How can two seemingly identical sofas have price points that are vastly different? Knowing the answer could mean the difference between having your beautiful sofa (or loveseat, chair, sectional group or recliner) last for years or needing to replace it sooner than you want.

It comes down to construction – what you don't see underneath that pretty fabric.

Frame. Let's begin with the frame and the joinery. The best quality is constructed of 5/4” kiln-dried lumber, with a dovetailed frame and legs doweled into the base, not merely screwed on.

Springs. The next point of difference is the use of springs and/or substitutes.The highest quality upholstered furniture uses eight-way, hand-tied springs. Below that in quality is a “drop-in unit,” consisting of a spring system prefabricated by a vendor of the furniture manufacturer. Next down is the “no sag” system, then the “web” system. The web system uses no springs at all – just pieces of webbing stretched in every direction.

Cushions. Unzip a cushion. If you see foam that is not encased in a separate piece of fabric, you can expect problems at the welts sooner rather than later. The welt is the surrounding edge where the fabric is stitched together to form a raised “seam.” If the foam is not encased in fabric, the welt will eventually slip over the edge of the cushion.

Now you know why two pieces of “identical” furniture can have very different lifespans. When it comes to upholstered furniture, it pays to be informed.

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