Around the internet on furniture message boards, the debate and the questions about 8 way hand tied furnitures versus those with pirelli webbing seems to dominate. While, as you know, I happen to believe that they are equal, there are 100 different opinions on 100 different furniture sites and furniture message boards. So how are you, the consumer, supposed to sort all of this out? Simply, find out who is putting their money where their mouth is in the furniture industry.
First of all, make sure that whatever furniture you end up buying is comfortable. Whether it is hand tied, webbed, or something totally different, you need to like the way it feels. Sit on the sofa at the store, bounce on it a little, and maybe even lie down on it. That is how you first decide whether or not you like the sofa you are looking at.
Next, make sure you are getting something made well. With all the questions about hand tied and webbed, how are you supposed to do that? Simply, check the quality yourself by feeling the sofa. Take the cushions off and feel the webbing/hand tied nature directly. Stand or sit on it without the cushions, not so much for comfort but to feel the sturdiness in it.
Finally, ask about warranty. No matter what the construction issue is, if the company truly believes in the construction they will warranty it. There are, in fact, a huge number of manufacturers out there that will give you a lifetime warranty on the springs (including webbing and hand tied) and frame. As a salesman, this always told me that they believed in it. Trust me, if they thought they would spend a lot of time on repairs, they wouldn't do it. As a manager, I know how much it costs a furniture company (where I worked, we did our own warranty work and repairs) to repair or take returns on furniture. It is an absolute profit killer. So if you have doubts, check to see if the store or the company is backing the piece. Once you know, it won't matter what it is made of; it will just be something that is comfortable, affordable, and backed by those who made it or sold it to you.
Hope This Helps,
The Furniture Guy
Building a website is a piece of cake.
Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online.
