If a frame does break, it should be covered under IKEAs 10 year warranty.
Contents
- 0.1 The lifespan of cheap sofas is usually determined by their cushions.
- 0.1.1 Worn out cushions are not covered under any brands warranty.
- 0.1.2 Most IKEA cushions have the pocketed coil construction shown in the photo below:
- 0.1.3 7th Avenues website claims that the cushions should last 10+ years.
- 0.1.4 Over the past few years, over a dozen Sofa in a Box companies have appeared.
- 0.1.5 Sofa in a Box companies can be separated into two main categories:
- 0.1.6 Albany Park is an online retailer selling products made in China and Vietnam.
- 0.1.7 Product specifications appear to indicate good quality.
- 0.1.8 Independent reviews from Albany Park customers indicate an unusual number of complaints immediately after assembling the furniture.
- 0.1.9 Although there is supposed to be a 30 day in-home trial period, returns are apparently very difficult and expensive.
- 0.1.10 Sofa prices start at about $1200 (in fabric.) Sectional prices top out around $6500 (in leather.)
- 0.1.11 Allform has received multiple awards and overwhelmingly positive reviews.
- 0.2 Related articles
- 0.3 Need help on how to hire an assistant? Kimberley Seldon shares her strategies
- 0.4 Consumers want more options, so Sherrill ramps up custom bed program
- 0.4.1 In my opinion, Allform sofas and sectionals are built to last about 5 years (or less if used by larger than average size individuals.)
- 0.4.2 My 5 year lifespan estimate is based on how Allform (and its Bed in a Box competitors) all build their furniture.
- 0.4.3 In the $1200 $2000 price range, Allform is actually a pretty good value for this type of seating.
- 1 Apt2Bsells both imported seating & custom-built seating made in the USA.
- 2 Apt2Bs custom built seating is made by
- 3 DreamSofain Los Angeles, CA.
- 3.0.1 Arhaus combines a hardwood laminate (plywood) frame with a sinuous wire spring foundation.
- 3.0.2 Depending on the model, Arhaus cushions may have either a 1.8 density foam core or Spring Down construction.
- 3.0.3 The Article Sven and Poly & Bark Napa leather sofas are almost identical.
- 3.0.4 These full-grain pure-aniline Italian tanned leather sofas are good quality furniture, but not the top qualitymany shoppers think they are purchasing.
- 3.0.5 Neither Article nor Poly & Bark are manufacturers.
- 3.0.6 According to many reviews, shoppers who purchased the Article Sven and Poly & Bark sofas believed they were purchasing high quality leather furniture that will last a lifetime.
- 3.0.7 Websites for both brands emphasize features typically found in high-quality sofas.
- 3.0.8 Bassetts mass produced, imported upholstered furniture is at the very middle of mid-range quality furniture.
- 3.0.9 Bassetts American Made custom-built BenchMade collections are available with All-leather.
- 3.0.10 The most important single component that will determine how long your Bassett sofa will last is the cushions.
- 3.0.11 Bassetts BenchMade custom furniture is available with 3 optional cushions.
- 3.0.12 Bauhaus makes mid-range quality, mass produced upholstered furniture.
- 3.0.13 Most BenchMade customers indicate that the furniture feels sturdy and comfortable, but at $2500 $3500, there are other sofas that are just as well made (or better) and priced lower.
- 3.0.14 This is not the same Broyhill that was founded in 1926 by James Edgar Broyhill.
- 3.0.15 In 2018, Authentic Brands sold the Broyhill trademarks to Big Lots.
- 3.0.16 Broyhill furniture, as sold by Big Lots, is generic, budget-quality furniture imported from Asia.
- 3.0.17 Burrow seating is modular. Each seat is a separate piece.
- 3.0.18 Burrows marketing strongly implies it is Made in America furniture.
- 3.0.19 Most people seem to be happy with the look and feel of their Burrow sofas and sectionals after 1 2 years.
- 3.1 CR Laine is a 60+ year old upholstery manufacturer, located in Hickory, NC.
The lifespan of cheap sofas is usually determined by their cushions.
Inexpensive foam sofa cushions often lose their shape, firmness, and comfort within 3 5 years.
