Sofa Buying Guide Consumer Reports May 2026

To evaluate a sofa’s longevity, look beyond the upholstery to these critical internal components:

Eight-way hand-tied springs are considered the top-tier for comfort and support. Sinuous (S-shaped) springs are a more affordable yet durable alternative that provides consistent support without sagging. sofa buying guide consumer reports

The "gold standard" is kiln-dried hardwood (such as oak or maple), which resists warping and cracking. Avoid inexpensive frames made of softwoods like pine or particleboard, which may creak or sag over time. To evaluate a sofa’s longevity, look beyond the