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Flexsteel Furniture: Comprehensive Review of Pros and Cons

Written by William Plaschke | Sep 17, 2024 4:27:21 PM

Flexsteel Furniture: Pros and Cons

Ever heard of Flexsteel? If you have, you know that Flexsteel furniture has earned a reputation for combining comfort, durability, and style.

But is Flexsteel really all it's cracked up to be? The answer is yes—but we do have to point out a few flaws. 
At The Furniture Mall, we strive to provide our guests with the information they need to make the best decision for their homes.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of Flexsteel furniture, giving you the insights needed to take the next step with Flexsteel or another furniture brand.

Is Flexsteel Furniture Worth It? Here's What You Need to Know!

 

 Pros of Flexsteel Furniture

 1. Exceptional Durability

Flexsteel is known for its high-quality construction and durability. The brand uses its patented Blue Steel Spring system, which is designed to provide long-lasting support without sagging. This unique feature ensures your furniture maintains its shape and comfort for years to come. Think La-Z-Boy but at an even higher quality.

 2. Comfort and Support

Flexsteel furniture offers excellent comfort and support. No matter what piece of Flexsteel furniture you decide to purchase, it'll be a popular choice for those who value both style and functionality. The ergonomic design and high-density cushions provide superior comfort, making it ideal for everyday use.

The Thornton Sleeper Sofa

 3. Wide Range of Styles

Flexsteel offers a diverse range of styles, from classic to contemporary, ensuring there’s something to suit almost every taste and home décor. With numerous fabric and leather options available, you can easily customize your furniture to match your personal style and home aesthetic. Flexsteel has more sleek and modern designs than you'd expect from a super comfy chair.

 4. Customization Options

Flexsteel provides extensive customization options, allowing you to choose the fabric, color, and features that best meet your needs. This flexibility ensures that you get furniture that fits with your lifestyle and home décor.

 5. Reputable Brand

With over a century of experience, Flexsteel has established itself as a trusted name in the furniture industry. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a preferred choice for many households. To be honest, they've dominated the reclining chair market for years now.  

4 Piece Power Reclining Sectional with Power Headrests

Cons to Flexsteel Furniture 

When it comes to Flexsteel, it’s a struggle to identify any downsides at all—the durability and quality of Flexsteel is hard to beat. But if you dig a bit deeper, there are some potential drawbacks to Flexsteel. Of course, it all depends on your individual preferences and priorities. 

In this section, we'll explore the cons associated with Flexsteel furniture, including its higher cost, material choices, manufacturing locations, and delivery times for certain pieces. Understanding these factors can help you determine if Flexsteel is the right choice for you and your family. 

 1. Higher Price Point

One of the primary drawbacks of Flexsteel furniture is its higher price point. This is largely due to its reputation for durability and longevity. While these qualities ensure that the furniture will last for many years, the initial investment can be substantial compared to other brands like Ashley, Kuper Lane, or even La - Z - Boy. This may be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers.

A classic Flexsteel leather recliner 

 2. Frame Materials Aren't Hardwood

Flexsteel uses reinforced 5-ply materials in its furniture construction. While this approach ensures robustness, it is sometimes viewed less favorably compared to the use of actual hardwoods like maple, used by higher-end competitors like Kirkwood. Hardwood enthusiasts might find this to be a downside—though overall quality and durability of Flexsteel's construction remain high. 

 3. Manufacturing Locations Overseas 

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Flexsteel has shifted its manufacturing operations outside of the USA. For instance, their two lines—Latitude and South Haven—are manufactured in Vietnam and Mexico, respectively. For customers who prioritize buying American-made and American-assembled products, this change might be something to consider. The move overseas may have been a factor contributing to longer shipping times, explored in our final downside to Flexsteel.

 4. Longer Delivery Times for Custom Pieces 

Fully customized pieces, such as those from the South Haven line, can take a bit longer to deliver. This is a common issue with most customizable furniture due to the additional time required for tailoring each piece to particular requirements. But it can definitely feel like an inconvenience, though. 

Accent chair from Flexsteel's Charisma collection

Are There Any Good Alternatives to Flexsteel? 

Flexsteel furniture offers a combination of durability, comfort, and style that is hard to match. But just in case you're in the market for something different, here is a list of some alternatives.

  Alternative #1: Ashley Furniture 

Ashley caters to a more transient, less durability-focused customer base. Their furniture is more affordable, making it an option for those who need something temporary or are on a tight budget. However, for customers seeking long-lasting pieces—and pieces that offer more consistent comfort from day to day and year to year—Flexsteel remains a better choice. 

  Alternative #2: Mayo Furniture 

When Flexsteel doesn't meet your needs, Mayo Furniture is a strong alternative. This US-made, veteran-owned company emphasizes quality and durability, similar to Flexsteel. They also offer a range of customization options and maintain support of American manufacturing. 

  Alternative #3: Kirkwood Furniture 

Kirkwood is even more luxurious, often utilizing hardwoods like maple in their construction. This makes their furniture exceptionally appealing to those who value premium materials. While Kirkwood pieces may come at an even higher price point, the added luxury and durability can sometimes justify the cost for some picky buyers. 

Custom Guidance for a High-Quality Recliner

At The Furniture Mall, we understand that buying a recliner is a big decision. It's not something to do on a whim, or without performing your due diligence. The more information you have, the better.

When you're ready to get started, contact a trusted furniture store for personalized recommendations and knowledgeable guidance. We have a nice Flexsteel collection and we're eager to help you discover the difference premium furniture can make.

  How to Choose the Best Furniture for You