That is long before the flimsy frames are likely to fail.
Worn out cushions are not covered under any brands warranty.
Cushion wear is almost always excluded as normal use.
Although warranties may appear to protect against worn out cushions for several years, there is almost always an exclusionary clause buried deep down in the warranty document, stating that flattened or compressed foam is considered normal use and is not covered under warranty.
Cushion cores can be replaced, but few people choose that option for mass produced seating.
Once the cushions lose their shape, firmness, and comfort, many people decide it is time to replace the sofa.
Most IKEA cushions have the pocketed coil construction shown in the photo below:
The cushions are fabricated with a top layer of polyester fiber.
The fiber is above the coil springs and two layers of foam.
What is the difference between IKEAs firm, soft, and extra soft cushions?
IKEAs website shows the same cutaway picture and description for all sofas, regardless of firmness.
After multiple attempts to find the answer to this question from IKEA sales and customer service people, the only response I got was that the packaging is different.
If anyone can explain the difference between IKEAs firm, soft and extra soft cushions, please let me know.
7th Avenue
Quality rating: 7 / Value Ranking: 7
[Online retailer selling Asian made furniture]
7th Avenues website claims that the cushions should last 10+ years.
The life expectancy for most 1.8 density foam cushions is usually closer to 5 years.
But if the cushions surface area is larger than a standard 3 seat sofa (approx. 24w x 27d) the cushions should last longer.
Cushions that are larger than standard size spread your weight out over a larger surface area, reducing the pressure per square inch exerted on the cushions.
So, it is conceivable that these cushions will last 10 years, but more likely in the 5 7 year range.
On the other hand, if anyone sitting on the sofa or sectional regularly weighs more than 200 lbs., that will shorten the expected lifespan of the foam cushions.
The website makes a big fuss about the availability of water-repellent fabrics. Almost every brand now carries a large selection of high performance fabrics with water repellent capabilities.
Albany Park
Quality rating: 3 / Value Ranking: 3
[Online retailer selling Asian made furniture]
I strongly advise checking out independent customer reviews before purchasing from this company.
Over the past few years, over a dozen Sofa in a Box companies have appeared.
In general, these companies all supply couches and sectionals that ship unassembled.
Styles are mostly Mid-century American and other casual contemporary high leg designs that fit efficiently into flat boxes.
Assembly is usually simple and takes less than an hour.
It can be difficult for the average furniture shopper to tell the difference between these different brands.
It is tempting to just assume they are all alike and it doesnt matter which you choose.That can be an expensive mistake.
Sofa in a Box companies can be separated into two main categories:
Online retailers who sell and ship Asian made furniture from U.S. warehouses.
Manufacturers (mostly in the USA) that build custom furniture in their own factories and ship directly to consumers.
Although pricing may appear similar, U.S. manufacturers selling direct usually offer better values and better customer service.
Albany Park is an online retailer selling products made in China and Vietnam.
The product specifications appear to be OK. Prices appear competitive. The 10 year warranty and in-home trial appear to offer protection against potential problems.
Reviews on the company website are all highly complimentary and reassuring.
Product specifications appear to indicate good quality.
Sturdy kiln-dried hardwood frame.
Back and seat cushions are reversible and fully upholstered in incredibly soft velvet with vibrant West African designs.
Removable seat cushions have pocket coils surrounded by high density foam and mattress quality foam.
Webbing and spring suspension system.
Your choice of stainless steel legs in polished gold finish or mid-century modern solid wood tapered legs.
But when you start looking at independent reviews, quality issues pop up all over the place.
Usually, Sofa in a Box customers are happy with their purchase for the first year (at least.)
Independent reviews from Albany Park customers indicate an unusual number of complaints immediately after assembling the furniture.
Several of those complaints concern structural issues.
Many stated that the furniture was uncomfortable.
Complaints included lumpy cushions after a few weeks, poor sewing, wobbly bases, feathers coming out of cushions, pilling fabric, a need for constant fluffing and turning of almost new cushions.
Although there is supposed to be a 30 day in-home trial period, returns are apparently very difficult and expensive.
