How Much Does a Sectional Cost?
(Price of sectional sofas in Ottawa & Kingston)
Are you looking to create a living room that brings everyone together? Sectional sofas are customizable and offer versatile seating options, including recliners for relaxing. How much a sectional costs plays a critical factor in your buying decision. So, how much should you expect to pay for this crucial piece of furniture? That depends on what your needs are, how you will be using your sofa sectional and your top priorities.
Your sectional is an extension of your family and is not only used for a place to sit. It often has many different functions such as trampoline, folding station, pillow fort, power meeting.
Furthermore, sectionals endure lots of abuse, including absorbing spills, collecting pet hair, and doubling as a bed for guests and stray friends.
As the most reviewed brand in ConsumerAffairs top 10 furniture stores, La-Z-Boy has outfitted many homes with a sectional capable of versatile seating. Our design consultants in Ottawa & Kingston know it is crucial to not only understand your needs but work within your budget when helping you choose the right sectional.
We are here to help you understand sectional costs and guide you through the options available. In this article, you will find four principal price ranges, which compare sectional design, construction and comfort.
In addition, we will review some other factors that influence sectional costs including options and upgrades.
Sofas Sectional Styles & Features
Whether your style is modern, sophisticated or all about home entertainment, the sectional you choose defines your space. As a result, you will find a variety of sectional shapes, styles and sizes.
Most furniture retailers will carry many different stationary sofa sectional styles. You’ll also discover sectionals with reclining features. Reclining motion sectionals raises the bar on comfort by letting you elevate your feet. On top of these, sofa beds and chaise seating may also be an option. Of course, all the choices you make have an impact on price.
Other decisions you’ll need to make:
Think about the sectional you need in your space before you begin shopping for the one you love! The right scale in any home is what makes you feel cozy and relaxed. Match the proportion of your sofa sectional to the size of the room to create the right balance.
There are also varying sectional sofa sizes and configurations to fit your room properly and to serve different functions. The most common shapes and sizes you’ll discover during your sectional shopping experience include:
1. L-Shape
When one side of the sectional is longer than the other, or they have an equal length on both sides, it is called an L-shape sectional. This arrangement works best in larger rooms with lots of wall space.
2. U-Shape
The U-shape looks like exactly that, a U except that sometimes one side can be shorter than the other. It can work well in spaces that are square or awkwardly shaped. The U-shape is ideal if you have a big space to fill, a family room or a finished basement/rec room.
3. Sectional with Chaise
A chaise sectional is basically a sofa with added chaise lounge. It feels right at home in an open-plan space, especially when paired with a side table and backed by a sofa table*. The chaise sectional works well in a small area when it can’t accommodate an L or U-shaped sectional.
Will you require a right facing or left facing sectional? This choice will set the tone for the optimal placement of your sectional.
4. Curved Cuddle Corner
Most sectionals come with a round corner or a 90-degree option. It’s an excellent solution for intimate conversation and cuddling.
Keep in mind that modular sectional sofas are fully customizable, you can add:
- More seating
- A console for storage and beverages
- A “cuddle corner.”
- Reclining seating
- Power headrests
- Sofa Sectional bed
To learn more about different sectional configurations and options available, read our article Top Considerations for Arranging Your Sectional Sofa.
How Much Should I Expect to Pay for a Sectional?
It’s true, sectionals offer a lot more seating than a couch, but buying a sectional is different. You will pay more per seat for modular sectional pieces. Each section that makes up the module can cost as much to make as a chair because it has four legs, two sides and a back. As a result, the overall price of a sectional will be more expensive than a sofa.
We’ve identified four principle sofa sectional price brackets. You can expect the quality of design, construction and comfort to improve with each price jump.
To keep things simple and to compare apples to apples, this article will focus on the same size sectional as we break down price: A 3 seater stationary sectional with chaise (sometimes called a ‘chofa’) is a great starting point. See the image below of a left-facing sectional chaise.
Least Expensive Sectional Sofa ($699– $1,500)
A sectional with chaise in this price range is mass-produced and considered an in-stock item with limited customization options.
The frame construction is often particle board or cardboard. Comfort may be lacking due to cushions made of low-density or chopped foam and poor quality seating suspension with thin coils or webbing. Your fabric choices will be restricted or non-existent and may have sub-par tailoring. No changes are allowed concerning design details. Hence, what you see is what you get.
