their website for more interior design tips. |
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