The furniture buying process can be dizzying considering the array of options, vast numbers of brands to choose from, and salespeople who may not always have your best interests at heart. Before you purchase a piece of furniture, be sure you know answers to the following questions:

What is the frame made of?

A high-quality furniture frame that will last for years to come should be made of hardwood. At England, we use three quarter or seven eighths inch frame grade plywood reinforced with hardwood. Manufacturers that cut corners will use just plywood, which can easily fall apart after some wear and tear.

What spring type is in this piece?

Furniture that uses wide-loop springs exerts significantly less pressure on the frame. They also cover more surface area, so fewer springs can be used in the seat. All this means less pressure on the frame. Less pressure means you don’t have to use as much or the same quality of material in your frame. Look for furniture that has narrow loop springs to give the cushion more support, which results in a longer lasting seating surface.

What type of cardboard is used throughout the arm?

Many manufacturers use 0.054 thick cardboard. This thickness is unlikely to hold up to years of leaning and sitting on sofa arms. Ensure that the cardboard is at least 0.090 throughout.

Is there spring back support?

The answer to this should be yes. Springs reinforce the cushions, which keep them uniform for the lifetime of the sofa. Many manufacturers cut costs by eliminating springs and replacing with sheeted material. Without any give, cushions easily flatten over time.

Are cushion casings upholstered on both sides?

In order to maintain sofa cushions for years, it’s important to rotate cushions every so often. Rotating ensures both sides of the cushion distribute the force more evenly. Many manufacturers only upholster one side of the cushion to cut costs, which can speed up the rate at which your sofa ages.

England Furniture goes above and beyond to offer high quality furniture without cutting corners. Each of their pieces fulfills all of the above qualifications, so you know you can rely on the piece to stand the test of time. Read more about what’s inside England Furniture.