These sofas would appeal to the budget-conscious buyer not concerned about longevity or needing it as a primary, high traffic furniture piece.
Low to Mid Range Sectional Cost ($1,500 – $3,500)
A sectional with chaise priced around the fifteen hundred dollar mark will have some quality features. You will primarily be sacrificing style, upholstery choices and customization.
You may find solid-wood used in frame construction, but otherwise, particleboard and plywood are the primary materials. Cushion seating is made of higher-density foam and supported by sinuous spring suspension. Sinuous springs are S-shaped and run from the front of the seat to the back. The suspension system is crucial as it provides cushion support and prevents you from sinking to the floor.
Bundled throw pillows are well-tailored and usually have zippers for effortless cleaning. You may not have a wide selection of upholstery cover choices, and typically it is limited to either fabric or leather in a few colours.
Mid Range Sectional Cost ($3,500 – $5,000)
In this price bracket, there is an emphasis on durability, comfort and design. Hardwood frames are common but ask questions and be sure that lower-cost materials are not part of the construction. Joints in the frame receive special attention. For instance, they are glued, dowelled and screwed or possibly attached by metal brackets. Corners are often further strengthened by the addition of reinforced blocks.
Usually, sinuous wire springs support the seat cushions. Cushion fill will have higher foam density (2.2 – 2.5) as lesser-quality foam can start to break down quickly and cause sagging. A combination of different layers, foam densities and materials can be used to provide superior comfort and support levels.
The real appeal lies with all the available options and your ability to design a custom sofa sectional that is uniquely yours. In addition to hundreds of wear-tested fabric and leather choices, you may be able to change your leg finish, add nail-heads, or change the seat cushion core to your comfort preference.
High-End Sectional Cost ($5,000 and higher)
These sofas sectionals are of high quality and are entirely customizable. A portion of the entire frame is hand-built. There will be an opportunity here to create custom sizes for your exact specifications. In this range, you can add on, whether it be seating, consoles, reclining or chaises. This bracket guarantees your sectional will take center stage in your living room for many years to come.
Sofa sectional construction includes top-of-the-line, kiln-dried hardwood. It is the best because the process of kiln drying removes all moisture from the wood enabling it to retain its shape and stability.
Comfort is paramount, so you’ll find an eight-way hand-tied spring system. It is the most labour-intensive and costly option with springs supported by webbing on the bottom of the sectional. The top of the springs is secured by twine tied by hand at eight different spots. Premium choice down-filled cushions are used for a really soft seat. For an ultra-soft seat, these sectionals have premium down-filled cushions.
High-end sofas sectionals have an even broader selection of upholstery covers (in the thousands), and customizable options available.
The real appeal lies with all the available options and your ability to design a custom sofa sectional that is uniquely yours. In addition to hundreds of wear-tested fabric and leather choices, you may be able to change your leg finish, add nail-heads, or change the seat cushion core to your comfort preference.
Options and Upgrades Available For a Sectional and How It Affects Price
Take some time to investigate your choices so that your new sectional doesn’t just suit your home; it suits your way of living. Sectionals in the mid and high range price bracket will have various upgrades and customization options available. They allow you to personalize your individual comfort and style.
Reclining Mechanisms To Suit Your Preference
If your ideal lounging position has you leaning back with your feet up, then a reclining sofa sectional would be a great addition to your living room. Starting prices for these sectionals are comparable to stationary, but their ceiling price can be more depending on your choice of upgrades.
You can find a range of features for sectionals that recline, including some that require the footrest to be out before being able to recline. Others have the benefit of independent reclining, so your seat and back can be adjusted to your exact needs while footrest remains down.
Upgrading to a wall reclining sectional will cost you around $100-$200. A different mechanism is used in the construction so you can place your furniture centrepiece mere inches from a wall.
Additional reclining sofa options which can cost between $50-$200:
- Extended leg rest
- Upgraded reclining handles
(An additional bonus in some power chairs is the built-in USB port)
Upgrading to Power
Upgrading to a power sectional will add $350 to $1,000/reclining seat or more to your bill. You can recline at the touch of a button and go from sitting to fully reclined smoothly and effortlessly.