Many reviewers stated that they wanted to return the furniture within the trial period, but were unable to because of various restrictions or demands by Albany Park.
Furniture must be returned in As new condition (as determined by Albany Park upon inspection when the furniture reaches them.)
Of course, if you have been using the furniture for a few weeks, and have to disassemble it for return, there is a high probability it will not pass the companys inspection.
Even if it is accepted in As New condition there is a 10% restocking charge. That charge goes up to 20% if you cannot use the original packaging.
The furniture still has to be returned in As New condition.
More than one customer complained they were charged shipping for returning defective merchandise even though the warranty clearly states, Damaged and defective items are not subject or return fees
Nothing explains what happens if the returned furniture reaches the warehouse and is then declared Not As New.
Several customer reviews indicated that Albany Park furniture is available for lower prices (and better return policies) on Amazon.
They also stated that the Albany Park website would not match the Amazon prices.
Quality rating: 7 / Value Ranking: 8
[Retailer selling online only]
Sofa prices start at about $1200 (in fabric.) Sectional prices top out around $6500 (in leather.)
Prices includeFree shipping on all orders. Estimated delivery in 5 10 Days.
Allform has received multiple awards and overwhelmingly positive reviews.
The brand has been named Best Sofa in a Box, Best Modular Sofa, and Best Small-Space Sofa since being introduced about 2 years ago.
I agree that Allform is one of the best brands for this furniture category (Ready to Assemble, Casual Contemporary Modular Upholstered Furniture.)
After an extensive search, I cannot find any seriously negative reviews from Allform customers.
My review here is probably the most negative currently written about Allform.
My misgivings are not based on actual customer experiences, but on my concerns about the long-term durability of the furniture..
In my opinion, Allform sofas and sectionals are built to last about 5 years (or less if used by larger than average size individuals.)
That may be perfectly acceptable if you are paying $1200 for a sofa.
It is less acceptable when paying $6500 for a leather sectional with the same expected lifespan.
My 5 year lifespan estimate is based on how Allform (and its Bed in a Box competitors) all build their furniture.
Frame construction:Almost every positive review states that the frame is made from, Maple and poplar kiln-dried laminated hardwood.That appears to have changed.
Currently, the website lists two different (and contradictory) frame constructions.*
Hardwood Frame We have taken action to make sure our frames feel substantial and durable. Each of our frames features a structure frame design made from pine wood.
Each frame is constructed from an Oriented Strand Board (OSB) made from pine wood for maximum strength and durability.
Pine is not a hardwood and is not a durable frame material. It is highly subject to warpage and does not hold staples well.
The second description details that the Pine wood is actually Oriented Strand Board (OSB.)
This engineered wood product is basically compressed wood chips.
OSB does not hold staples well and does not adhere well with water-based glues.
Elsewhere in the website, where eco-friendliness is discussed, it states that water-based glues are used.
The glues used in OSB are not not water-based. In an article titled, Types of Glue used in OSB,it states:
While OSB makes efficient use of wood chips, which would be otherwise be thrown away, concerns arise with the glues used.
The glues have been reported to emanate formaldehyde gas, which is a known health hazard.
My best guess at what has happened is that Allforms frames started off as hardwood plywood when the furniture was introduced in 2020.
During the Pandemic, there were severe shortages of some basic materials, including plywood.
Allform probably changed to OSB at some point, and finding that it was cheaper than plywood, never switched back.
The people building the furniture would probably be unaware that the water-based glues on hand are not appropriate for OSB.
Foundation (Seat support):The Flexolator grid units used by Allform are the least expensive type of seat support (foundation) available (other than Ashleys platform foundation.)
Two advantages that this type of furniture offers are:
Flatter than sinuous wire or coil springs. This allows the boxes to be flatter, saving on cartoning and transportation costs.
Does not sag like cheap webbing.
The disadvantage is that the helical spring coils fastening the Flexolator to the frame are prone to coming loose and falling off.
This potential problem is aggravated when stapled to frames made of softwood or OSB.
Cushions:Although the frame and seat support used here have potential weaknesses, seat cushions are the most likely components to fail first.
Allforms standard seat cushions are made with a 1.8 density foam core measuring 27 wide x 24 deep x 5 high.
