Klaussner Vs. Flexsteel: Comparing Furniture Brands

When shopping for new furniture, especially investment pieces like sofas or bedroom sets, it’s important to choose a brand that offers quality craftsmanship and value. Two popular furniture manufacturers to consider are Klaussner and Flexsteel.

But how do these brands compare when it comes to factors like quality, cost, customization, and more?

This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between Klaussner and Flexsteel to help you determine which may be the better fit for your home and lifestyle.

A Brief Comparison Table

Aspects	Klaussner	Flexsteel
Pricing	$ – $$ More budget-friendly, lower prices across all categories	$$$ – $$$$ Higher-end pricing, especially for custom pieces
Quality	Decent quality using cheaper materials like engineered woods and basic fabrics. Should last with occasional use.	Superior quality with kiln-dried hardwood frames and high-end fabrics. Heirloom builds made to last generations.
Customization	Limited pre-set options for fabrics, configurations, and accents	Fully customized options for frame styles, dimensions, premium fabrics, and finishing details
Warranty	5 years on frames and springs	Limited lifetime warranty on frames and springs
Style	Wide range of current on-trend styles across traditional, transitional, and modern aesthetics	Tailored classic styles with mostly traditional and transitional designs
Furniture Categories	Upholstered sofas, sectionals, chairs, ottomans, and bedrooms	Upholstered living room seating, motion furniture, wooden furnishings, and bedroom collections
Manufacturing	North Carolina facilities	Production in multiple U.S. facilities
Eco-Friendliness	Uses some reclaimed woods. General sustainability initiatives.	Robust environmental programs and use of low VOC finishes. More transparency on initiatives.

Overview Of Klaussner And Flexsteel

Klaussner, founded in 1964, is one of the largest manufacturers of upholstered furniture in the industry. The North Carolina-based company offers a wide assortment of living room, dining room, bedroom, and home office furniture across its portfolio of brands like Klaussner, Comfort Design, Enso Sleep Systems, and Bristol Court. Klaussner prides itself on combining quality materials and craftsmanship with on-trend designs at affordable price points.

Flexsteel, on the other hand, is one of the oldest furniture makers in the U.S., established in 1893. Headquartered in Iowa, Flexsteel focuses on handcrafted upholstered and wooden furniture featuring sturdy hardwood frames and high-end fabrics. The company sells under brands like Flexsteel, Flexsteel Contract, Dual Reclining Sofa, and HomeStyles. Flexsteel promotes themselves as a maker of heirloom-quality furniture designed to last generations.

Both companies manufacture most of their furniture in the United States and offer products through major furniture retailers around the country. Keep reading for a detailed comparison of the brands.

Quality And Durability

When it comes to quality and durability, Flexsteel edges out Klaussner slightly due to its focus on craftsmanship and use of superior materials. Here is how the brands compare:

• Frames: Flexsteel uses kiln-dried hardwood frames in its upholstered pieces, along with heavy-gauge sinuous steel springs. Klaussner utilizes a mix of hardwood, engineered wood, and laminated lumber for frames, with serpentine springs in most pieces.
• Cushions: Flexsteel features dense foam cushions wrapped in Dacron for a firmer feel that resists sagging. Klaussner uses loose form cushions with lower density foam that soften over time.
• Fabrics: Flexsteel offers higher-end, more durable upholstery fabrics on most pieces. Options include leather, microfiber, wool, and treated performance fabrics. Klaussner upholstery skews more affordable using polyester blends and basic microfibers.
• Warranty: Flexsteel provides a limited lifetime warranty on frames and springs, while Klaussner warranties are more limited at 5 years for frames and springs.

For longevity and heirloom quality, Flexsteel is the winner. But Klaussner furniture should provide decent durability for lower-use living rooms or spare bedrooms.