Pricing generally depends on the number of motors that the furniture uses. Simple power sofas have a single motor in place to motorize the leg rest and back of the recliner simultaneously. In contrast, more motors (and cost) is associated with the ability to recline independently of the leg rest.
The ultimate power experience will include additional motors. These motors are for enjoying customized support of your head and neck with lumbar customization.
Additional power options which can cost between $100 and $500/seat & include:
Want to understand more about the differences between motorized and manual sectionals? Then head on over to our article, Power vs. Manual recliners to discover all the options.
Upholstery / Fabric Cover
The choice of upholstery cover is a crucial decision when selecting a sectional for your home. It is best to decide whether you want fabric or leather before you begin shopping. Choice of cover is necessary because, for some sectional frames in the lower price point, they are only available in one or the other.
Custom fabric and leather covers will cost anywhere from $100-$3,000 extra. It depends on which covers you choose and top grain leather is usually upwards of 25% more than its counterpart. The biggest driver of cost for fabric is the volume produced. With the production of minimal quantities, costs can approach those of leather.
Performance fabrics and those engineered to resist stains will also cost more.
If you are not sure what the best fabric choice is to meet your needs and lifestyle, check out our article leather vs. fabric that compares how the two cover choices measure up. You don’t want to be second-guessing your investment once the furniture arrives.
Pillows
Looking for that perfect accent piece? Choose matching throw pillows or go for that bold look that will set your furniture apart. With hundreds of fabric selections at your fingertips, you can create a look that is uniquely yours. Additional fees to upgrade pillow fabric or purchase an extra set will range from $70 to $400.
Wood Finish
Give your furniture a completely custom look with a variety of wood finishes. Match your current décor or add striking contrast. Options can include alternate leg designs for a one-of-a-kind look. These costs range from approximately $75 to $300.
Cushion Upgrade Options
If you want to take your comfort up a notch, upgrade options can include additional or different high-density foam, including gel-infused memory foam. It can also be other layers or a different configuration that reduces pressure and conforms to your body.
These custom cushion options can cost between $200 and $600 depending on the size of your sectional.
To learn about cushion upgrades available at La-Z-Boy, check out a Review of La-Z-Boy's Chair and Sofa Seat Cushions.
Contrasting Welt Trim
Welt trim provides a tailored look to cushions and pillows but takes on an entirely new dimension in a contrasting colour. An unexpected touch, this decorative detail adds instant personality and highlights the sculptural lines of any silhouette at the cost of an extra $100 - $200.
Other Factors During Purchase that Affect Sectional Cost
- Additional Warranty / Service Protection Plan – It covers more than the manufacturer’s warranty, which includes all parts covered for life. A 5-year comprehensive service plan for the labour parts and in-home service.
- Financing – Break up payment on large purchases into smaller, more affordable monthly payments. Pay over 12 months for as low as 0% APR.*
Ready To Find Your Perfect Sectional?
How long you intend to keep your sectional and how you’ll use it will help you determine what kind of investment you are willing to make. If you’ve decided you’d like to purchase a well-made custom sectional that will last you a lifetime, we can help!
La-Z-Boy has over 90 years of experience in crafting and manufacturing furniture. As the creator of major motion upholstery, our sectional frames and cushions are designed for lasting durability and exceptional comfort. So go ahead, sit, jump, lay, pile—we’ve got you covered.
At La-Z-Boy we sell primarily in the mid to high-end price ranges. Check out the Cost of a La-Z-Boy Sectional to learn about what you can expect to spend!
*All La-Z-Boy prices listed in this article are subject to change. We aim to update all cost-related articles twice per year. This article was last updated on October 2022. Please visit lzb.com and select an Ottawa or Kingston La-Z-Boy store location to view the most up-to-date pricing.
We offer a large selection of styles, and both stationary and reclining are among our most popular best-selling sectionals at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston. We are happy to help you navigate all the options and tailor a sectional that is just right for you at any one of our La-Z-Boy locations in Ottawa and Kingston.
Imagine how exceptional a newly designed space for your sectional could be if you collaborate with an expert in design! We offer a free design service to help you achieve your vision. Our in-home designers have the expertise to guide you through the process and help you create that space you’ve always wanted.
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