That foam specification generally lasts 3 5 years before losing its resiliency (ability to bounce back) comfort and shape.
The cushions actual lifespan is highly dependent on the weight of the people using the sofa and how often it is used.
1.8 density foam cushions may last less than 2 years if used frequently by a 250 lb. person.They may last less than 1 year for a 300 lb. person.
Allform can probably replace worn out cushion cores for a fee, but few people ever replace cushion cores to extend their sofas lifespan.
Foam seat cushions with a 3 5 year lifespan do not maintain their As New comfort for 3 5 years and then suddenly collapse.
Beginning within one year, the seat cushions will gradually lose their firmness and comfort, until becoming uncomfortably soft after 3 5 years.
Back cushions can lose their loft, shape, and resiliency within one year. They will need to be fluffed up periodically.
Since these cushions are filled with cheap polyester fiber, the cost of adding additional filler is minimal.
In the $1200 $2000 price range, Allform is actually a pretty good value for this type of seating.
That value decreases as the price increases.
A $6000 Allform sectional will not last any longer than a $1200 Allform sofa.
Quality rating for imported furniture: 8 / Value Ranking: 8
Quality rating for USA Made furniture: 9 / Value Ranking: 9
[Online retailer]
Apt2Bsells both imported seating & custom-built seating made in the USA.
Apt2Bs imported frames use only a limited amount of hardwood.
Most of the frame is either engineered wood products or softwood.
The USA made frames are solid hardwood.
Apt2Bs Imported cushions are 1.8 density foam.
This is the same type of cushion most of their competitors will also have.
1.8 density foam cushions in mid-range quality furniture have an average lifespan of 3 5 years.
If anyone in your family weighs close to 250 lbs., the estimated cushion lifespan will be closer to 1 2 years.
Apt2Bs USA made cushions are 2.0 density foam.
2.0 density foam cushions have an average 6 8 year lifespan.
Apt2Bs custom built seating is made by
DreamSofain Los Angeles, CA.
DreamSofa does not manufacture the imported items sold by Apt2B.
The basic construction for Apt2B & DreamSofa is very similar.
Both have solid hardwood frames and sinuous wire foundations.
Apt2B uses the term No-sag springs instead of sinuous wire, but its the same thing.
Apt2Bs cushions are 2.0 density foam.
Although 2.0 density foam lasts longer than the standard 1.8 density foam, 2.0 density cushions will usually wear out before any other part of the sofa.
The DreamSofa factory that makes this furniture for Apt2B offers optional Plush Spring Down cushions.
The Plush cushions, constructed with 2.5 density foam combined with fabric covered coil springs should retain their shape and comfort for 15+ years. See the DreamSofa listing in this article for further details.
Although DreamSofa makes Apt2Bs custom seating, Apt2Bs styles and fabrics are not available on the DreamSofa website.
Arhaus
Quality rating: 8.5 / Value Ranking: 7.5
[Retailer selling online and through Showrooms.]
Arhaus Halden sofa
Arhaus combines a hardwood laminate (plywood) frame with a sinuous wire spring foundation.
This construction should last 20+ years, but is less comfortable than 8 way hand-tied, when combined with foam cushions.
From a cost standpoint, sturdy hardwood frames generally cost a few dollars more than plywood.
8 way hand-tied coils cost a couple of hundred dollars more than sinuous wire.
Depending on the model, Arhaus cushions may have either a 1.8 density foam core or Spring Down construction.
Spring Down should last more than twice as long as foam.
While the foam cushions may feel very comfortable when new in the store, they will quickly begin to lose their shape and comfort.
High quality Spring down cushions should retain their shape and comfort 15+ years for most people.
Spring Down cushions generally add about $100 to the retail price of a sofa, compared to the same size 1.8 density foam cushions.
Sinuous wire foundations are fine when used in combination with spring down cushions.
Article and Poly & Bark
Quality rating: 6 / Value Ranking: 6
Both Brands are online retailers, purchasing from Asian manufacturers.]
The Article Sven and Poly & Bark Napa leather sofas are almost identical.
