A good couch warranty is one of the most important items to look for when sofa shopping. But finding furniture warranty information can be challenging, even on a company’s website. And who’s got the time to do warranty research anyway? We do! We dug deep and put together a comprehensive list of furniture warranty information for many of the biggest couch companies, including details on their furniture protection plan offerings. Here’s what we found.
What’s a Sofa Warranty?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of which company offers the best couch warranty, let’s talk basics: What exactly is a sofa warranty?
A sofa warranty is like a safety net for your couch, often included as part of manufacturer warranties. It’s a promise from the manufacturer that they’ll repair or replace your sofa if something goes wrong within a certain time frame. But here’s the kicker—not all warranties are created equal. Some cover just the frame, others might include the cushions, and a few might even take care of those pesky fabric issues.
Types of Furniture Warranties: Limited vs. Lifetime vs. Extended
What does a sofa warranty cover? When making a furniture purchase, understanding the different types of warranties available can help you make an informed decision. To answer that, we need to know the different manufacturer’s warranties first. As a general rule, companies divide their couch warranties into several categories that have different warranty coverage timelines. These plans often cover defects, accidental damage, providing peace of mind for households with children or pets.
1. Couch Frame Warranties
The first category covers couch frames and typically covers defects in the wooden framing, joinery, and spring support system. These warranties guarantee the couch’s wooden framing, the joinery, and often the spring support system against structural defects, manufacturer defects, or breakage for a set period of time. The best companies offer a lifetime warranty on couch frames, but the majority of companies offer a 1-year warranty. Coverage can vary, so it’s important to review the specific warranty terms provided by each company.
2. Couch Material Defect Warranties
The second category is material defects. This type of sofa warranty typically covers the upholstery workmanship and any special sofa features. It is designed to cover defects such as fabric seams and stitching, button tufting, and zippers on cushion covers. The average material defect warranty period is 1 year. Some companies may offer longer coverage, particularly those that emphasize quality in their manufacturing process.
3. Extended Couch Warranties
Some retailers have partnered with third-party companies that provide furniture protection plans like Mulberry, Allstate, and Extend to offer 3 to 5-year extended warranty coverage in addition to the standard manufacturer’s warranty. Extended warranties are often considered by consumers looking to protect their furniture purchases from unexpected damages. You can purchase these furniture protection plans to cover your sofa against spills, pet accidents, fabric tearing, and more! Our chart lets you know which companies offer this type of extended couch warranty. These plans often include accidental damage coverage, which provides additional peace of mind.
Why Is a Couch Warranty Important?
You might be wondering, “Do I really need a couch warranty?” The short answer is: Absolutely.
Here’s why a good couch warranty matters:
-
Protect Your Investment: Let’s face it—couches aren’t cheap. A solid warranty helps you protect that investment.
-
Peace of Mind: Knowing you’re covered if something goes wrong with your couch gives you peace of mind. It’s like having insurance, but for your favorite place to lounge.
-
Quality Assurance: A good warranty is often a sign that the manufacturer stands by the quality of their product. It’s like a seal of approval.
When you’re dropping serious cash on a couch, you want to make sure it’s going to last. Furniture warranties help ensure that it does. It does not matter when you buy it during an ordinary day or got the best couch deal during a Black Friday sale. You need that couch warranty for your peace of mind.
Pro Tip: Always read the fine print. Some warranties sound great on paper but come with restrictions or exclusions that might surprise you.
So which company has the best furniture warranty? Check out the full chart below!
