Sofas come in a variety of styles, colours, textures, and sizes. 

If you are looking at buying a new sofa, you may have already thought about all these things, but have you considered what is on the inside? 

The quality of the internal frame and the materials used in construction are what separates a sofa that will last a lifetime from one that will end up on the curb after just a few years. 

Typically, wood and metal are used for sofa frames, both of which are durable and provide years of comfortable seating. 

The KING sofa frame is precision engineered from high-grade galvanised steel, however, there are also many respected furniture brands and designers who craft sofas with a wood fame. Here at KING, we think it’s important to give you an honest comparison of metal and wood sofa frames so you can make an informed decision.  

In this article, we will look at how wood and metal sofa frames compare in the areas of sustainability, affordability and durability.   

How do metal and wood sofa frames compare on sustainability

Like all KING sofas, Delta is made with a KING steel frame to provide flexibility and lasting support.

Metal 

Many metals, including iron ore, are mined from the Earth's crust.  

This makes metal a non-renewable resource and highly emission-intensive. This does not mean metal is entirely unsustainable. Metals are some of the most recyclable materials and can be repurposed for multiple uses.  

Steel is made from iron ore and can be considered sustainable because it is entirely recyclable and can be reused infinite times. 

Research by the Bureau of International Recycling found 630 million tonnes of steel scrap is recycled every year across the world, which saves around 950 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually².   

On the other hand, mining raw materials is energy-intensive and releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. According to The Worldsteel Association, two billion tonnes of virgin steel is produced each year, generating around 8% of global CO2 emissions³. This makes the steel industry one of the largest producers of CO2 emissions. 

The Worldsteel Association calculates for every tonne of scrap used in steel production avoids the emission of 1.5 tonnes of CO2—making scrap steel and metal recycling play a key role in reducing emissions and natural resource consumption⁴.  

Like wood harvesting, there are sustainable mining practices, including scrap metal and advanced land rehabilitation techniques. 

Unlike wood, metal is not susceptible to rot, termites, or mould. It also tends to be more durable and fire-resistant, unlike wood or plastic. 

The Luna Outdoor Chair is designed to withstand harsh outdoor environments to ensure long-lasting durability.

Wood 

While wood is a renewable and recyclable natural resource, not all wood is equal, particularly when it comes to ethical standards and sustainability.  

There is a vast difference between sustainably sourced wood and wood from unsustainable sources.  

Certified sustainable wood is harvested from sustainably managed forests, which involves regeneration and efforts to prevent damage to ecosystems, wildlife, and wetlands. In some sustainable harvesting practices, up to ten trees are replanted for each tree cut down.  

On the other hand, wood from unsustainable sources is logged without any regeneration or forest conservation efforts or considerations. The consequences of this can lead to wholesale destruction and devastation of natural habitats and indigenous communities. 

According to Greenpeace, the most significant impacts of illegal logging include: 

• Deforestation. 
• Conflicts with indigenous and local populations. 
• Human rights abuses. 
• Loss of biodiversity and emission of greenhouse gases¹.

Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of conservationists and governments, just 20 percent of the world's forest area is legally protected from destruction. 

If you intend to buy wood furniture or wood products and want to ensure the wood is ethically and sustainably sourced, look for the Responsible Wood or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) logos. Recognised under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC), these leading bodies also regulate the use of illegal chemicals and conservation efforts.  

How do metal and wood sofa frames compare on durability

All KING sofas are engineered from a high-grade galvanised steel frame and backed by a 25-year steel frame warranty. 

Metal 

The most significant advantage of using metals is strength and lifespan. Iron, aluminium, and stainless steel are the most common metals used in furniture design.  

But, it’s important to note that not all metals are equal in quality or durability. Chemical compounds and how the metal was heat-treated or not treated impact the grade and longevity. For example, iron furniture is more prone to corrosion from exposure to moisture and air. This is different to galvanised steel furniture that has been adequately sealed and treated, which is typically resistant to humidity and erosion.  

Precision engineered from high grade galvanised steel, the is built to last and comes with a 25-year warranty. For additional strength, the KING steel frame is precision spot welded at key stress and weight-bearing areas.  

Wood  

While wood is a naturally durable material, a wooden sofa frame is not exempt from warping, breaking, or flaws.  

Cheaper and softer woods are typically more susceptible to warping and splintering making them less durable than a metal sofa frame. 

On the other hand, wood frames constructed using mortise-and-tenon joinery and traditional carpentry tend to be stronger and more durable than those that are held together with glue and nails.  

The level of durability will depend on the wood used and construction methods. Unsturdy joints are what can lead to your sofa getting wobbly and breaking.  

In terms of strength and robustness, composite wood like MDF (medium-density fibreboard), plywood and particleboard frames are inferior to hardwoods.  

Some of the most common hardwoods in furniture construction include walnut, maple, birch, oak, and bamboo. Of the hardwoods, kiln-dried hardwood is typically considered the most durable and suitable for furniture. Typically, kiln-drying removes 70-80% of the wood's moisture, which helps prevent warping and bowing⁵. 

How do metal and wood sofa frames compare on affordability

Steel frames offer modularity. Fleur’s ingenious folding backrests offer dual seating positions.