Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Sofa Series part 2

Welcome back to part 2 of my sofa buying guide. If you missed part one 
go here.
When it comes to buying a new sofa make sure you know what you are getting. Many sofas may have the look you want, but if the quality is not there, it isn't going to be worth it in the long run.
Much of what separates a good sofa from the best in a sofa, is happening inside. It's the things you can't see that really affect how well your furniture will hold up to everyday use. You may have heard the terms 8 way hand tied, Kiln dried hardwoods, sinuous springs, or a webbing system.
What does it all mean?
Kiln Dried hardwood: The best frame is made out of kiln-dried hardwood. The process of kiln drying removes all moisture from the wood, enabling it to retain its shape and stability over a long period of time. In a good quality frame, the joints, are glued, dowelled and screwed. The corners are further strengthened by the addition of reinforcing blocks. These things provide extra support to the frame.


Eight way hand tied: The best seating support is the eight-way hand tied 
springs system. The craftsman connects each spring to the adjoining one with a 
strong twine. The twine passes front to back, side to side and then diagonally in 
both directions thus tying each spring securely 8 ways.
Sinuous spring construction. Sinuous springs are “S” shaped and run from the 
front of the seat to the back. These springs are supported by additional wires 
that cross from side to side.
 Webbing system: bands of webbing cross the seat and back. These are then 
attached to the frame to make a platform for the cushions. Webbing can be 
made of either natural or man-made fibers, and if used alone doesn’t make for 
very strong support. However, in better quality sofas, it is used with a tensioner 
that fastens the webbing securely to the frame. 
The web suspension least preferable of the seating support options.
     Don't be afraid to ask the sales person questions about the construction of the furniture lines they carry. You need to know you are getting the best quality for the money you can spend. More information coming about cushion cores and fabric grades in the next day or so

5 comments:

  1. as a person who use to sell furniture i can appreciate this post! thanks for sharing!! :)

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  2. Wow I never even knew to consider all this Deb! Thanks for sharing. Hope you are having a great Tuesday honey! Kori xoxo

    www.blondeepisodes.com

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  3. I have never heard of kiln dried hardwood...very intersting! These are such good tips, Debbie!

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  4. Wow! This is wonderful information. I wish I had read this before I bought my couch two years ago. I wonder what's inside my couch? I've never even heard of kiln dried hardwood.

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  5. what great info...so glad I found your blog!!!!!!!!

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