Complete Couch Company Warranty Comparison**
| Brand | Couch Frames | Material Defects | Extended Warranty Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Avenue | Lifetime Warranty | No | No |
| Albany Park | 10 years+ | 10 years+ | No |
| AllModern | 0-5 years* | 0-5 years* | Yes |
| Apt2B | Lifetime Warranty | 1 year* | Yes |
| Arhaus | 10 years | 3 years | Yes |
| Article | 1 year | 1 year | No |
| Ballard Designs | 1 year | 1 year | No |
| BenchMade Modern | Lifetime Warranty | 1 year | No |
| Bob's Discount Furniture | 1 year | 1 year | Yes |
| Burrow | 1 year | 1 year | Yes |
| Castlery | 3 years | 1 year | Yes |
| CB2 | No | No | No |
| Crate & Barrel | No | No | No |
| Design Within Reach | 1 year | 1 year | No |
| Edloe Finch | 1 year | 1 year | No |
| Frontgate | Lifetime Warranty | 1 year | No |
| Floyd | 1 year | 1 year | Yes |
| Grandin Road | 1 year | 1 year | No |
| GreenRow | 2 years | 2 years | No |
| Homary | 1 year | 1 year | Yes |
| Hulala Home | 30 days | 30 days | No |
| IKEA | 10 years+ | 10 years+ | No |
| Inside Weather | 1 year | 1 year | No |
| Joss & Main | ≤1 year | ≤1 year | Yes |
| Joybird | Lifetime Warranty | 1 year | Yes |
| Kardiel | Lifetime Warranty | 3 years | Yes |
| Lovesac | Lifetime Warranty | 3 years | No |
| Lulu and Georgia | No | No | No |
| Maiden Home | Lifetime Warranty | No | No |
| Medley | Lifetime Warranty | 5 years | No |
| Modloft | 1 year | No | Yes |
| Pottery Barn | No | No | No |
| Rejuvenation | 2 years | 2 years | No |
| Restoration Hardware | Lifetime Warranty | No | No |
| Room & Board | No | No | No |
| Rove Concepts | 5 years | 1 year | Yes |
| Wayfair | ≤1 year* | ≤1 year* | Yes |
| West Elm | No | No | Yes |
| Zinus | 1 year | 1 year | No |
*Not all models (Check listings)
**Data as of 11/1/23
Which Company Has the Best Furniture Warranty?
According to the chart, the Kardiel warranty is the best in class. They have a lifetime warranty on their couch frames, a 3-year warranty on materials and cushions, and they offer extended warranty coverage. The Kardiel manufacturer's warranty covers specific defects originating from the manufacturing process. The Apt2B warranty and the Joybird warranty are runners-up. The biggest difference is that Apt2B and Joybird only have a 1-year warranty on material defects. And some of Apt2B’s imported couches have shorter warranty periods.
Although Medley does not offer extended warranties, they do have the best benchmade warranty in the business. The Medley benchmade warranty provides lifetime coverage on their handcrafted frames, a 5-year warranty on material defects, and they actually offer a 10-year warranty on their cushion filling materials. That’s amazing and incredibly rare.
The Albany Park warranty is also extremely good. They’ll replace your couch at no cost to you within 10 years of purchase if there are any manufacturer’s defects. And that coverage may extend beyond 10 years depending on the circumstances. Wow!
The Lovesac warranty is also quite good. They provide a lifetime guarantee for all the “hard components” of their popular Sactional modular sofa. They also have a 3-year warranty on all of their Sactional’s “soft components,” which protects seat cushions, back pillows, and fabric covers against defects.
The Restoration Hardware warranty is also worth mentioning. Their lifetime guarantee covers, for the original owner, the frame, springs, and cushions of their upholstered sofas. We love that the Restoration Hardware warranty includes cushions.
Whose Couch Warranty Could Be Better?
The big-name brands could all do better. Several major companies do not offer standard furniture protection plans. There’s no CB2 warranty, no Crate and Barrel warranty, no Pottery Barn warranty, and no West Elm warranty. But even though there’s no specific West Elm couch warranty, they do at least offer extended warranties, which is appreciated.
While there’s no specific Room and Board warranty, they do guarantee their couches against defects. Customer reviews and write-ups say that Room & Board does offer generous repair and replacement services. However, we’d feel a lot more comfortable if there was an official Room and Board warranty that we had in writing to ensure comprehensive warranty service.
What to Look for in a Couch Warranty
So, what should you be looking for in a couch warranty? Here’s a quick checklist:
-
Coverage Period: How long does the warranty last? Lifetime warranties are best, but a solid multi-year warranty can be good too.
-
What’s Covered?: Make sure the warranty covers the frame, cushions, and upholstery. Bonus points if it includes the spring support system.
