Anchorage Furniture: 4 Terms You Should Know Before Buying

Learn what “quality furniture” actually means and why considering furniture an investment can help your wallet and the planet.

Sofa and ottoman by Sherrill Furniture

Picture your living room.

If you’re like most people, you probably have a sofa that needs a little TLC.

Maybe the cushions have worn down and are looking frumpy and uncomfortable.

Perhaps the material is shabby and dated.

Or maybe your sofa even has a broken leg.

These are all common problems. But the truth is, many of them can be avoided by purchasing high-quality furniture.

However, most people don’t consider furniture an investment that’s worthy of a higher price tag. Others just don’t know what “quality” actually means.

Whether you’re looking to replace an item of furniture or have an empty house that needs a full set up, knowing what makes quality furniture… quality furniture… can save you money, help the planet, and get rid of those slumpy, bumpy, broken bits for good (or at least a couple of decades!)

At Furniture Classics, we have over 35 years of experience in the furniture business and a deep understanding of what the term “quality furniture” means.

That's why we wrote this article. Today, you’ll learn the four terms you should know before your next Anchorage furniture purchase to shop confidently, knowing what you’ll get in return… and what you won’t.

Are you ready to learn about furniture? Let’s dive in.

Kiln-dried hardwood chair, table, and hutch by Sherrill Furniture.

1. Kiln-dried hardwood construction

If you want furniture that can withstand our Alaskan climate year after year, you’re gonna want kiln-dried hardwood.

A kiln is an oven-like chamber. It dries wood at a specific temperature, humidity, and air circulation that removes as much moisture as possible.

Although many furniture stores market their products using the term "solid wood,” the Washington Post says the wood frames in most furniture today are made of pressboard and plywood. 

The newspaper also says that stores using the term "solid wood" might actually be selling pieces made from “rubber wood with a veneer glued on top." [1]  Yikes!

So beware of the term “solid wood” and instead look for kiln-dried.

Kiln-dried hardwood is the best wood frame money can buy, and here's why:

• Stability: Kiln-dried wood is less likely to crack, warp, or split over time. It’s resistant to expanding during our humid Alaskan summers and contracting when the fall chill sets in.

• Strength: Kiln-dried frames are more durable and can withstand daily wear and tear. They also hold glue, screws, and nails together well. This makes for stronger joints, especially around stress points like legs and arms.

• Mold Resistance: The high temperatures of the kiln-drying process keep mold and mildew away from your furniture. This prevents damage from humidity and ensures your relaxing space stays mold-free.

• Appearance: Kiln-dried wood also looks better. The drying process enhances the wood’s natural color and makes its appearance more even and attractive.

Kiln-dried wood can help your Anchorage furniture last decades longer than a frame made from air-dried or green wood. 

This means you can pass it down through generations instead of sending it to a landfill.

And here's a shocking stat: The Environmental Protection Agency estimates 10 million tons of furniture ended up in landfills in 2018. [1] That's right! Buying furniture made from kiln-dried wood is also more sustainable for our planet because its less prone to fall apart.

Now that you understand the basics of the furniture frame, let's discuss what you should know about the next layer up: the springs.

A furniture maker from Sherrill Furniture demonstrates the eight-way hand-tied Spring System method.

2. Eight-Way Hand-Tied Springs

Imagine curling up in a big, comfy chair while reading your favorite book. When you first sit down or change positions, the chair feels snuggly and supportive.

That’s because inside that chair is a spring system. 

The spring system determines the “bounce factor” of your chair, and the best bounce in the business comes from a technique called eight-way hand-tied.

It's another term you should ask about the next time you go Anchorage furniture shopping to ensure you never have to deal with an uncomfortable chair or sunken sofa.

Here's how the eight-way hand-tied spring system works:

• A skilled craftsperson connects an interlaced full web bottom to the kiln-dried frame.

• Sinuous steel springs are connected. The springs have individual coil wires that work to give you the right amount of bounce and support.