Both leather sofa models are probably purchased from the same Asian factory.
Reviews I have seen indicate that most people who have purchased both of these sofas are happy with them after 1 or 2 years.
The average lifespan appears to be 3 5 years.
Cushions will usually be the first components to wear out.
These full-grain pure-aniline Italian tanned leather sofas are good quality furniture, but not the top qualitymany shoppers think they are purchasing.
Both the Article Sven and the Poly & Bark Napa have the same length, width and height.
They were both available in the same Cognac Tan leather (at the time this review was written.) Both had round arm bolsters.
Neither Article nor Poly & Bark are manufacturers.
Both brands market furniture made in Asian factories located in Vietnam, China, Indonesia, and India.
The Nappa and Sven sofas both appear to be manufactured in the same factory.
Furniture terminology can be confusing or contradictory.
The online marketing materials for these two sofas appear to be intentionally deceptive.
According to many reviews, shoppers who purchased the Article Sven and Poly & Bark sofas believed they were purchasing high quality leather furniture that will last a lifetime.
That lifetime is more likely to be 3 5 years.
If you replace the cushion cores when the original seats wear out, you can get an additional 3 5 years of use.
But purchasers should not expect these sofas to last 20+ years like true top quality leather seating.
Websites for both brands emphasize features typically found in high-quality sofas.
These high-quality features include:
Full-grain pure-aniline Italian tanned leather upholstery
Corner blocked kiln-dried solid wood frame
High-density foam with polyester filling.
Feather down topper on seating surfaces.
Feather down and fiber blend seat-back cushions and bolsters
Loose, non-reversible seat and back cushions
Pirelli webbing
Solid wood legs in a walnut finish
But there are ways to cheat on all of these specifications.And these sofas use just about every cheat possible.
These deceptions do not make the sofas bad quality furniture. But they are definitely not high-quality either.
Here is the list of features again this time with my notes italicized inGreen:
Full-grain pure aniline leather:Full-grain, pure aniline leather is touted by many salespeople and interior design professionals as being thebest of the best.
It is not unusual to see articles written by experienced furniture professionals stating thatfull-grain pure aniline leather is the most expensive (and best) type of leather available.
Many customer reviews for Article and Poly & Bark cite the top quality leather as the primary reason for purchasing these specific sofas.
The full-grain leather used on these sofas is different.It is very cheap leather, not the best of the best.
The leather used on these sofas starts off with low quality (full-grain) hides with massive imperfections.
Cutters remove the worst flaws, slicing and dicing the remaining portion of the hides into small pieces.
Each of these 88 sofas is upholstered from 44 separate small leather segments!
The poor initial quality of the hides drastically reduces the leather cost. The extensive sewing needed to piece the small pieces together may cost more than the leather hides.
Sewing 44 pieces of thick hides together for each sofa requires a low-cost Asian (or Mexican) labor force.
The leather is minimally processed. The time and expense of separating the top grain from the bottom grain is skipped.
Finishing and protection is minimal. The leather scratches and stains easily (like the expensive high quality full grain leathers.)
Although this is not top-quality, expensive leather, it will usually last far longer than other parts of the sofa.
Kiln-dried solid wood frame with corner blocks.
There is one critical word missing from this frame description:Hardwood.
High-quality frames are built with high-density solid hardwoods.
The term hardwood is often used to describe hardwood plywood rather than solid hardwood, but in either case hardwood frames usually hold up for at least 10 years.
The problem is that when the term hardwood is omitted from the description, the lumber used is usually softwood.
Corner blocked kiln-dried solid wood frame:
Kiln-dried solid softwood frames are far less durable than hardwood frames. Softwoods can warp or split, even when they have been kiln-dried.
The frames should still hold up for 10 years or more, but they are not high-quality frames.
Pirelli webbing foundation:
High-quality non-stretchable Pirelli webbing is frequently used in high-end modern sofas.
It can also be found in older sofa styles with low profiles that cannot fit 8 way hand tied foundations.
The Pirelli webbing used here is the less costly stretchableseat support webbing.
If you weigh 250 lbs. or have kids who like to jump on the sofa, it will sag. That speeds up the cushion wear and makes the couch uncomfortable.
Check out this YouTube video reviewof a 2 year old Article Sven sofa.
The reviewer reports that the seat cushions sagged after a year and a half.The cushions were replaced, but sagged again within a few months.
Sagging cushions, that cannot be fixed by replacing them is an indication that the Pirelli webbing has stretched or come loose from the frame.
Stretchable webbing, when stapled into a softwood frame, is especially prone to stretching (and sagging.)
Softwoods do not hold staples well. They often loosen and fall out when too much pressure is applied to the webbing.
High-density foam with polyester filling:
In low and mid-priced couches, cushions are usually the first part to break down.
The term high-density foam, without a number, usually indicates the foam is 1.8 density.
Polyurethane foam has a wide range of quality and durability. Asian made foam is usually less durable than the same density foam made in the USA.
A 250 lb. individual can wear out an Asian made 1.8 density foam cushion in 1 2 years.
Feather-down filling in the seat and back cushions:
Top quality high-end sofas often offer feathers and down as a cushion option upgrade.
One of the factors that determines how comfortable a down and feather cushions will be is the percentage of down in the filling.
Down is far more expensive than feathers.
High quality down/feather seat cushions have at least 10% and the best may have 25% or even 50% down.
Cheaper down/feather cushions (such as those found in this couch) probably have only 5% down.
A cushion with 25% will cost far more than the same cushion with only 5% down.
Feathers do not significantly improve the comfort compared with polyester fiber.
They do require more care and better ticking materials than those usually found in cushions with polyester fill.
When that extra care and better quality ticking is not used, the result can be cushions that leak feathers.
Using feathers has little effect on the durability, comfort or cost of the cushions.
Other construction details:
Tufted seats:
Tufting is frequently found on traditional style high end seating.
When constructed correctly by a highly skilled upholsterer, tufting can be a great addition to a sofa.
But on lower priced, mass produced sofas, tufting can bea weak point.
The legs have an 8 height.
When thin legs get above 6 they lose stability and are more likely to break.
Sofas with high thin legs often add a 5th leg for added stability.
Quality rating: 7 / Value Ranking: 7
[Manufacturer selling through retailers and with its own showrooms.]
Bassetts mass produced, imported upholstered furniture is at the very middle of mid-range quality furniture.
Bassetts American-made custom-built collections are higher quality and more expensive.
Bassett was once one of the largest U.S. furniture manufacturers. That is no longer the case.
Bassett Furniture currently manufactures custom-built upholstered furniture lines in Newton, North Carolina under the BenchMade brand.
The companys mass produced furniture (Club Level) is currently made in Thailand.
Bassetts American Made custom-built BenchMade collections are available with All-leather.
All reclining models are powered.
Bassets lower priced Club Level seating is mass produced in Thailand.
All imported upholstery is mass produced, with an average lifespan that is about half of its custom-built furniture.
Bassetts imported Club Level reclining furniture uses Leather Match genuine top grain corrected leather on the seats, inside arms, and inside backs.
Everywhere else is 100% synthetic faux leathers.
Note the Bassett website makes it difficult for non-professionals to distinguish between its American-made custom-built furniture and models that are mass produced in Thailand.
Also, Bassetts website identifies its leather match upholstery asGenuine top grain leathers.It does not mentionleather matchanywhere.
I guessed that this was leather match based on the pricing. This guess was confirmed by checking Bassetts retailer websites, which identify the material as leather match.
The most important single component that will determine how long your Bassett sofa will last is the cushions.
When possible, spend the extra money to get the highest quality cushions available.
Bassetts standard cushions have a 5 1/2 thick 1.8 density foam core with a polyester fiber wrapping.
It has an average lifespan of 3 5 years for most people. It begins to soften within one year, eventually losing its shape and resilience (ability to bounce back) after 3 5 years.
Imported Club Level seating is only available with the standard cushions.
Bassetts BenchMade custom furniture is available with 3 optional cushions.
The base grade Support cushions are firm 2.3 density foam.
The Lounge cushion upgrades are 2.3 density foam with a softer feel. Im not clear on whether the softer feel is caused by additional padding around the foam or whether it is just a softer foam.
The top cushion option has 3 layers of foam. I believe the central core is 2.3 density foam with layes of Reaxion foam above and below the central core. I have not been able to get a definition of what Reaxion foam is or what makes it different from other foams.
Bauhaus
Quality rating: 7 / Value Ranking: 7
[Manufacturer selling through retailers.]
This review is for Bauhaus Furniture Group (also known as Bauhaus USA) a U.S. furniture manufacturer, based in Saltillo, MS. that opened in 1988.
It should not be confused with the Bauhaus furniture retail chain founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1960 by Heinz-Georg Baus.
It is also not associated with the The Bauhaus, an avant-garde studio, started by architect Walter Gropius, that flourished from 1919 through 1933. Ikea design strategist Mats Nilson has said that his companys ideology is inspired by the Bauhaus Studio.
Bauhaus makes mid-range quality, mass produced upholstered furniture.
Bauhaus is especially known for its modern, oversized styles.
In addition to selling through retailers under its own brand name, Bauhaus also supplies a few large retail chains as an in-house store brand.
Frames:Plywood frames. 5 7 plies. Not the most expensive construction but should last 10+ years without problems.
Foundation: Sinuous wire spring seat support.This is one of the least expensive type of seat support possible but should hold up for 10 20 years.
Cushions:1.8 density dacron wrapped foam cushions.
This is the first part of the sectional (or sofa) that will wear out.
1.8 density foam cushions can feel noticeably softer after only 1 year and uncomfortably soft after 3 5 years.
Loss of resiliency (ability to bounce back) and flattening is considered normal wear under the warranty, even when it occurs during the first year.
If 1.8 density cushions are used by individuals weighing 250 lbs. or more, they may wear out even sooner than 3 years.
Fabrics:Mostly low cost, durable, stain resistant polyester or olefin fabrics.
Quality rating: 8.5 / Value Ranking: 7
[Online retailer with showrooms]
BenchMade Modern Catwalk Sofa.
Benchmade Modern makes a style that I call Casual Contemporary (which includes Mid-century-modern).
Each piece is handcrafted in Dallas, TX, or Los Angeles, CA.
The furniture is beautifully designed and styled. It can be custom-built and shipped in 4 6 weeks.
Most BenchMade customers indicate that the furniture feels sturdy and comfortable, but at $2500 $3500, there are other sofas that are just as well made (or better) and priced lower.
The frame is laminated hardwood (plywood). Solid Aspen is occasionally used. Thats OK. The frame should last 15+ years.
Depending on the style, the foundation is either sinuous wire or unidirectional webbing.
Sinuous wire is standard. Its cheap, but should last 10 15+ years. It doesnt add any comfort, but good cushions can compensate.
I am less confident in the unidirectional webbing.
Webbing can be good or bad.
If it is the expensive stuff (that doesnt stretch) thats fine. The cheaper type stretches.Stretched webbing can lead to sagging.
Several of BenchMade Moderns competitors use the cheap webbing. It is probably used here also.
I would avoid any BenchMade Modern styles with webbing. (Salespeople probably wont know the difference between good and bad webbing.)
Cushions are described as Medium-density foam core. That usually translates to 1.5 or 1.8 density. The lifespan is typically 3 5 years.
I just received an email from a reader saying BenchMade told him the cushions are 2.5 density foam. If thats the case, I need to change my quality/value scores.
But Ive never before come across a brand that describes its 2.5 density foam cushions as medium density.
Quality rating: 5 / Value Ranking: 5
[Broyhill is owned and sold exclusively through Big Lots]
This is not the same Broyhill that was founded in 1926 by James Edgar Broyhill.
The old Broyhill closed down in 2013 when parent company Heritage Home Group declared bankruptcy.
In addition to Broyhill, the Heritage Home Group also included famous furniture brands Drexel, Thomasville, and Henredon.
All furniture manufacturing facilities for Broyhill, Drexel, Thomasville and Henredon were closed.
The trademarks for these four company were sold to Authentic Brands Group.
In 2018, Authentic Brands sold the Broyhill trademarks to Big Lots.
Big Lots was well known for selling budget priced furniture under various brand names.
