Have you recently moved to a new house or decided to do some home improvements on your existing home? If so, then you will be looking to buy some new furniture to help give your home a makeover.
There is however a problem with a lot of furniture on the market, and that is durability. Often, furniture isn’t durable and sturdy enough to last years and years and in fact, hundreds of thousands of old beds, tables, sofas, and wardrobes are thrown away every year. The impact of this on consumers’ pockets and the environment is huge as low-quality damaged and old furniture is being constantly replaced by even more poorly made furniture.
When looking for new furniture that you won’t have to dispose of in only a few years, it is worth considering the piece’s cost, durability, functionality, and required maintenance. For those homeowners or renters wanting to spruce up their home with furniture that lasts, here is a run-through of the kinds of furniture that will survive longer.
Long-Lasting Bed Frames and Mattresses
There are two parts to a bed, the mattress and bed frame which can take up a lot of space. To figure out if a mattress fits their room and needs, some people have found this size chart useful for checking mattress materials and dimensions. It is recommended that you change your mattress every eight years whilst the bed frame itself is likely to last much longer. However, for many, it is unrealistic for a mattress to be used for so long as signs of structural damage leading to discomfort usually become apparent much earlier. So with the costs of buying a new mattress being quite high, it will save you money and be more comfortable if you can find a mattress that is more durable and holds together for up to 8 years or more.
Mattress materials can vary in both their comfort, price, and quality. The different types of mattress include:
- Coil mattresses, the most commonly sold type, were first available at the start of the 20th century. They are made with a layer of metal coils that compress when weight is put on the bed. Coil mattresses are more affordable than other types however the coils get worn out quite fast leading to an even bed that can be annoyingly squeaky.
- Memory foam mattresses have been around commercially since the early 90s and are known for the ‘sink in’ effect as it takes the shape of the body when you lay on it. People often choose a memory foam mattress because it displaces pressure on joints and muscles, and promotes better spinal alignment. One issue with memory foam is that it can have a tendency to trap heat.
- Gel mattresses are a hybrid between memory foam and gel which has a lower density than pure memory foam so it holds less heat.
- Latex, made with the sap from rubber trees to create a foam mattress, latex foam mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses but bouncier and less dense.
- Hybrid, a combination of coil mattresses and memory foam or latex. A typical design involves a bed of coils covered with three layers of memory foam on each side.
- Polyfoam, a synthetic mattress available in a range of densities.
One thing to consider if you are looking into foam mattresses is the density of the material, the denser the material the more durable it will be.
After choosing a mattress you will need a strong bed frame to put it on. Ideally, the frame should be made of durable materials such as hardwood that are held together with metal bolts, brackets, joints, and screws to ensure it stays in good condition.
Leather or Fabric Sofas?
Spending a lot of money on a higher-end sofa is not a good option for most families with children and pets, due to the inevitable scratches and stains. In this case, it is worth exploring materials that are durable, stain, and water-resistant.
A popular choice for many homeowners is a leather sofa as it can be kept clean easily compared to fabric-covered sofas that collect dirt and dust over time. Leather sofas are much easier to scratch, however, you can protect them slightly by covering them with blankets and cushions.
The frame of a sofa also determines how durable it is. Long-lasting sofas are often built on solid hardwood frames securely fixed together that can handle plenty of stress, strains, and weight. Hardwood is frequently used in sofa construction rather than softwood as it provides greater structural integrity.
Hardwood Wardrobes Last Longer
Wardrobes are a piece of furniture that is dismantled and thrown away far less often than beds and sofas, however, lower quality wardrobes tend to need repairs more often or replacing sooner.
One common issue with wardrobes is hinges starting to creak and perish so for this reason long-lasting wardrobes have larger metal hinges and brackets.
For the panels of a wardrobe, solid hardwood is far more durable and aesthetically-pleasing than cheaper softwoods or panels within veneers that can flake off.
Hardwood Tables Are Sturdier
The density of hardwood which comes from slow-growing trees means that it is much denser than softwood. This increased density makes hardwood ideal for dining room and kitchen tables as it is durable and tough.
Wrought Iron Garden Furniture
Garden furniture must be made of more durable materials than interior furniture in order to avoid weather damage. One of the best materials for garden furniture is wrought iron, produced by casting and molding iron at high temperatures to create a durable and weather-resistant metal. Wrought iron chairs and tables are quite cumbersome, however, they match wood decking nicely.
Polywood Garden Furniture
A cheaper and lighter alternative to wrought iron is Polywood, which is made from a mixture of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and UV-inhibitors to protect the material from the Sun.
Polywood made from high-quality recycled plastics is a good option for long-lasting and eco-friendly garden furniture as it cannot rust or rot in any way.
At some point in life, most people will get their own apartment or house, which will need to be decorated and furnished. The costs of buying beds, mattresses, sofas, and tables will soon add up, so it makes sense to get furniture that is long-lasting and won’t break or wear easily after a few years of daily use.
