Buying Guide
Buying Furniture in New Zealand:
A Practical Guide
Whether you are furnishing a new home or replacing a tired piece, this guide covers the key things to compare when shopping for furniture in New Zealand — from measuring your space to understanding materials, delivery, and care.
1. Measuring Your Space
Before browsing furniture, measure the space you have available — including doorways, hallways, staircases, and elevators that the furniture will need to pass through on delivery day.
Room dimensions: Measure the length and width of the room, and note any features that affect layout — windows, power points, radiators, and door swings.
Clearance around furniture: Allow at least 60–90 cm of clear walkway space around key pieces. Dining chairs need room to pull out (typically 50–60 cm behind the chair when fully extended).
Delivery access: Measure the width of your front door, hallway, and any tight corners the furniture needs to pass through. Check whether large items can be disassembled for delivery.
Scale and proportion: A sofa that looks modest in a showroom can overwhelm a compact New Zealand living room. Use masking tape on the floor to mark out the footprint before ordering.
2. Understanding Construction Quality
Construction quality determines how long a piece of furniture will last under everyday use. Here are the key things to look for:
Frames
For seating, look for frames described as kiln-dried hardwood, metal, or quality engineered wood. Soft, green, or unseasoned timber can warp. Ask what the frame is made from if it is not specified.
Joinery
Better-quality furniture uses mortise-and-tenon or dowel joinery reinforced with corner blocks. Frames held together purely by staples or nails are less durable.
Suspension (for seating)
Eight-way hand-tied springs are considered a premium standard. Sinuous (zigzag) springs are common at mid-range. Foam-only platforms are less expensive but may compress over time.
Foam density
Higher-density foam (25 kg/m³ and above for seat cushions) resists sagging better over time. Fibre-wrapped or down-blend fill adds comfort but requires regular plumping.
Hardware and fittings
Check that drawers, hinges, and runners operate smoothly. Soft-close mechanisms and metal drawer runners are signs of quality. Plastic components in load-bearing positions may wear faster.
3. Comparing Materials
Solid Timber
Durable and can be sanded and refinished. Susceptible to seasonal expansion and contraction in humidity. Quality varies by species — ask about the specific timber used. Heavier than engineered options.
Engineered Wood (MDF, particleboard, plywood)
More dimensionally stable than solid timber and commonly used in flat-pack and mid-range furniture. Thickness and quality vary significantly. Plywood is stronger than particleboard. Look for furniture-grade board rather than construction grade.
Leather
Full-grain and top-grain leather are the most durable and develop a patina over time. Split leather and bonded leather are less expensive but less durable. Check whether leather is genuine or a synthetic/PU alternative — each has different care requirements.
Fabric
Rub count (also called Martindale rating) indicates durability. General household use typically requires at least 15,000 rubs; heavy use and families with pets or children may benefit from 30,000+ rubs. Natural fibres can be prone to pilling and shrinking; performance fabrics offer better stain resistance.
Metal
Steel and aluminium frames are strong and lightweight. Check the finish (powder coat, chrome, or brushed steel) — thicker powder coat resists chips better. Stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant than mild steel.
4. Delivery and Access
Delivery logistics matter more for furniture than almost any other purchase category. Things to confirm before buying:
- Is delivery kerbside, to the door, or to a room of your choice?
- Does the retailer arrange delivery, or is it collected from a warehouse?
- Can the item be disassembled to fit through tight access points?
- What is the policy if the item cannot be delivered due to access issues?
- Are delivery charges included or calculated separately?
- What is the estimated lead time for your region (especially relevant for rural addresses or the South Island)?
Confirm access to your home before delivery day — especially for large items like sofas, bed frames, and wardrobes.
5. Care and Maintenance
The effort required to maintain furniture should match your lifestyle and available time. Things to consider:
- Is the fabric removable and washable, or does it require professional cleaning?
- Does leather require regular conditioning?
- Does solid timber need periodic oiling, waxing, or refinishing?
- Are replacement parts (covers, cushion inserts, drawer runners) available?
- Are care instructions provided with the product?
See our Furniture Care Guide for material-specific maintenance advice.
6. Assessing Suitability for Your Lifestyle
Beyond dimensions and materials, think about how the furniture will be used day-to-day:
Households with children: Look for performance fabrics with a high Martindale rating, removable covers, and rounded edges on hard furniture.
Households with pets: Consider tightly woven fabrics that resist scratching, and avoid loose-weave textures that catch claws. Leather-look fabrics often clean more easily than natural fabrics in pet households.
Rental properties: Consider weight and ease of disassembly if you move regularly. Look for furniture that packs down flat or comes apart easily.
New Zealand climate: Coastal areas have higher humidity and salt air, which can affect timber and metal furniture. Inland areas can have drier winters. Consider this when choosing finishes and materials.
7. Questions to Ask Before You Buy
- What are the exact dimensions (width, depth, height) of this piece?
- What materials is it made from?
- Does it require assembly, and how complex is it?
- What is the warranty, and what does it cover?
- What is the returns or exchange policy if the item does not work in my space?
- How long will delivery take to my area?
- Are spare parts or replacement covers available?
- Can I see larger fabric or finish samples before ordering?
Ready to Browse?
Explore our range of furniture for New Zealand homes, or contact us if you have questions about a specific product.