Every home needs a sofa or a couch. Otherwise where else will you have comfortable chats with friends, or where exactly will you throw your tired self to relax after a busy day at work? Definitely on a sofa!
However, a piece of furniture like a sofa for instance is one thing we don’t get to replace often as much as we do with other household essentials like groceries and clothing, but when it is worn out and beyond repair, you might probably want to get rid of your couch and buy a new one.
How long does a couch last? Before buying a sofa, one important question you will most likely ask yourself is whether that sofa is going to push you for a couple of years or you might need to buy another one after 3 to 4 years.
In this article, we will discuss the average life expectancy of a couch, when you should replace it, how to care for and maintain a couch, and the types of couch fabric to consider when buying one. This will help you plan accordingly and keep you in the know especially when you start seeing the signs of wear and tear.
Contents
How Long Does a Couch Last?
Literally, buying a couch is considered an investment. It’s not a dress that you would just wake up one morning and decide to buy. No! a couch may need quite a lot of savings. For that matter, you will probably want to buy one that will see you through some years to come.
The average lifespan of a couch is between 10 and 15 years. This will however depend on quality, material, how often it is used, and how well or not it is taken care of.
For instance, a couch that is used both as a sofa and a sleeper regularly may have a shorter life expectancy than you would expect. Because the more you sleep and sit on it the more the cushions become thinner and worn out.
But if a couch is specifically used for sitting it has more chances of withstanding wear and tear and can last up to 20 years.
One important thing you also need to know is, if a couch is not sat on regularly it will have more lifespan. Take for example a sofa in an office lounge and one at home. The one at home is most likely to last for a few years than the one in the office because the one at home is sat on almost every time and by very many people.
Although the cases of sagging couch cushions and the creaking sound of the frame or springs are some of the major reasons that would make a homeowner replace their sofa, some would want to replace it due to new trends and styles earlier than the 10 to 15 years’ mark.
4 Signs You Need to Replace Your Couch
If you are a person of trends, you will most likely change your sofa every now and then. However, if you bought your sofa with the intention of lounging on it for years, you are likely to start noticing signs of wear and tear at around 14 years.
It can however be hard to tell the age of your sofa most especially if you bought it at a second-hand store. Luckily, in this article, we will show you all the signs that your sofa is now old and damaged, and it is definitely time to replace it. These signs include:
1. Worn-out Fabric
Cases of fabric fading and fraying are the first signs that will remind you it’s time to buy a new sofa. Sofas look neat and stylish in their natural color, however, when they get worn out and start losing it, they become like trash and would hence make a living space boring and out of style.
However, if it is only the couch’s fabric that is ruined, you can still reupholster it to give the sofa a whole new look. This would be advisable especially if the couch or sofa is a family heirloom and discarding it wouldn’t do your grandparent’s favorite piece justice.
2. Creaking Sound
The creaking sounds of the frame or spring of your couch can be really irritating. And embarrassing especially if you have guests around. This will definitely force you to get rid of it and buy a new one.
Moreover, replacing the frame and spring of the sofa would not be the best idea since this can be twice the price of buying a new sofa.
When the creaking sounds start, just know your sofa is over and done, and there is no need to reupholster. The best idea will be to buy a new one.
3. Sinking
If your couch is no longer soft and firm but sinks down every time you seat on it, it is probably done and needs some replacement.
In most cases, the cushions might be the ones sinking, which is a good thing since it could be cheaper to replace cushions than buying a whole sofa. However, it won’t be long before the hole sofa starts showing signs of wear and tear, forcing you to get rid of it including the new cushions.
However, if the whole sofa is sinking down, forget about refurbishing the sofa and just focus on buying a new one. Refurbishing might cost you a lot more than you would when buying a new sofa.
4. Stinking
Stinking is very common in couches, especially if you have kids and pets. It can get out of hand when you forget to put diapers on your kids and they end up peeing on the couch, or your dog just decides to misbehave and also decides to pee right there. If this happens repeatedly, it will definitely have a negative impact on your couch.
Although vacuuming and regular cleaning may help minimize this odor, if it happens regularly it will eventually ruin your sofa giving you all the reasons to buy a new one. You definitely wouldn’t be comfortable with a stinking sofa in your home.
How to Care for your Couch So It Lasts Longer
It is every homeowner’s wish that the type of couch or sofa they buy sees them through many years to come. Some would even go the extra mile to pay extra costs for it.
However, whether the couch you have is of high quality or not, if it is not properly maintained, you will be going back to the stores even after 3 years.
Going for a sofa with a durable material is ok, in fact, it’s the first thing you should consider.
However, for your sofa to last an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, there are certain measures you need to put in place. And if you follow all of them strictly, your sofa can last up to 20 years, wouldn’t that be great? These measures include:
1. Regular Cleaning
Since it is the place we literally spend all our lives in, couches are more vulnerable to all types of dirt. From food crumbs, drink spills, pet hair, and dust. Therefore, they need to be cleaned regularly and in the case of a spill, make sure to clean it immediately to stop the couch from staining further.
For couches with material like leather, you are unlikely to notice when they are dirty, but it is important to wipe out dust to prevent them from accumulating.
For microfiber and microsuede couches, vacuuming regularly to remove food crumbs and all other kinds of dirt will make the sofa last longer.
Always remember that a dirty sofa is most vulnerable to wear and tear but regular cleaning will revive it.
2. Keep Couch Away from Direct Sunlight
There are couches that are made to withstand sunlight, but leather is certainly not one of them. If you have a leather sofa, make sure you always keep it out of direct sunlight that may cause it to crack and fade. If a leather couch cracks and fades, it loses its attractive look.
3. Regularly Condition Leather Sofas
To maintain its attractive look, you will need to condition your leather sofa at least once every month. You will also need to apply the leather gel on it at least once every three months.
Despite being durable, leather couches are the most expensive to maintain because buying leather gel and conditioner can be overwhelming. However, cleaning it is the easiest and most exciting part of owning a leather sofa.
4. Train your Kids and Pets
Kids and pets usually subject our sofas to so much dirt but if trained to use the sofa carefully, they will learn and this will guarantee your sofa longevity.
Which Fabrics Are Suitable for a Couch to Last Longer?
Not all fabrics used to make couches are durable. Some are of low quality and would be a great loss if you decide to buy one. Here are the fabrics that you don’t have to give a second thought about:
1. Leather
Leather is the best material in terms of quality and durability. And just like wine, leather sofas get better with time. Although they appear firm when new, they get softer and more attractive the more you sit on them. Although leather can be expensive, especially the top grain leather, it is absolutely worth it.
2. Microfiber
If you want to experience softness right from the onset, then a microfiber couch is the right option for you. They are soft and breathable and will give you all the comfort you need while lounging. The best thing about microfiber is that they are durable and affordable.
3. Velvet
Velvet sofas are known for making a living space look luxurious and tactile. They are soft and delicate but are guaranteed to last for a long time if well taken care of.
Velvet is, however, very expensive and you might need to save quite a lot to be able to own one. But one thing for sure is velvet sofas are durable and suitable for every home.
Conclusion
There might not be a shortcut for a couch to last longer if it is not properly cared for and maintained. The above guidelines will help your couch see you through many years to come as you focus your money on other important things.
