Sofa buying guide
5 Things to Look For in a Sofa That Actually Lasts
Five questions to ask in any showroom, with straight answers from ours.
Closer to the westside? Cedar Mill directionsPortland & Cedar Mill, open every day · 4.8 stars from 500+ Google reviews
1Stop one
The frame: how is it built, and what does the warranty say?
The frame is the part you'll never see again once the sofa is home, so let the maker put it in writing. "Solid construction" tells you nothing. A specific answer and a long warranty tell you a lot.
Ask this"How is the frame built, and what does the warranty say about it?"
Stanton, a family-owned maker in Canby, Oregon since 1973, describes a heavy-duty modular frame with 2x4 support rails and corner blocks. The frame carries a lifetime limited warranty for as long as you, the original owner, have the sofa.
Source: Stanton product information and warranty card.
2Stop two
The springs: what is holding up the seat?
You'll usually hear one of three answers: elastic webbing, sinuous steel springs (the zig-zag kind), or coil springs tied by hand. The answer you want is a specific one, with a warranty behind it.
Ask this"What's holding up the seat, and does the warranty cover it?"
On a Stanton sofa: 8.5-gauge sinuous steel springs, under the same lifetime limited warranty as the frame.
Source: Stanton product information and warranty card.
3Stop three
The cushions: what is inside, and when does the warranty call them worn out?
Every cushion softens as it breaks in. That's normal. What you're really asking is where softening ends and a defect begins, and a good maker will draw that line for you.
Ask this"What's inside the seat cushion, and when does the warranty call it worn out?"
Stanton makes its cushion cores in house from pre-compressed high-density, high-resiliency foam. Its warranty counts a core as failed when it loses more than one inch of its specified height.
Source: Stanton product information and warranty card.Try this on our floor: sit on three or four sofas back to back and compare how the seats feel after a few minutes.
What a sofa really costs, with real price tags
4Stop four
The fabric: how many choices, and what does a better grade add?
Fabric is where a custom sofa becomes yours. Ask what a better grade adds, because it varies by frame.
Ask this"How many fabrics can I choose from, and what does a better grade add?"
Our Stanton builder has 167 fabrics in three grades. On the Nirvana sofa, Premium adds $60 and Performance adds $120 over Standard ($2,075, $2,135, $2,195).
Ask what the fabric warranty covers, too. Stanton's covers seams and fabric separation for one year, and pet use isn't covered.
Source: our Stanton builder and price list; Stanton warranty card.Custom takes a little time: typically about 4 to 6 weeks for Stanton and 6 to 8 weeks for Stylus once your fabric is confirmed. We confirm the timing for your piece when you order.
Build a Nirvana sofa in any of 167 fabrics"The custom couch said 4 to 6 weeks, but took 7. The quality so far was worth the wait."
★★★★★ Sam Sterns, Google review
5Stop five
Sit on it: can you try this exact sofa before you buy?
A photo can't tell you how deep a seat really is or how a cushion feels at the end of a long day. That's what a showroom is for. Ours are open every day, and nobody here will rush you.
Ask this"Can I sit on this exact sofa, and can I take it home to try?"
If It Fits, It Sits: for select in-stock pieces, you can take it home for up to two days before you commit. Ask us in the showroom and we'll set it up. Custom orders, consignment and floor models are final sale, so sit first.
Source: our return policy.Before you come: measure the doorways, hall and stairs the sofa has to pass through, and bring the numbers.
"We didn't purchase our first visit because we were in full research mode, but our initial experience brought us back once we were ready."
★★★★★ Katherine Walker, Google review
Come take the walk in person
Bring your measurements and a few room photos. Our team will help you choose furniture, fabrics and finishes at no charge.
If It Fits, It Sits
For select in-stock pieces, take it home for up to two days before you commit.
Custom orders, consignment and floor models are final sale. Return policyFree front-door delivery on $1,500+ within 20 miles of our Portland warehouse in Oregon; $149 under $1,500. Delivery rates
Your sofa checklist
Tick each one off as you shop and jot down what you're told. Print it, or come back to it on this device.
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About us. What's New Furniture is locally owned and independent, in Portland since 2010, with showrooms in Portland and Cedar Mill. We're rated 4.8 stars from 500+ Google reviews.