If you want to know how long does a sofa last, it can be anywhere from 7 to 14 years. Most manufacturers even promise a life expectancy as long as 15 years for their models. But is this number reliable?
We will discuss everything you need to know about when you can expect to replace a couch. You will also find out the best materials that will last you long. Furthermore, we recommend reading this guide on fixing a sofa to help you keep your furniture in its best shape.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Sofa?
The average lifespan of a sofa ranges from 7 to as long as 15 years. The type of sofa, overall quality, usage, and maintenance will affect how long you can expect your couch to last. There are also three telltale signs to keep an eye out for to know when your sofa is on its retirement and requires a replacement.
When Is It Time To Replace A Sofa?
Loss of support
A worn-down sofa will have a noticeable loss of support when you use it, which can be detrimental to your sitting posture. You will notice sinking and feel uncomfortable on the back and bum because the frame and cushions might already be damaged. Even if the sofa is still visually appealing, the structure underneath the upholstery might already need replacement.
You can opt to fix the sagging sofa cushions or reinforce the base with a piece of plywood. However, these are only temporary solutions, especially when your sofa has passed its expected lifespan. It will be more reasonable to get a new couch altogether to avoid the hassle of constantly finding remedies to the damaged integrity of the furniture.
Noisy creaks
Sofas are not supposed to make a lot of noise when you use them. But if your sofa is damaged due to wear and tear or disintegrating materials, it will squeak, creak, and even pop when pressure is applied. The culprits are the parts inside, regardless if your sofa uses metal or wood.
You might fix such noise issues if you tighten the screws or replace the broken parts inside. But if your sofa is more than 15 years old or even just for a decade, your expenses for the repairs might be better to invest in getting new furniture. Always weigh your pros and cons when fixing a very old sofa to get the best value for your money.
Odor and stains
It’s time to bid farewell to your sofa when it has noticeable stains and a funky smell that you can’t just eradicate. Not only do discolorations and odor unappealing, but these traits can be detrimental to your health. You might notice skin irritations or even allergies each time you’ve used the sofa.
No furniture lasts forever, and your body is a reliable test to find out if your sofa needs replacement. You can also take apart the sofa to inspect its parts. If the frame is still reliable and it’s a piece of sentimental furniture to throw away, you can opt to replace the cushions and upholstery.
How To Make Sofa Last
Clean the sofa accordingly
Sofas differ in their materials, so you should know the practices and products that are ideal for your couch. For example, leather requires regular conditioning to prevent it from drying and cracking. Synthetic materials, on the other hand, should not be exposed to harsh cleaning solutions.
Use a couch cover
One of the best ways to keep your sofa in its best shape is by using a cover. This will serve as a barrier for dust and spills that can damage the materials. Having this additional material should also lessen the wear and tear directly on the couch.
Check the parts regularly
Make it a habit to inspect your sofa regularly. You might need to repair your bonded leather sofa that is peeling or patch the leather sofa that developed a tear. The frame might have loose screws, or the cushions might need refilling.
What Fabric Wears The Best On A Sofa?
The best fabric for the sofa will depend on your lifestyle. If you have pets and children, avoid luxurious fabrics such as wool or velvet because they can get damaged easily and are not that easy to clean. Leather is a relatively durable material, but those who are on a budget can also get cotton.
What Kind Of Couch Lasts The Longest?
Both fabric and leather sofas should last for a long time. The key is selecting genuine leather to ensure that it won’t peel, and as for fabric, get something with a high rub count to know how long it will take before it loses its look. But what about the frame?
Hardwood and metal sofa frames both make excellent choices for those who want their couch to last. Still, you want to check how well-constructed the furniture is and if it’s easy to repair potential issues later on. Manage your expectations if you get cheap furniture because it’s likely to need replacement much early.
Conclusion
Do you know when to replace your furniture? To recap, the answer to how long does a sofa last ranges from 7 to 15 years. The quality, usage, and maintenance should affect the life expectancy of your couch.
Therefore, invest in a model that uses high-quality materials to ensure that it will last long. You also want to do the ideal practices to keep it looking and feeling best.