Photo: Julia Larson

How can you tell if a couch is good quality?

oregonlive.com - How to test sofa quality - oregonlive.com

What puts burglars off the most?

#1. Top 8 Burglar Deterrents You Should Never Miss (with Statistics & Videos) Security Cameras. Alarm Systems. Outside Lights. Security Signs....

Last updated Mar 2, 2019

What to put between bricks to prevent weeds?

Polymeric sand can help prevent weeds with pavers. Sep 19, 2017

Last updated Oct 4, 2021

Promotion

Whether you're trying to decide if your couch is worth re-covering or you're looking to buy one new or secondhand, it's important to understand quality. You don't want to put money into a couch that's not going to last. Here is an in-store test I've used and is recommended by Consumer Reports:

COMFORT

Sit on both ends and the middle for 2 to 5 minutes. How does it feel for size, back support, etc.? You should bring other adult family members and ask them to do the same. Is it the best size for the people who will use it most frequently?

FRAME

1) Press on the back rail and arms and try to wiggle. You shouldn't feel much movement. 2) Lift one corner of the couch about 6 inches off the floor while someone else holds down the opposing end. The couch should not twist. 3) Ask a clerk to remove the dust cover under the couch near a leg just enough so that you can see the frame. Look for corner blocks (add strength) and neat, tight joints that are glued, stapled or screwed in place. 4) Kiln-dried hardwood and furniture-grade plywood can denote high quality, but the frame can still be poorly put together.

CUSHIONS

1) Unzip seat cushions. Better-quality pieces have foam covered by batting enclosed in muslin. 2) Knead the frame along back, rail, corners and arms. If you feel hard or sharp edges, padding is skimpy. 3) The sofa back should be padded to give a finished look. It should not be lumpy. 4) Check inside removable back cushions. Polyester fill held in pillowcases and stitched into compartments will minimize settling.

5) Reversible cushions help fabric and filling last longer.

SPRINGS

1) You shouldn't tip or sink in one direction when you sit down. If you do, springs probably aren't centered or properly attached to the frame.

2) You don't want to hear squeaks.

3) Eight-way, hand-tied springs are no longer synonymous with quality. Coil, cone, S-shape and grid can all be just fine. MARCH 12 BLOG: Maybe $1,000 is too much for you to spend. Why not learn how to reupholster or slipcover yourself? We'll look at options and the cost. Read Kay Balmer's "Sofa Rehab 101: 5 ways to get a new look"

Can you put metal roofing directly on plywood?

Can Metal Roofing Be Installed Directly to Plywood? Metal roofing should not be installed directly over the top of bare plywood. You do not have to...

Last updated Dec 12, 2022

Are brass or steel hinges better?

Solid brass hinges never rust and are one of the best base metals to plate for the highest quality appearance. The finish on high quality brass...

Last updated Apr 11, 2021

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Promotion

Where do carpenters get paid the most?

The best city in America for carpenters with the highest pay is New York, NY. ... 1. Connecticut. Total Carpenter Jobs: 128 Highest 10 Percent Earn: $75,000 3 more rows •

zippia.com - 10 Best States For Carpenters, 2022: To Work And Live - Zippia

We decided to bring you a list of the best states for jobs for carpenters, considering how big the profession is in the United States. Carpenter positions are available in every area, but not all places are the same -- they do not offer the same wages, benefits, time off, etc. In fact, our research shows that Connecticut is the best state for carpenters in America. The best city in America for carpenters with the highest pay is New York, NY. To that end, we dove into our dataset of job and salary numbers to figure out which states have the best opportunities for carpenters. Connecticut is the best state for carpenters, where the median salary is $53,424. We found that Connecticut is the best state for carpenter jobs, whereas New Mexico is the worst.