Best couch material for STR

[Eric P.]

Hey! I've been getting some small rips in my couch cushions (from heavy STR use) and some stains on my couch cushions (again, from heavy STR use). I'm curious if anyone has recommendations on ideal couches to buy for vacation rentals.

I guess ultimately I'm trying to figure out what type of material and texture is best for an STR couch, though I'm also open to hearing specifics like brand names, recommended colors, patterns, typical price points, etc - any suggestions are welcome! But most importantly, I think durability is key in high traffic STR houses!

[Michael Baum]

Hey @Eric P., So we have 2 couches and one love seat. The love seat and one couch are Basset made in USA. The fabric wears like iron. I got these from my parents when they bought new leather units. They are at least 20 years old and still look great. Dog hairs don't stick to it well at all and it really doesn't stain. At least after 3 years of STR use.

The other couch is a hide-a-bed and made by La-Z-Boy also made in the USA. That fabric also is wearing very well but it does hold on to stains a little more. It is a much coarser fabric. As such it holds hair and fur like a magnet. Requires vacuuming after each stay. Otherwise it is an excellent piece of furniture.

Personally each and every fabric has pluses and minuses. The easy call might be microfiber. It seems to wear OK and if it is treated doesn't appear to be easy to stain. The only thing is that is feel kinda cheap to me. It covers so many cheap furniture pieces it is hard to imagine a quality microfiber.

No matter what, I really suggest that you get USA made furniture for the major pieces. They are easily the best choice. All of our furniture with a couple of exceptions are made in the USA and they are holding up very well.

EDIT - We found all of our furniture used on Craigslist or OfferUP. It is amazing what you can get that looks like new for pennies on the dollar.