How Long Does a Couch Last?

Average Life Expectancy

• The typical couch should last 10 to 15 years, but a low-quality sofa may wear out sooner. Couches that receive gentle or infrequent use will hold up for more than 15 years. Most furniture manufacturers offer 10-year warranties that guarantee against structural defects in the spring system and frame. To gauge the quality of a couch's hidden structure, find out how long the manufacturer covers the components. The most heavy-duty sofas come with limited lifetime warranties.

Actual Replacement Schedule

• Most homeowners replace their couch before it completely caves in or collapses. The average person shops for a replacement every 7 to 10 years, but not necessarily because of structural problems. Even if a couch's frame and suspension are still intact, the upholstery may show signs of wear, or the homeowner may simply want a new look. Most people buy new rather than reupholster their furniture.

Signs of Quality

• Lightweight sofas typically have weak, wood-composite frames, while weighty couches possess tough-as-nails hardwood frames. If the manufacturer screws and glues all joints, the frame will last longer than one with nonreinforced joints. Cushions stuffed with polyester and polyurethane will outlast down cushions. If you must have down cushions, choose a down-polyester combination for more longevity. Couches with hand-tied, eight-way coil systems won't sag for at least 10 years while four-way coil systems will droop sooner. Durable upholstery can survive 15,000 to 30,000 rubs before fraying, as measured by the Wyzenbeek fabric test.

Maintenance Tips

• If your couch has a solid frame, consider reupholstering the sofa rather than replacing it. The upholsterer will not only change the exterior fabric but also will tighten the springs and replace the stuffing. Don't let kids jump on the couch, and follow the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines. Periodically remove the cushions, and vacuum dirt and food out of the crevices as debris will rub the fabric and cause premature fraying. To protect the fabric from fading, use a slipcover or keep your couch out of direct sunlight.