-
Exclusions: What’s not covered? Most warranties won’t cover normal wear and tear, but you want to make sure major issues are included.
-
Repair or Replace?: Will the company repair your couch or replace it if something goes wrong? This can make a big difference in your long-term satisfaction.
Common Issues Not Covered by Warranties
While warranties offer a lot of protection, they don’t cover everything. Here are some common exclusions:
-
Normal Wear and Tear: Things like fabric fading or cushion flattening over time usually aren’t covered.
-
Accidental Damage: Spills, pet accidents, and other everyday mishaps are typically excluded, unless you have an extended warranty.
-
Improper Use: If you’ve been using your couch as a trampoline (hey, no judgment), don’t expect the warranty to cover the damage.
Understanding what’s not covered can help you decide if you need additional protection, like an extended warranty or a furniture protection plan.
The Cost of Repair Without a Warranty
What happens if your couch breaks and you don’t have a manufacturer's warranty? It could cost you—big time.
Here’s a look at some common repair costs:
-
Frame Repair: Fixing a broken frame can run you anywhere from $200 to $500, depending on the extent of the damage.
-
Cushion Replacement: Replacing sagging cushions could cost you $100 per cushion or more.
-
Upholstery Repair: Got a tear or seam split? Expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $200, depending on the fabric and the extent of the damage.
These costs add up fast, making a warranty a smart investment.
How to File a Warranty Claim
If something does go wrong with your couch, you’ll need to know how to file a warranty claim.
Follow these steps:
-
Gather Your Documentation: Keep your receipt and warranty information handy. You’ll need these when you file a claim.
-
Contact the Manufacturer or Retailer: Reach out to the company you purchased the couch from. They’ll guide you through the process.
-
Submit Photos or Evidence: Be ready to provide photos or other evidence of the issue. This helps speed up the process.
-
Follow Up: Once your claim is submitted, follow up regularly to make sure it’s being processed.
Knowing how to file a claim can save you a lot of headaches if something goes wrong with your couch.
Alternatives to Couch Warranties: DIY and Insurance Options
Not sold on the idea of furniture warranties? Here are some alternatives:
-
DIY Repairs: If you’re handy, you can fix minor issues like loose seams or cushion sagging yourself. There are plenty of online tutorials to guide you.
-
Furniture Insurance: Some home insurance policies cover furniture damage. Check your policy to see if this is an option.
-
Third-Party Protection Plans: Companies like Mulberry and Allstate offer extended protection plans that cover accidental damage, spills, and more.
These alternatives can provide peace of mind if you’re not satisfied with the warranty options available.
Couch Warranty FAQ
Do Couches Come with a Warranty?
Yes, the majority of furniture retailers provide a limited warranty on their couches, sectionals, and sleeper sofas. Typically, you can expect at least a 1-year warranty from the date your couch arrives at your home. These warranties are generally designed to cover manufacturer defects.
What Does Sofa Warranty Cover?
A sofa manufacturer warranty generally covers the couch frame, the spring support system, and any material workmanship such as upholstery seams, stitching, button tufting, and cushion zippers. In many cases, a company will provide longer warranty coverage for the couch’s frame and spring system and a shorter warranty coverage period for the material workmanship. However, it is important to note that warranties typically do not cover damages resulting from normal wear.
What Do Extended Warranties on Couches Cover?
Furniture warranties, including extended warranties on couches, usually cover any accidents that may occur from everyday use. Spills, pet accidents, and fabric tearing are some of the common issues that an extended furniture warranty will cover. Most extended furniture warranty protection plans provide coverage for 3 to 5 years after purchase.
Is a Couch Warranty Worth It?
Yes, most couch warranties are worth it, especially when the company provides a warranty with your purchase. Extended warranties are also a smart way to protect your couch from everyday accidents for the first few years of your sofa purchase. Couches can be expensive, so it's wise to budget a little extra money for peace of mind.
Where Can I Buy Furniture with Warranty?
If you're looking for the best furniture with warranty protection, take a look at our full chart above. We think that Kardiel, Albany Park, Arhaus, Medley, Apt2B, Joybird, and Lovesac all provide very good couch warranties with your purchase.
