HOW TO JUDGE THE QUALITY OF A SOFA

HOW TO JUDGE THE QUALITY OF A SOFA

If you want to judge the quality of a sofa, go beyond what it looks like. Quality goes deeper than looks, and that is why two identical-looking sofas can vary so much in price. What lies inside determines how your sofa rates for quality.

Different parts of the sofa—the frame, seating support, and filling—determine not only your sofa’s level of comfort but also its ability to retain its shape and stability in the years to come.


We at KUKABYARTERIO swear to fulfill all the criteria:


The Frame 

How long a sofa will last and retain its shape depends largely on the frame, and a high-quality sofa always has a strong, sturdy one. When looking at the frame of a sofa this is what you should consider:

· The best frame is made out of hardwood. In the process all moisture from the wood is removed, enabling it to retain its shape and stability over a long period of time. Softwood can bend and break easily, while knotted wood is prone to cracks.

· In a good-quality frame, the joints get special attention. They are glued and screwed. The corners are further strengthened by the addition of reinforcing blocks for extra support and strength.

· plywood and particle board frames are inferior, especially if they are held together with staples. Additional layers of plywood can help reinforce the frame as construction matters as much as material. If you must choose a sofa with a plywood frame, make sure it has at least 11 to 13 layers of plywood.


Seating Support 

The seating support is also an important component in determining the quality of a sofa. It works in tandem with the frame and the filling. A sturdy frame provides an anchor for good seating support and filling augments it. You should always test the quality of sofa by sitting on a sofa before you buy it. It shouldn’t sag, and it should provide good support in the seat and in the back.


Cushion Filling

Now that you have considered the frame and seating support, it is time to look at what kind of filling is used for the cushions.

· The most common filling is high-density polyurethane. The higher the density, the firmer the cushion will be. Foam can be wrapped in softer material or cotton to make it softer.

· Make sure that you are getting high-density foam because lesser-quality foam can start breaking down pretty quickly, causing sags, and the fabric does not stay taut when that happens.

· If you want a really soft seat, consider down cushions. These are considered to be the premium choice, and as you might imagine they are also among the most expensive. High-quality cushions have down-proof ticking under the upholstery fabric to prevent feathers from poking through. Cushions filled just with down are high-maintenance and can need daily attention.

· Down used in combination with other materials is also a good option but also another expensive option. Pads made out of a Dacron polyester fiber and down, known as Blendown pads, are wrapped around high-density foam.

· These pads can also be used with springs that have been wrapped up in foam. High-density foam surrounds the springs, which are then wrapped in down pads. The result is a soft surface with strong, resilient support inside. This is a good option because the cushions do not lose their shape easily.



The Bottom Line

All in all the quality doesn’t come cheap, but a good quality sofa will stay more comfortable and retain its looks for a long time. Consider buying the best quality that you can afford.