Furniture Warranties and What They Actually Cover

What Warranty Does Not Cover?

Understanding what a manufacturers furniture warranty doesn’t cover is just as crucial as knowing what it does cover. The brass tax is: they cover as little as they can to be able to make you feel comfortable buying their product.

However, there are usually extended warranties that you can purchase for an additional charge that will cover virtually anything and everything that can happen to your couch. When it comes to the (free with purchase) manufacturer warranty or manufacturer guarantee, here are some typical exclusions of what is covered:

  • Normal Wear and Tear: Furniture warranties, like those offered with a Serta futon, traditional sofa, or light grey sectional, generally don’t cover issues that result from regular use and wear over time.
  • Accidental Damage: Most warranties won’t cover accidental damage, such as spills, stains, or pet-related mishaps.
  • Improper Use or Maintenance: If you misuse or fail to maintain your furniture as per the manufacturer’s instructions, the warranty may be voided.
  • Issues You Should Have Noticed: If you received your furniture with visible defects or issues and accepted it, those problems may not be covered.

Does Warranty Cover Any Damage?

Furniture warranties typically cover damage that results from manufacturing defects or issues arising from the construction or materials. This includes problems like:

  • Structural Defects: Issues with the frame, joints, or other structural components of the furniture.
  • Faulty Mechanisms: If your furniture includes mechanisms like reclining features, a warranty would cover defects in these.
  • Torn Seams or Stitching: Problems with the upholstery or stitching are usually covered.

Does a Warranty Cover Wear and Tear?

Wear and tear are typically not covered by furniture warranties. What exactly is wear and tear? Things like:

  • Fading of Fabrics: Over time, fabrics may naturally fade due to exposure to sunlight or regular use.
  • Compression of Cushions: The flattening or softening of cushions due to regular sitting is considered normal wear and tear.
  • Surface Scratches: Minor scratches on wooden surfaces are generally not covered.

What Does a Full Warranty Usually Cover?

A full warranty usually covers defects in workmanship and materials for a specific period. It often includes:

  • Structural Integrity: Defects in the frame and other structural components.
  • Mechanical Components: Issues with reclining mechanisms or other moving parts.
  • Upholstery and Stitching: Problems with the fabric, seams, or stitching.

What Is Accidental Damage for a Sofa?

Accidental damage for a sofa refers to unexpected harm caused by spills, stains, pet damage, or other unintended incidents. This type of damage is typically not covered by standard furniture warranties. However, you can often purchase additional protection plans or insurance to safeguard against accidental damage.

Can I Get a Refund on a Faulty Sofa?

If you receive a faulty sofa, your options may include:

  • Return and Refund: Many retailers have return policies that allow you to return a faulty product and receive a refund or replacement.
  • Warranty Claim: If the issue arises after purchase and is within the warranty coverage, you can file a warranty claim for repairs or replacement.

What Does 2 Years Brand Warranty Mean?

A 2 years brand warranty means that the brand, retailer or manufacturer guarantees their product to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of two years from the date of purchase. During this time, the manufacturer will repair or replace the product if any covered defects occur.

Does Warranty Pay for Everything?

Furniture warranties have limitations, and they don’t pay for everything. They cover specific issues related to manufacturing defects or faulty materials. Anything outside the scope of these defects is generally not covered. It’s important to note that, when it comes to manufacturer warranties, there is usually no actual payment or funds being transferred or returned; warranties usually recover replacements only!

Does Couch Warranty Cover Pilling?

Pilling, which is the formation of small, fuzzy balls on fabric surfaces, is often considered a result of normal wear and tear. As such, it’s typically not covered by couch warranties. It would be very difficult to get a retailer or manufacturer to approve a claim of this nature.

What Is Considered Defective Furniture?

Defective furniture refers to items with flaws or issues that are not a result of regular wear and tear or misuse. Common examples include:

  • Broken Frame: Structural issues with the frame that compromise the furniture’s stability.
  • Faulty Reclining Mechanism: Problems with reclining or motion features that hinder their proper function.
  • Torn Upholstery: Damage to the fabric or seams that isn’t a result of regular use.

Understanding what a furniture warranty covers is crucial when purchasing a new couch. While warranties provide valuable protection against manufacturing defects, they typically don’t cover normal wear and tear or accidental damage. Always read and comprehend the warranty terms to know what you can expect in case an issue arises with your furniture.

author avatar
Alex Back, CEO of Couch.com CEO
Alex Back is the founder and CEO of Couch.com. Previously, he was the co-founder and COO of the popular furniture brand, Apt2B, which was acquired by a large US retail furniture chain in 2018. He worked to integrate Apt2B, one of the very first online furniture retailers on the Shopify platform, into the operations of the 100 year old larger business entity and was deeply immersed in the business operations of both online and brick and mortar retail for 4 years before leaving in 2023 to start Couch.com. Working in various parts of the furniture industry since 2004, he has 20 years experience in retail sales, e-commerce, marketing, operations, logistics and wholesale manufacturing and distribution. He's worked extensively with partners such as Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon and his work has been highlighted in many publications such as Forbes, CNN and HGTV, among others as seen on his Muckrack profile. Alex is delighted to bring his experience and authority on couches and the furniture industry to this platform, along with many of his industry colleagues who are helping him keep the Couch.com audience informed and engaged on a daily basis.

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