Hi Jill,

Flexsteel's Chinese-made line is called "Latitude", the rest of their products are for the most part USA-made.

I'm not familiar with Elite leather enough to comment on it, sorry.

Bradington-Young rolled out some new aggressively priced sectionals, that may be within your budget. IMHO, they're much nicer than Flexsteel for not a whole lot more money. When made well, these will go 20 years, so it may pay to spend a little more on the front end and get more longevity on the back end.

Duane Collie

Thank you so much, Duane. We saw a Bradington Young couch today and when we sat on it, it seemed rather stiff. The cushions seemed overstuffed and, for us, it was not all that comfortable. It is hard to buy a couch without sitting on it and saying "that's the one". So, although I can tweek the fill on the BY couch, I don't know which I would like without sitting on it! When we sat on Flex Steel it seemed very cushy and comfy! Maybe that is not such a good thing? This is sooo frustrating!

Jill

Jillna,

I can certainly appreciate that. Some B-Y pieces may fill over-stuffed, but for the most part the line tends to sit well and is more deep-seated than most. Certainly you have to buy one that you like, or that you are confident will sit well by sampling pieces across the maker's line.

I am a dealer for Flexsteel and Brad-Young as well as other lines, and though I do like the Flexsteel price points, the quality of components in the construction of their pieces is nowhere near that of Brad-Young and a far cry from a Hancock and Moore or Leathercraft.

I've think I've probably been in this business too long, and developed too critical an eye! One tends to do that after a bit. So I'll be the first to say what I see in a piece of furniture may not matter to most people, and I'm a bit of a nudge when it comes to demanding high standards in production (my suppliers will attest to that and probably get tired of my phone calls) and being critical of a piece or maker.

Recently I delivered a Flexsteel Sectional (made in USA) and was taken aback at the lack of craftsmanship. I'm talking little things, such as precise pattern alignments, welt trim application, panel fits, locking mechanisms, etc. My customer was THRILLED with the piece however, and I have to constantly remind myself that there is going to be a definite build difference between a $ 9,000 Hancock and Moore sectional vs. a $ 3,500 Flexsteel. I cannot apply the same standards to each one, nor do I expect all customers to be able to shop in the upper tier categories. So please temper my comments with that in mind.

Flexsteel is sturdy and strong, no issues there. It does not incorporate the elements of The Art of Upholstery, but I have had zero customer complaints in the line so there is something to be said for that.

Duane Collie

Duane,

That was really helpful! I am going to go to a few more local dealers of B-Y to see if they carry (on their floors!)any sectionals that we are comfortable sitting in. I wish we could afford $9000 for the H & M, but it is out of our price range as we have an entire house to furnish and decorate.

Thank you soo much for your insight!
Jill

Jill,

See if you can find a Bradington-Young model 115-97 LAF / 115-94 RAF Sectional. In leather 9417 series, this is an attractive piece in a very decent hide that you should be able to buy for around $ 3,800 to $ 4,000, depending on the dealer. This is a newer model for them, and has an aggressive price point. I actually have one inbound for floor stock though I've not tried it out personally, but it seems to fit all the right parameters of style, price, and build quality. Link to the web photo, below.

Duane Collie

Here is a link that might be useful: B-Y Sectional model 115

Hi Duane,

I will definitely try to locate that one on a floor. I am not sure if the measurements will work. I think we need a true L-shaped sectional without the curved center seat. I think we were trying to look for the 110, unless I am confusing brands! I am going tomorrow to a local store and will keep you posted!!!

Thanks soooo much!
Jill