• They secure the springs to the frame with polyester cording in eight different directions: front, back, left, right, and all four corners. 

This eight-way system ensures your springs go back to their original spot after you're done sitting on them.

It also helps your sofa or chair stay bouncy, comfy, and super strong, which means it’s going to last longer.

Now that we've covered the frame and the springs — let's get to the best part: the fluffy, snuggly cushions.

Sherrill Furniture sofa and chairs made with ultra-density foam core cushions

3. Ultra-Density Foam Core Cushions

Does the spot where your dog sits on your sofa have a significant dog-shaped impression?

It may be because you don’t have ultra-density foam core cushions. 

Ultra-density foam is a very dense and strong type of foam and serves as the foundation for a high-quality cushion, providing it with structure and support. Think of it as the nucleus of a cell or the bones in your body.

The UD foam core is what helps a cushion bounce back, no matter how many dogs sit there!

Here's why UD foam cushions are worth investing in:

• Resilience: A UD foam core helps prevent sagging and allows the cushion to keep its original shape over time.

• Support: The foam core strikes the right balance between firmness and softness. It provides support, while the softer layers surrounding it give you that snuggly feeling.

• Longevity:  UD cushions last longer. Cushions without a foam core are less expensive but will lose their shape much faster, potentially sending you back to the furniture store earlier than you anticipated.

UD foam core cushions are another hallmark of quality and another term you should know the next time you go furniture shopping in Anchorage.

Now that you know what’s at the core of the cushions, let’s talk about what’s covering them.

4. Non-Woven Cushion Covers

Do you ever think about the layer that goes between the fabric you’re sitting on and the cushion inside your sofa?

You’re about to!

That layer is called the non-woven cushion cover, and if you want your sofa or chair to stand the test of time,  it’s another must, especially if you have kids or pets.

The non-woven cushion cover is a fabric bag that surrounds the cushion inside your sofa. They’re usually made from polyester, polypropylene, and other synthetic fibers.

Here are the main benefits of a non-woven cover:

• Durability: Non-woven fabrics are more resistant to rips, tears, and punctures than woven fabrics. This helps your cushions last longer without needing repairs.

• Breathability: Non-woven fabrics promote better airflow, making your furniture feel cooler and comfier. They also wick moisture, ensuring your cushions feel dry and fresh.

• Allergy Preventing: Non-woven materials are less likely to harbor allergens such as dust mites. The dense fabric also prevents pet dander from getting inside your cushions.

If you're not already sold on why "non-woven cushion cover" is your new favorite term, get this: non-woven materials are also less expensive than woven materials, and many are biodegradable, making them a more eco-friendly option.

Teal velvet sofa at Furniture Classics in Anchorage

Looking for quality Anchorage Furniture? We've got you covered.

There’s a saying in the furniture business: “You can buy it once, or can you buy it three times.”

From kiln-dried wood to hand-tied springs to foam core cushions and premium covers – we hope you agree that quality furniture should be considered an investment – and one you can feel good about!

That’s why Furniture Classics works hard to bring you high-quality furniture at an affordable price.

Have a sofa you’re dreaming of? Place a custom order now to ensure it gets here by Football Season!

Need a set of chairs or some Anchorage office furniture right now? Swing by our showroom during open hours and purchase from our in-stock collection. We can arrange delivery and have it to you within the next few days! (Velvet teal sofa, anyone? It's still available!)

Plus, you can show off your fancy new furniture vocabulary. 😉

Whether you want to visit in person, schedule a one-on-one interior design consult, or need more information, Anchorage Furniture Classics is always here to help you with design and quality and ensure you have the best seat… in the house.

P.S. - Does your used Anchorage furniture need a new home? Anchorage has a community furniture bank. For more information, visit https://shilohhousing.org/

Resources:

1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2023/09/05/new-furniture-quality-doesnt-last/

The anatomy of a chair by Sherrill Furniture.