If you purchase a condo in Mexico, this article will ensure you do not make a mistake when buying your sofa,
sectional, sofa bed or recliner. Upholstered items are an investment, so you do
not want to waste your hard-earned money on something that falls apart or is
uncomfortable. It is critical to know that manufacturers in Mexico use
different materials than manufacturers in the US and Canada. In addition, our
climate in Mexico is harder on materials used in upholstered goods. The last
thing you want is an uncomfortable sofa or sectional, or a sofa bed and
recliner that do not open or close properly, within a year of purchase.

When buying a sofa, sectional, sofa bed, or recliner,
choosing a manufacturer that uses the right materials that last in our climate
will give you the best long-term value. Here is an in-depth look at some
materials that should be considered when choosing any upholstered item for your
condo or casa in our climate.

High Resiliency Foam instead of High-Density Foam: HR foam
is slightly more expensive than HD foam but is worth the investment. HR foam is
denser than HD foam, making it more durable and providing a longer lifespan. HR
foam also has a higher recovery time, meaning it springs back into shape more
quickly after being sat on or compressed. In Mexico, manufacturers generally
use lower-cost HD foam, which packs and hardens quickly. It will feel
comfortable when you sit on it at the store but give it six months of use, and
you, like most folks, will probably regret your purchase. If you want a
comfortable sofa, only purchase one made with HR foam. How can you tell the
difference? It is almost impossible to know unless you are already familiar
with a furniture brand and the materials they use. Before purchasing your
upholstered item, review the specs online or buy a brand name you know and
trust.

Genuine Leather instead of Bonded Leather: Genuine leather
is much higher quality than bonded leather. Genuine leather is made from the
hide of cattle, making it strong and durable, while bonded leather is made from
recycled leather scraps and cheap glue. In Mexico, manufacturers make
lower-cost, leather-like furniture with a bonded material that usually cracks
and peels within a year. The term for this material is “tacto piel.”
Big box stores also import cheap leather furniture from overseas. How do you
know if the pretty sofa is genuine leather or a cheap imitation that will
quickly fall apart? Check the specs or trust a brand name that you know is
reputable.

Performance Fabric instead of Regular Fabric: Performance
fabric is an excellent option for sofas and recliners. This type of fabric is
designed to be resistant to stains, fading, and shrinking. It is also easy to
clean and care for, making it an excellent choice for your condo.
Performance fabric is the best option for your sofa, sofa bed or sectional if
you plan to rent your condo when you are not using it yourself. You want your
condo to look new for as long as possible, so the best way to avoid ugly stains
is to purchase upholstered items that are 100% stain resistant. I strongly
recommend this option to anyone with a home beside the ocean in Mexico.

Sofa bed and recliner mechanisms that are powder coated:
Sofa bed and recliner mechanisms that are powder coated will not rust, meaning
they will easily open and close. Mechanisms that are not powder coated rust
quickly in our salty ocean air and high humidity environment. What is the point
of spending money on an item that will not work correctly in a couple of years?
The mechanism must be powder coated if you purchase any furniture with
movement, including a sofa bed, recliner or rocker. Otherwise, it is a waste of
your investment.

Webbing instead of metal springs: Webbing is a much better
choice than metal springs as it is more durable and provides better support.
Webbing is also more comfortable than metal springs as it is softer and
conforms to the body more easily. Most manufacturers in Mexico use metal
springs. In our humid, salty ocean air climate, the springs rust. Rusted
springs mean your sofa will squeak when you sit on it. A sofa bed with springs
is heavy and uncomfortable. Springs are old technology; webbing is the new way
to make a quality upholstered product that lasts years longer.

After investigating all the manufacturers in Mexico, I
highly recommend Palliser brand. They offer all the quality materials
identified in this article, making their furniture the best overall value for
your peso.

Do you like any item you see in the
pictures of this article? They, and more, are available through www.solutionsmexico.com.  We ship throughout Mexico.

New condo?
Buying furniture for our climate in Vallarta is different – it needs to
stand up to termites, salty ocean air, high humidity, and intense UV rays. Sheryl
Novak and her team at SOLutions Mexico specialize in helping you find the
manufacturers and suppliers that use the correct materials with the proper
processes so your furniture lasts. 

Email us at furniture@solutionsmexico.com or send a text by Whatsapp to
+52 322 136 5156.

We offer
turnkey furniture packages in your preferred décor style and budget, delivered
right to your condo, including assembly!