Buying Guide to Sofas

One of the largest and most expensive pieces of furniture is the sofa. It's also one of the most used pieces of furniture in the home depending on where it's located. Before you run off to the closest furniture gallery, take some time to ponder basic questions and come up with answers that will serve you well when on a sofa buying mission. Don't get stuck with a big ticket item that doesn't fit bill. The buying guide to sofas outlines the basics of a sofa, what to look for on your shopping expedition and the questions to ask in the quest for the perfect sofa.

Sofa Basics:
Most are made to order leaving the door wide open to explore the possibilities. Look for sofas crafted with quality and product integrity. A vast variety of styles may boggle the mind, but once your particular style is pinpointed the selection process will be smoother. Buying options may include the following. Most companies offer so many choices that you may wish that there were fewer alternatives. Some options are an assortment of stain colors for legs and decorative wood. You can choose a pleated or ruffled skirt or no skirt at all. You can often select bun feet or turned legs. There are couches with rolled arms and no arms. Backs come attached, semi-attached or simply large pillows that sit loose on the cushions. Choose from loads of styles, colors, patterns, and textures to create a sofa that fits your lifestyle.

Sofa Buying - The FRAME:
The frame of a sofa is the skeleton. Frames must be able to withstand a substantial amount of weight and use. Maple and oak provide durability and strength to sofa frames and should be considered the top choices. Pine and spruce are softer and lack the enduring quality of harder woods, but are still reliable as a sofa frame. Stay away from plywood, particle board, steel or plastic. Frames made from these products tend to warp or crack and won't go the distance. If the skeleton is sturdy the possibility of having it reupholstered when the fabric wears out offers added value to the purchase.