How Long Should a Sofa Last?

Did you know that sofas have an ‘expiry date? Surprisingly, while most of us are familiar with the expiry dates of traditional items like foodstuff, cleaning products, even medicine, only a handful know that a sofa needs replacement after a period of continued use.

Ideally although sofas don’t necessarily come with an ‘engraved expiration date’ like your favorite loaf of bread, there are several guidelines, that, when followed can help you identify how long your couch will last. So, exactly how long should your sofa last? Let’s find out.

 

How Long Should a Sofa Last?

Unfortunately, there’s no precise formula that can accurately determine how long a sofa can last. Nonetheless according to Paige Gray, a renowned industry expert, the overall price of your sofa can be a good reference point to help determine its durability.

Generally, a quality sofa should last an average time of between five to ten years. However, this timeline is dependent on several factors like how constantly you use the couch and how well you maintain it among other factors. 

To ensure you get a long-lasting sofa then it is best to shop for a sofa that is of top ‘heirloom’ quality. Why? Such a piece usually lasts well over two decades in comfort and style. Furthermore, the lifespan of your sofa is also dependent on your general lifestyle and living conditions. For instance, if you own a pet or have kids then your sofa is susceptible to more wear and tear compared to an individual who lives alone or has no pets.

We’ve outlined a few more factors that can impact your sofa’s durability and they include:

 

Factors That Determine the Longevity of a Couch

• Lifestyle: Usually, this can mean many things starting with whether you own pets or have children among others.
• How hard are you on your sofa? This means the constant usage and wear and tear factors
• Retailer Warranty: Whether or not your retailer offers aproduct warranty and its duration (in case they offer one) should help you determine the duration the sofa manufacturer expects it to last. 
• Maintenance:If you take good care of your sofa, it will give you longevity and quality service. It is therefore important that you take measures like professional cleaning and regular maintenance to ensure you improve the durability of your couch.  
• The Couch’s construction: Is your sofa screwed, dovetail, or glued?
• Durability & rigidity of the Sofa’s Fabric: It is important to look for its quality rating like the standard Wyzenbeek rating.
• UV Exposure:Constantly exposing your seat to the sun can significantly undermine its overall durability. It is therefore important that you get a window cover to shield your sofa from direct sunlight especially in the peak heat hours.

Depending on the quality of your sofa and overall craftsmanship, it is possible for a sofa to last only a few years (five and below). What’s more, the construction material also plays a crucial role especially where proper maintenance is not exercised.

 

How to Determine When to Replace Your Sofa

It is easy to get attached to your sofa especially if you have had it for quite some time. In fact, for many of us, our sofas are usually a staple in our homes—a cool relaxing spot for unwinding and even watching some movies.

Also, it is often where family and friends gather around to share moments, which makes it even harder to detach yourself from a furniture piece that holds so many dear memories. However, it is sometimes necessary to let go and find a replacement.

If you don’t know when you should replace your sofa, these few pointers can help you determine when to make the move:

• It is time for a replacement if your sofa tears, or has faded spots that hamper you from fully enjoying and restingon your sofa. Furthermore, if it has pesky stains, it might also be time for a new sofa.
• Similarly, if your sofa’s structure is compromised, it's time to get a replacement. When your sofa starts having wobbling arms, fraying or sagging cushions, or starts squeaking each time you stand up or sit, it is surely time for a new one.

 

Final Word

There’s no rule to determine how long a standard sofa can last since it is dependent on several factors including frequency of usage, construction material and maintenance efforts. Nonetheless, in general terms, sofas should at least last an average of between seven and fifteen years.

Unfortunately, this may not necessarily seem like a substantially long period for such a costly investment. This is why it is vital to make an informed decision when buying a sofa and only go for a quality supplier. Luckily, at Grado, we offer quality, durable, and affordable sofas that are worth the investment. Be sure to check us out.

Good Luck!