What is the frame made of, and how is it joined? Kiln-dried hardwood with corner-blocked joinery scores highest. Particleboard, finger-jointed softwood, and staple-only construction score low. The frame is the skeleton — everything else hangs on it.

Eight-way hand-tied springs are the gold standard. Sinuous (S-shaped) springs are common in mid-range pieces and work fine for most people. Webbing-only suspension is a warning sign unless the design calls for it. I am looking at bounce, support distribution, and how the suspension is attached to the frame.

I evaluate the double rub count, fiber content, weight, and real-world wearability. Performance fabrics like Crypton and Sunbrella score well. Viscose-heavy blends and unprotected linens get flagged. A sofa is only as durable as what covers it. This is where most buyers get burned.

Seat height determines who can comfortably use the sofa. Standard range is 17–19 inches - my preference is 18” (the height of a dining chair). Lower profiles look great in photos but can be punishing for older adults or anyone with knee issues. I score based on how well the height matches the intended use.

Depth affects whether you're sitting on a sofa or sinking into one. Standard depth is 21–24 inches. Deep-lounge profiles run 25 inches and beyond. Neither is inherently better — but the sofa should deliver what it promises. A "cocktail sofa" at 28 inches deep is lying to you.

High-resilience foam with a density above 1.8 lb/ft³ is the baseline for anything that should last more than three years. Down wraps add comfort but need regular fluffing. All-down cushions are high-maintenance luxury. We evaluate density, recovery, and long-term compression resistance.