How to Choose a Sturdy Sofa

A sofa is one of the most heavily used pieces of furniture in your home. It can also be one of the most expensive pieces of furniture in your home. Whether you have a teenager who flops and sprawls, multiple family members in various sizes or large pets, it is important to choose a sturdy sofa. Quality sofas should last for years without sagging, squeaking or breaking. Knowing what to look for when you purchase a sofa is the key to finding a superior product.

Instructions

- 1
  Ask the sales rep about the sofa frame. Sturdy frames are made of kiln-dried hardwood and furniture-grade plywood.
- 2
  Inspect the frame joints to see if they are reinforced. Many stores allow the salesperson to remove a dust cover near one of the legs to enable you to look at the frame joints. Quality furniture often has corner blocks that are screwed in place. If the store does not allow you to check this area, consider going to another store.
- 3
  Check out the back of the sofa. The sofa should have a wooden and solid foam back covered with padding, even if it also has loose cushions.
- 4
  Check out the polyurethane foam cushioning in the padding and cushions; a density of at least 1.8 pounds is needed, according to the Colorado State University Extension website. This keeps your sofa from sagging from regular use.
- 5
  Lift the cushions off the sofa. Press down on the area beneath -- the deck -- to see if the springs are evenly distributed and resist pressure equally.
- 6
  Ask someone to hold down one arm of the sofa while you lift up the opposite arm. If you feel the sofa twist, it is not sturdy.
- 7
  Sit down on the furniture to check for comfort and any squeaking.

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