Customization Options

Flexsteel really shines when it comes to customization offerings. The company promotes a “made-to-order” manufacturing process that allows for a huge range of custom options. Some highlights include:

• Wide selection of fabrics, from basic cloths to top-tier leathers
• Option for two-toned upholstery
• Extensive range of sofa/sectionals sizes and configurations
• Detailed features like nailheads, contrast welting, and embellished arms
• Wide array of wood finishes and stained colors for furnishings
• Adjustable bed and recliner options

Klaussner furniture can also be customized but not to the extent of Flexsteel. Basic options include:

• Choice of pre-determined fabrics and colors
• Selection of sofa/sectionals sizes and configurations from preset options
• Minor styling options like nailheads or contrast welting

Those looking for a truly tailored piece from frame to fabric will get the most customization from Flexsteel. Klaussner offers some flexibility but has more pre-configured parameters.

Also Read: Choose Between Bob’s And Raymour & Flanigan.

Cost And Value Comparison

When it comes to price tags, Klaussner furniture is overall much more budget-friendly than Flexsteel. Here’s an overview:

• Sofas: A mid-range Klaussner sofa starts around $800-$1,200. Flexsteel sofas start around $1,700+ and increase exponentially with upgrades.
• Sectionals: Basic Klaussner sectionals fall in the $1,500-$2,500 range. Flexsteel sectionals easily top $3,000+.
• Bedroom sets: Most Klaussner bedroom sets cost between $1,000-$3,000. Flexsteel is again pricier at $3,000-$5,000+.
• Warranty value: Klaussner’s shorter warranties represent less long-term value versus Flexsteel’s strong frame/spring coverage.

For shoppers on a tight budget, Klaussner provides an affordable way to furnish. Flexsteel costs more upfront but offers superior materials, customization, and warranty value that can justify the investment for many buyers.

Overall Brand Reputations

Both Klaussner and Flexsteel have good reputations among furniture shoppers but are viewed as serving different ends of the market.

Klaussner is seen as a solid mid-market brand offering trendy styles at accessible price points. The wide range of models and customization options make it a go-to for budget-conscious shoppers and those furnishing rental properties or vacation homes. While quality doesn’t match premium brands, Klaussner represents a good value for more occasional use.

Flexsteel has earned a reputation for outstanding quality and craftsmanship. The detailed customization and focus on top-notch materials means the furniture literally is handmade for your home. Flexsteel is regarded as a worthwhile splurge for those who value furniture that will last a lifetime and beyond. The brand carries more prestige than everyday furniture retailers.

Also Read: Is Bob’s Better Than Ashley Furniture?

Style And Design Notes

Beyond quality and value, style preferences also come into play when choosing between Klaussner and Flexsteel. Here are some key style differences:

• Klaussner style: Offers a wide spectrum of sofas, sectionals, chairs, and bedrooms spanning clean contemporary lines, bold patterns, and ornate traditional silhouettes. New pieces each season stay fresh and current.
• Flexsteel style: Classic leather sofas and chairs featuring Old World details like tufting, rolled arms, and nailheads. Cleaner contemporary and transitional designs also available. More traditional aesthetic overall.
• Custom style: Flexsteel’s custom process allows for truly one-of-a-kind pieces not offered by other manufacturers. Klaussner has pre-set style parameters.
• Fabric selection: Both offer dozens of fabric choices, but Flexsteel provides access to more elite, high-end materials.
• Color choices: Klaussner has an edge with more trend-driven colors and patterns that rotate seasonally. Flexsteel offers a more tailored palette heavy on neutrals.

Environmental And Sustainability Factors

For eco-conscious consumers, both companies take steps toward sustainable manufacturing.

• Sourcing: Klaussner and Flexsteel use North American hardwood for framing. However, some Klaussner collections incorporate rubberwood, an eco-friendly reclaimed hardwood.
• Manufacturing: Both brands prioritize reducing waste in manufacturing through recycled packaging materials and efficient cut systems. However, Flexsteel reports more environmental details on emissions, water use, recycling percentages, and energy reduction initiatives.
• Clean air: Flexsteel uses water-based stains and low VOC finishes to help maintain better indoor air quality. Klaussner does not specify the type of finishes used.

For the most robust environmental programs and initiatives, Flexsteel is the leader. But Klaussner does incorporate some notable eco-friendly practices as well.

Pros And Cons At A Glance

Klaussner Pros:

• Very affordable pricing, regular sales/promotions
• Large range of current, fashion-forward styles
• Quick ship times and inventory available
• