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If you are on the lookout for a new sofa the quality of construction should be at the forefront of your mind.

If you are on the lookout for a new sofa the quality of construction should be at the forefront of your mind. When visiting a furniture store it is wise to examine what you are looking at by taking a seat and getting comfortable. Solid frames should be resistant to movement, not making noises when upon the application of pressure. Corner reinforcement, often visible underneath a sofa, can in many cases show evidence of a sturdy sofa frame. Sofas that have only been glued and stapled together are less likely to remain intact over the years compared with locked and bolted frames.

Within a sofa’s frame are supporting foundations, such as steel springs. Steel is usually tempered so as to maintain its resilience. Manufacturer’s logs and salesmen can often help customers out with further exploration of the supporting foundation’s quality. Some of the most expensive springs are “8-way hand tied”, but quality sinuous or serpentine spring construction can work out equally as effective.

Good quality supporting foundations will bounce back to their original shape when not in use, at the same time having a luxury, padded feel. All metal supports should not be felt at any time.

When looking at padding make sure the frame can’t be easily felt, let alone seen, unless an element of design. Large amounts of padding are able to cushion the outer fabric against the inner frame, therefore providing increased resistance to abrasion.

Take a good look at the sofa’s trimmings. The trim should rest straight, not curved. Poor quality at this level can often be a good sign that the sofa is not worth the money stated.

Cushion patterns should match those found on the sofa closely – a sure sign of quality. Take some time to assess the sturdiness of the legs, and how they are attached. Attachment should be strong so as to withstand any of the future house moves.