There are many different types of furniture. I will confine this answer to upholstered furniture only. Cushion construction is the single most important factor in determining the comfort and lifespan of your couch, sofa, or chair. Shown above – Ashton sofa by Simplicity Sofas< features standard 2.5 density HR Ultracel foam or optional spring down cushions. A … Read more
The lifespan of your couch will be determined by the first major component that wears out. That makes cushion construction the single most important factor in determining the lifespan of your couch. Ashton-Mid-Size-Leather-Sofa by Simplicity Sofas shown above A furniture industry survey recently indicated that most consumers expect their new couches to last only 3–5 years. … Read more
A couch that costs $5000 or more should last longer than a used car that can be purchased at that price. Keep in mind that if you try to resell that $5000 couch one year later (after it has been used) you will be lucky to get even $2000. Furniture depreciates even faster than cars. … Read more
Question: How is Ashley Furnitures Quality and is it worth to get the extended protection plan for a polyester polyurethane loveseat? Guy 8-30-2022 Answer: Check out my blog article What is the Quality of Ashley Furniture? An analysis of Ashley’s polyester/polyurethane faux leather fabric is included in my article, Does the Ashley Warnerton Have Bonded Leather or … Read more
The best brands of furniture are those that are custom-built, one piece at a time, using top quality materials. Over the past couple of decades there has been a shift in the way high end furniture is made and sold in the U.S. Several high quality manufacturers have closed down over the past 20 years. … Read more
In general reclining sofas have far higher rates of problems and complaints than stationary furniture made by the same company. It is the nature of the product. Reclining sofas combine frames that are inherently weaker than stationary furniture with heavy mechanisms that put tremendous stress on those frames. They also include mechanisms that are prone … Read more
The answer to this question depends on a wide variety of variables including: Where the reupholsterer’s shop is located. (New York City or Los Angeles can cost significantly more than North Carolina.) The skill and experience of the person doing the reupholstery. The current backlog of orders that the reupholster is working on. (Prices can … Read more
The best way to save money is to buy heirloom quality used furniture at estate sales, flea markets, consignment shops or retailers specializing in used furniture. If you have the time and skills to do restoration work you can pick up incredibly well made pieces for almost nothing. In many cases the former owners of … Read more
This blog article is outdated. Please click here for the updated &revised article dated 7-20-2023. All ratings and comments are based on Jeff Frank’s personal opinion and available information. The brands are listed from the highest to the lowest quality (in my opinion.) The first 9 manufacturers on this list produce higher quality … Read more
The simple answer is the quality of construction and the quality of the materials. For example: Fabric is available at $2 per yard or $200 per yard. Fine leathers can cost even more. Low density foam cushions may cost $30 for a set of three. High quality cushions can cost well over $100. No sag … Read more
The quick and simple answer is the cost of the materials, quality of construction and the skill of the person/people making the furniture. Here are just a few examples: Fabrics are available at $2 per yard or $200 per yard. Fine leathers and some specialty fabrics can cost even more. Inexpensive foam seat cushions are … Read more
All articles & reviews published in this blog are based on the experience & opinions of Jeff Frank, a 45 year furniture industry veteran..
If you feel that any of the information or opinions are outdated, incorrect, or misleading, please notify Jeff for a prompt correction.
