Nowadays, it’s hard for you to get good quality couches that used to last for up to 30 years as the market has been saturated with poor designs. Few of the available designs can last for about 15 years. But your sofas can last a decade or less if you have pets like dogs and cats.
How long do couches last with dogs? It’s indisputable that pets contribute to most couches’ wear and tear, thus lasting less than expected. Although dogs can be an integral part of your home, you should expect your couches to serve you better for around 5 to 7 years before you need a replacement.
But hey! It’s not all about the durability of the couches; another factor, like ease of cleaning, should be considered. This is because dogs can be messy. It might help if you look for sofas with covers that are easy to clean, like leather or velvet.
How Long Will a New Coach Last With Dogs?
Don’t be confused by the general aesthetics when shopping for a couch. This will save you from the regular disappointments you have been getting. Since couches are among the most expensive household items, you should select them wisely, especially with dogs around, to get more from them. You can even ask for expert advice if you don’t trust your judgment.
If you asked what type of couch you prefer, the standard answer could be fabric, velvet, leather, and others. All the mentioned form the physical appearance of the sofa, but another significant factor is the couch’s frame. A reasonable frame should be sturdy and able to withstand different weights.
Frames for couches are mostly made from metal or hardwood and play a significant supporting role. For example, other sofa parts will follow suit if the structure becomes unstable.
How to Make Your Coaches Last Long?
Even if a couch is made from durable materials, it won’t last long if subjected to much abuse. Here are a few tips that will help to take good care of your sofa to boost its lifespan.
Clean marks and spills quickly
Avoid putting marks and spilling food or drinks on your couches so you won’t have to clean them constantly. Fresh spills can be removed quickly with soap and water, but the stain can be hard to clean if left to settle. However, refer to the couch cleaning guide if you want to do general cleaning.
Dust and vacuum regularly
Dirt and dust will permanently settle on the couch since it’s exposed. Regular dusting and vacuuming are handy to give the sofa a neat look. Pay special attention to spaces below the cushions or corners where dirt and pet hair hide. Lastly, clean any exposed metallic or wooden parts.
Keep couches from sunlight
Direct sunlight makes your couches fade and lose their excellent look. You can introduce sheers or slightly heavy curtains to reduce the intensity of sunshine if the couches are near windows.
Use a temporary cover
Temporary covers are the quickest way to make your couch last long. Though, they might only be great for fabric upholstery. Luckily, the covers can be replaced easily if worn out, so you can still protect the fabric. Temporary covers might not go well with some people as they prefer to show the beauty of their couches.
Do some makeovers
Maybe you are still pleased with your current sofas and don’t intend to replace them soon. Some constant makeovers involve replacing parts of the couches or refilling any sagging cushions and material covers. This makes your couches look as good as new.
Couch Materials that Last Long With Dogs at Home
You will undoubtedly agree that pet owners must do more daily cleaning than those with none. Upholstery fabrics like linen, chenille, or suede can be beautiful but not pet-proof. The below furniture fabrics are some of the best pet-friendly, easy-to-clean, yet durable brands you can go for.
Microfiber fabric and synthetic fibers
These materials are the most generally used for making pet-friendly couches. Additionally, the fabrics are easy to clean as they don’t allow stains from spills to settle in. Recognizing your pet’s problem can aid in choosing the material for your sofas. General pet concerns can be shedding, chewing, or biting.
The closely woven fibers of these fabrics make it hard for dogs or cats to dig their paws in. Microfiber couches are highly durable and can last for 7 to 10 years, depending on the usage or maintenance they are subjected to.
Leather
Many pet owners may avoid having leather couches as they are not scratch-resistant. Genuine leather is the most pet-friendly, thanks to its high endurance and durability. Distressed leather seems the best option as it hides fresh marks and improves the appearance as it ages. A faux leather couch with pets can last about 3 to 5 years.
Velvet
Although velvet has a frail look, it’s not as delicate as perceived. However, the nap gets bruised, and the color fades over time. But with proper maintenance and usage, the fabric can stay put for ages.
Since velvet doesn’t have loops like woven fabrics, you should not worry about the sharp claws from your lovely pets snagging into it. The only disadvantage can be pet hair sticking into the material quickly. Synthetic velvet is more durable and easy to clean, thus perfect for dog owners.
Denim
Denim may not be among the lavish upholstery fabrics, and it’s not that appealing hence rarely used. The material is mainly used for making jeans since it’s tough and long-lasting. Having denim furniture is a worthy investment that you won’t regret.
The material is tightly woven hence limiting damage from the pet’s claws. Moreover, pet urine won’t discolor the fabric, and removing pet hair is easy.
How to prevent your dog from damaging the couch?
Since the dog is the main culprit here, you should potty train it from a younger age and teach it good bathroom manners. Also, discourage the dog from scratching the couches; you can even provide a dog bed to shed the hair.
Even though pets like dogs and cats are great home companions, they may prompt you to choose couches that can withstand their disturbance. Leather and fabric are some of the best pet-friendly sofas to have. On the other hand, denim and velvet are durable, besides having high survival rates from pet scratches.