Last Updated on September 25, 2022 by
The average lifetime of a sofa is 7-15 years. However, you might notice sign of wear and tear before then, especially for regularly used couches. You can decide to fix the sofa to make it appear new again or replace it. Most homes do not have a sofa older than six years, as they buy new ones when the first significant component wears out.
People may decide to change their sofas with newer ones for various reasons. It could be the current couch is tone, has broken down, or it is just out of design. Others may decide to repair it if it is still in good condition.
However, you can improve the life expectancy of your sofa by taking care of it. You can fix any issue as soon as they happen to avoid replacing the furniture. But, the material and the frame of your couch play a significant role in how long your sofa would last.
Which Parts Of A Sofa Determine Its Lifespan?
The Frame
A sturdy frame does not squeak, creak or even crack; it remains upright for a long time. So, when the couch starts producing high-pitched sounds as soon as some weight is on it, that is the sofa’s way of crying out for help.
You might not be able to fix a squeaking sofa by yourself unless you have some carpentry skills. If you experience such with your sofa, it is advisable to get the help of an experienced carpenter for repairs.
Therefore, checking on the quality of the frame is important when shopping for a new couch. Opt for furniture with metallic or hardwood frames as they are the most reliable. Always spend extra time looking and asking about the couches frame, and if you cannot identify hardwood, get someone experienced to check it out for you.
A metallic frame is not that common, but it is stronger than a wooden frame. It does not snap or break at the joints if not properly installed. The drawback of a metallic structure is that the metal bars can bend over time if the sofa is abused.
Some manufacturers use particleboard to make sofas. It is weak and brittle. A frame made from this material cannot last long; it will break sooner than you would expect. However, some still prefer furniture made from particleboard due to its lightweight. It makes them easy to move around, unlike hardwood and metal frame sofas.
The joinery technique on a sofa is another important aspect to consider. If the joints are weak and are poorly connected, there is a high chance of your hardwood sofa breaking.
The Material Used To Make The Sofa
Once you find the sofa with a good frame, the next part is ensuring they are made of quality material. You need to check on the fabrics used on the cushions and the sofa.
High-quality leather is one of the best materials that can last for many years. Other fabrics used to make sofas do not have the resilience leather has. They can tear and wear out faster than leather sofas. Consider either full-grain or top-grain leather as other types of leather disintegrate or tear after some time.
In fabrics, look out for Wyzenbeek double rub count. This is the main factor determining the durability of the material. The higher the Wyzenbeek double rub count, the longer your sofa will look pristine and new. Always consult the salesperson for advice.
Wyzenbeek Double Rub Count Table.
| Wyzenbeek | |
| Light duty | 6,000 – 9,000 |
| Medium duty | 9,000 – 15,000 |
| Heavy duty | 15,000 – 30,000 |
| Max | Higher than 30,000 |
| General contract | 15,000 |
| Heavy-duty contract | 30,000 |
Synthetic materials like polyester, olefin, and microfiber are the best leather alternatives. They are strong and more damage-resistant. However, it would be best always to place your sofa, whether made of fabrics or leather, far from the sun; they generally lose their color and fade or lose moisture and start cracking.
How To Dispose Of Old Furniture
Once you decide to replace your sofa, one headache is how to dispose of the old ones. Here are some of the economic ways to do so.
1. Donation
You do not have to throw the couch out when it can help someone in need. Consider giving out to donor groups such as Goodwill or Salvation Army. They accept used sofas and can come to your doorstep to pick them up. This applies to sofas that have faded or ones that require minimal repairs.
2. Haul The Damaged Sofa
Haul services are available in almost every state; they work together with the trash service. If you feel your sofa is beyond repair, wait for trash day or check their schedule to dispose of it.
3. Sell The Sofa
You can always try selling your sofa online through websites such as Craigslist or eBay. Post your sofa on their websites and give the proper condition to avoid returns. If that does not work, try having a garage sale.
4. Gift It To Someone
If you know of someone in need, you can give them your sofa. However, you have to ensure that the couch is not beyond repair. It must be in repairable condition to avoid burdening whomever you gift it to. Some people don’t mind faded couches.
Why You May Want To Replace Your Sofa
Lifespan is not the only reason why people dispose of their couches.
Below are other reasons you may want to replace your sofa;
1. The Couch No Longer Fits In Your Space
Most people start with a small couch after moving out of their parent’s home. After some time, they make money and move to bigger and better houses, and the sofa previously bought looks out of place.
Other times, you may move from town to town with their furniture. New apartments can be smaller or bigger depending on the city. The change in house size will naturally affect how your sofa looks and feels.
All these situations may warrant you to get a new sofa even if their current one is still in good condition.
2. Cushions Are Flat, And The Lumbar Support Is No Longer There
Cushions enhance the comfort level of your sofa. After long periods of use, the cushions lose their rigidity and become flaccid. Sitting on these cushions feels more of a task than sitting on the floor. When you are at this point with your couch, it is time to either get new cushions or purchase a new sofa.
You can also insert padding, solid foam cuts, or shredded foam to improve the condition of your cushions. Such measures only increase the life span of your sofa, but they do not solve the problem completely
3. Pests
Sometimes pests invade our homes even if we clean and keep the sofa in the best conditions. Pets, kids, sweat, and other bodily fluids can get on the couch and cause odors that make it impossible to use them. Regular cleaning and vacuuming can help control pests and odors. At some point, the odors and pests might become too much, forcing you to get rid of the sofa.
4. Redecorating
If you want to transform your home interior décor to something that does not match your sofas and furniture, you may want to replace the couches too. You may want to do this regardless of the age of your couches.
Other reasons include;
1. If the couch fades or loses its shape
2. When the couch starts creaking, it means it is structurally compromised.
3. The couch is out of fashion and designs the layout of your home.
4. The sofa is no longer comfortable.
How To Improve The Durability Of Your Sofas
The following measure can help you prolong the lifespan of your sofas:
1. Repair And Maintenance. Sometimes, the damage to your sofa is minimal and easily fixable. You can call a carpenter or take some YouTube lessons to repair the cracks. Once the couch is fixed, it can continue serving you longer.
2. Proper Use. A sofa is for relaxing and enjoying family time. Families with children will replace couches often as the kids will play and jump on them. Couches are not meant to be bouncing castles; such activities will cause damage to the structure of the sofa. Let the kids play in a separate room.
3. Keep Pets Off The Sofa. Cats can use your couch like a scratch post and tear the fabric up. Getting the cat an actual scratch post and training it not to scratch your sofa can help prolong its life.
4. Use All Your Couches Equally. When you sit on one of your sofas continuously, it will wear out before the rest and look out of place.
a. Apply fabric protector on any upholstered sofas.
b. Eat your food at the dining table to avoid food stains on the couches.
c. Have a regular cleaning routine
Final Thought
In the past, sofas were of better quality hence the long lifespan. However, in recent years some manufacturers have compromised on the quality of the frame and material used. This means you may not enjoy long with the new sofa before you need to replace them. So, before buying a couch, it is best to check on the frame and material for better services.
References:
https://www.thespruce.com/signs-to-replace-your-couch-4165258
https://blog.comfort-works.com/how-long-should-a-couch-last/
