Furniture doesn’t come with an expiration date. But there are ways to tell when a piece as important as the sofa needs to be replaced. But few people know how the telltale signs of aging differ from that of general wear and tear, so they often don’t replace their furniture when they should. In fact, most people think that a mid-priced sofa will last for over 20 years and don’t even consider replacing a piece until then unless it is damaged beyond repair.
At Payless, our goal is to help you furnish your home with quality pieces of furniture. We work closely with brands to make sure we get a great deal on furniture from the manufacturer; the savings are passed on to you- the customer. But we think that there is more to furnishing a home than choosing the pieces of furniture you want to see every day. You need to have knowledge about the pieces you are looking at in order to make educated, informed decisions about the furniture you are considering for your home. So we have put together this guide to answer the question ‘how long should sofas last?’, so you can spend your hard-earned money wisely and learn when your sofa will be past its prime so you can prioritize your comfort every day.
Determining The Lifespan
Every sofa is different. So we cannot tell you the lifespan of your exact sofa. But we can give you guidance on how you can figure out what its approximate lifespan is.
To determine how long should sofas last, you need to know:
-What material the sofa is upholstered in.
-The frame type.
-The joint type.
A leather sofa can last for generations if it is well maintained. While a fabric piece may only last for 10 years, even if it is cared for well as the structure of the materials is very different.
Similarly, a sofa will a kiln-dried hardwood frame should last for a minimum of 15 years as the wood is specially treated to remain strong and sturdy after years of use. A sofa with a metal frame may become warped after a similar level of use, but in most cases, it will last longer than a sofa with a particleboard frame as these frames are known to become damaged in under 5 years- especially if you have young children that like to play on and around the sofa.
Joint type is often overlooked when people ask us, ‘how long should sofas last?’ But the type of joints your sofa has may be the determining factor in how long should sofas last. A piece that has been joined with dowels will last longer than a piece that has been joined with staples. A piece joined with dowels and secured with glue and staples will last longer than a piece that has just been secured with dowels. You should check the joints of your sofa on your manufacturer’s website to see how they have been joined.
If you feel overwhelmed by all of this information and you are looking for general advice about the average lifespan of a sofa, keep reading.
A quality sofa should last for a minimum of 7 years. It may still be useable for 15 years, but you should consider replacing your sofa when the seats start to sag (to the point of not supporting you). When this happens, it means that the fabric has become worn, and this will cause the frame to start breaking down, leading to squeaking or creaking. If you hear creaking, you should replace your sofa as soon as you can so you can start enjoying your living room to its full potential again.
What Are The Signs That You Should Replace Your Sofa?
Figuring out when you need to replace your sofa isn’t an exact science.
Here are our tips to learn when you need to replace your sofa…
When the fabric of the sofa shows obvious signs of wear and tear, e.g., the material is fraying where it shouldn’t, the material is discolored, or the material is scratched. If you notice any damage like this, then it’s time to start looking for a new sofa.
You can extend the lifespan of your sofa by placing it away from windows that get a lot of direct sunlight. Sunlight will bleach the color from certain materials over time, so if you have to place it in the path of the sun, then you should protect your investment by covering it with a throw blanket.
If your sofa starts to creak, then you need to replace it as this is a sign that its structure is starting to break down. Don’t wait until a spring pops loose and pokes your guests during a party!
If you aren’t sure if you need to replace your sofa, ask yourself whether the sofas you have are still comfortable. If you enjoy sitting in it, great! Keep using it until you feel a fault. But if it starts to sag and you feel that there is little cushion left worth saving, then it’s time to look for a replacement.
Is Reupholstering A Worthwhile Option?
If you have come to this article looking for a reason not to replace your sofa, you may have been disappointed by the topics we have covered so far. But there are some reasons we think it could be worthwhile to reupholster your sofa.
For example, if the piece is of heirloom quality and it has been damaged accidentally, then you should consider reupholstering it as it will likely last for years more once it is fixed.
If you have an emotional connection to the piece, then consider the costs involved in reupholstering it. But choose comfort over memory as you may come to resent the piece if you decided to keep it.
If you choose the reupholster the piece, then you need to know what type of fabric is best. If you only need to reupholster one cushion, then select a material that is close in color to the remaining cushions. If you are reupholstering the entire piece, then consider taking this as your opportunity to refresh the piece and make it more modern with a new exciting print.
But before you commit to this, you must make sure that the sofa’s structure is sound. If it is, and the fabric is the only part of the sofa that is worn, reupholstering might be a good option for you as it could end up saving you money in the long run. Take the time to examine the springs in the frame. Quality springs are coiled and tied with twine. Look out for rubber panels in place of springs. Sofas with this spring structure are perfect candidates for reupholstery.
Should You Do It Yourself?
Even the craftiest person should pause before they jump into this kind of project. If you have never reupholstered an item before, then you may need to take a class or learn about reupholstery techniques to make sure you don’t damage the piece in the process.
Professionals are highly skilled, so we would recommend that you pay someone to do this for you, especially if you plan to keep the piece in your life for many more years.
Once you have weighed up all of your options and the costs involved, you need to decide what route you want to take – whether or not you want to reupholster your item or purchase new furniture to replace it.
While reupholstering your current sofa will preserve an existing piece and save you money in the short term, buying a new piece of furniture will give you peace of mind that you’ve purchased something that won’t have any hidden problems. So you can rest easy every evening.
We hope this guide helps you understand how long your sofa should last, and when it is time to buy a new one. If you still have questions about how long should sofas last, visit us in store today.
A member of our knowledgeable design team will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about how to determine the lifespan of your sofa and guide you through your options if it is time to select a new piece. If you know you need to replace your sofa and you want personalized advice, then bring the dimensions of the room you are furnishing with you along with some photos of your desired aesthetic, and someone will help you pick out your ideal piece. We carry a huge collection of sofas in our Great Falls store, so we are confident that you will find a piece you love when you shop with us.
We service Great Falls, Black Eagle, Conrad, Choteau, Fairfield, and surrounding areas, so visit Payless Furniture and Mattress at 116 Central Ave West. Let one of our experienced staff members pair you with your perfect sofa.