Some of their existing products were relabeled under the Broyhill brand and many new items were added.
Broyhill furniture, as sold by Big Lots, is generic, budget-quality furniture imported from Asia.
Quality rating: 6 / Value Ranking: 7
[Retailer selling online & through Company Showrooms]
Burrow seating is modular. Each seat is a separate piece.
This type of design works better for sectionals than sofas.
Making a 3 seat sofa in three different sections is not cost efficient. It also looks a bit strange with its 8 legs.
Burrow Range 3 seat sofa has 8 legs
Burrows marketing strongly implies it is Made in America furniture.
A closer reading of the website shows that it is designed in the USA, but the parts are sourced from North Carolina, Vietnam, Poland, Mexico, and India.
Frame:Burrows hardwood and bent plywood frame should last 20 years.
Building seating in single seat modules makes both the frame and seat support (foundation) sturdier than similar looking furniture made with multi-seat designs.
Seat Cushions: Standard 1.8 density foam cushions.
I saw some descriptions that said the cushions had 3 layers of foam.
During the Pandemic foam was difficult to get and several manufacturers were trying different foam variations including foams of varying densities.
By now, most companies seem to have gone back to the solid slab of 1.8 density. (The website may need updating.)
Back Cushions: Mixed polyester fiber with crushed foam. This retains its shape better than the standard 100% fiber, but it may still need to be refilled after a few years.
Optional sleep kit:Several of Burrows sofas can be transformed into a bed with purchase of an optional sleep kit.
The kit comes with eye mask, pillow, quilted blanket, flat sheet, fitted sheet, and memory foam topper.
Most people seem to be happy with the look and feel of their Burrow sofas and sectionals after 1 2 years.
3 years after purchase, the cushions may begin to look worn out and sagging.
Burrows 1 year warranty is better than many of their competitors, but watch out for the extended warranty.
Burrows 1 year warranty is excellent and is printed very clearly in bold letters.
Unfortunately, they also offer 3 and 5 year extended warranties with no additional explanation or description.
99% of consumers reading Burrows warranty description will assume that the extended warranties have the same coverage. They dont!
The 3 and 5 year extended warranties are subcontracted to a 3rd party.
If you are one of the rare people who actually takes time to read warranties, you will discover that the extended warranties have multiple exclusionary clauses that remove liability for most problems that are likely to occur after the first year.
Typically, extended warranties will not cover anything that is caused by normal wear and tear.
They will not cover fabric-related problems.
They will not cover cushion-related problems.
Those two areas cover 90% of what is likely to go wrong with upholstered furniture within the first 5 years.
Quality rating: 10 / Value Ranking: 10 when compared with Mid-range brands
Quality rating: 9 / Value Ranking: 9.5 when compared with High end brands.
[Manufacturer selling through Authorized Dealers & Professional Interior Decorators]
Most CR Laine sofas are priced well above $3000.
But it is possible to find CR Laine couches sold for $2700 or even less.
CR Laine is a 60+ year old upholstery manufacturer, located in Hickory, NC.
Sofa construction seems to have changed very little since I first viewed their furniture 40 years ago.
CR Laine is one of the few moderately priced high end brands still using frames with 5/4 solid hardwood lumber.
It is the only manufacturer I know of building upholstered furniture with 5/4 solid hardwood & 8 way hand tied foundations in the mid-price (under $3000) price range.
This brand is sold through authorized retail dealerships. It is not available Direct to Consumers.
CR Laine fits into both mid-range and high-end price ranges.
CR Laine scores at the top of the mid-range price category.
It also scores well against more expensive, high end competition.
Fabric sofas begin around $2700 and leather sofas around $5000.
Standard construction features include:
Solid kiln-dried 5/4 hardwood frames, double dowelled, glued, screwed, and corner blocked.
Mortise & Tenon construction.
8 way hand tied foundation. Click for a Youtube video showing CR Laines 8 way hand tied construction.
Choice of 4 optional cushions (Spring Down cushions are highly recommended.*)
*Important Note: Get the Spring Down cushion upgrade!
Foam cushions reduce my Quality and Value scores by 1 point.
Campaign Living