The structure of a sofa frame is the fundamental component of a sofa, serving as its skeletal support. Its processing procedures should be standardized with reliable references for guidance. Common sofa frames are composed of materials such as wood, metal hardware, and plastic.

 

For manufacturers of upholstered furniture, the processing of wooden inner frames is the main body, with exposed solid wood armrests, sofa legs, and other parts typically outsourced for processing. That is to say, conventional upholstered furniture companies mainly combine the "lumbering and assembly of frame parts" for their wooden inner frames.

 

Drawing from our years of service to the furniture industry, there are several material structures or technical routes for sofas made by major international furniture brands.

 

First: Aluminum Profile Frame Structure

Aluminum profiles are not merely metal; they are demountable and expandable metal structures, connected not by welding but by other means.

 

This structure is on par with industrial products. Some top Italian sofa brands feature this structure in their flagship sofas.

 

Such structures are lightweight, space-saving, yet highly strong. Of course, they are more expensive than wooden frames or welded steel pipe structures, but they represent the industry's direction for sofa development. Zhuokai's aluminum alloy sofa legs, the CP series, are made of aluminum alloy and are in line with current international popular sofa structure hardware.

 

Second: Molding Foam Frame Structure

Molding foam frame structures may consist solely of foam or a combination of foam and metal support. In any case, the components of these sofas are industrially formed as a whole, produced in an industrialized mode, not the manual wood + foam frame style.

 

In recent years, several popular mid-century Italian sofas have been created using expensive molding foam molds, and popular molding foam frame sofas on the market are produced this way. For instance, Mario Bellini's Camaleonda sofa and Scarpa's Soriana sofa are both produced using molding foam molds.

 

Third: Full Sponge Frame

The difference between a full sponge frame and a molding foam frame is that the full sponge frame does not use molds but shapes the required form using various densities of sponge.

 

The disadvantage is that this is not an industrial production method but a manual one. The advantage, however, is that various densities of sponge, bonded together manually, can more easily adjust the sitting feel, potentially making it more comfortable than sofas with a molding foam structure.

 

The renowned French brands, Ligne Roset and Roche Bobois, offer several full sponge frame sofas, the most famous of which may be the TOGO sofa.

 

Fourth: Traditional Wooden Frame Sofas

Wooden frame sofas are still the mainstream in the Asian market and for retro-style furniture sofas. The main reasons are twofold: first, they are easy to produce, as they are manually crafted frames, and a small team can set up a factory to produce sofas; second, they are cost-effective, with the lowest cost compared to the other technical routes mentioned.

 

The biggest issue with wooden frame sofas is their large footprint. The same strength, if achieved with an aluminum profile frame, only requires thinness and slenderness, but with wood, it requires thickness and bulkiness. Additionally, wooden frames have a certain lifespan, whereas metal can last for centuries without issue. There is also a certain environmental risk, as the frame is enclosed and rarely inspected.

 

In terms of manufacturing cost, if the quantity is not particularly large, the cost of aluminum profile frame sofas and molding foam frame sofas is higher, and the selling price can only rise accordingly. The cost of full sponge frames is relatively lower but more expensive than wooden frames.

 

Key Points for Choosing Sofa Frames

Material Strength and Stability

Whether it's a sofa frame or other similar metal hardware accessories like sofa legs, they must be able to support the overall weight of the sofa and remain stable. Wood and metal are common materials for frames, with solid wood frames typically being more robust and durable, while metal frames offer a more contemporary feel.

 

Quality and Craftsmanship

A high-quality sofa frame should be flawless, tightly joined, and securely screwed. The craftsmanship of the frame is also crucial, as excellent workmanship can enhance the sofa's durability and stability.

 

Style Matching

Different frame materials and design styles can highlight or blend into various decorative styles. For example, solid wood frames suit traditional or rustic styles, while metal frames are more suitable for modern or industrial styles.

 

Environmental Friendliness

Environmental considerations are increasingly valued in modern homes. Choosing environmentally friendly sofa frame materials, such as wood with no paint or low VOC finishes, can reduce the impact on the indoor environment. Additionally, selecting renewable or fast-growing wood is also a way to be eco-friendly.