Furniture Quality Guide
We take quality seriously, and so should you. Armed with the right information before you invest in home furnishings, you can be assured you’ll come home with beautiful pieces that will last you and your family a generation. Or two. Watch our furniture quality videos to learn about enduring quality, timeless design and lasting value. Discover the Broyhill difference.
Points of Difference: Upholstered Furniture
Foundation
Is the frame sturdy? Shake the arms. Quality furniture won't have shaky arms. Are the frames interlocking like puzzle pieces? Avoid frames the include pieces of plywood nailed together.
Springs
Are the springs made of at least 8.5 gauge tempered steel? Do the springs attach to a solid oak double rail that spans the front and back of the frame?. Avoid springs that are attached to a front plywood rail, as they may warp or twist easily.
Cushions
Are the cushions filled with high-resiliency foam cells? These will bounce back faster and retain their shape longer than ordinary cushions. Is the foam soy-based? Sustainable, soy-based cushions require less petroleum to manufacture, thus making them more environmentally friendly.
Fabric
Has the fabric you selected met or exceeded furniture industry performance standards? Has the fabric you selected passed a double rub test without fringing or splitting?
Fit & Tailoring
Is the seam along the corner of the cusion (welt line) completely straight? Are there wrinkles in the fabric on the corners or edges of the cushion? Corners and edges should be smooth.
Points of Difference: Wood Furniture
Finish
Ask if the piece was treated with a multi-step finishing process. This process gives wood a rich, even finish while protecting natural color and enhancing color, depth and clarity.
Side-Panels
Look for thick side panels, at least 3/4". These panels reinforce the structure of the piece. Standard side panels are usually 5/8" thick.
Backing
Turn the piece around to ensure the backing is secured with corner blocks and screws, not staples which tend to come loose and weaken the furniture. You can test this by lifting the furniture to see if it feels like one solid piece that doesn't bow or bend.
Drawers
Open the drawer and verify that English dovetails are used to join the different sections. These dovetails make the drawers stronger and allow for more space inside. Check the underside of the drawer for corner blocking that provides extra support.
Protection
Check underneath each drawer to ensure that there is a dustcover. This will help keep clothes free of dust and damage. Look for wood-on-wood drawer guides with drawer stoppers to ensure the drawers are smooth, functional and safe. Metal drawer guides can jam and snag.
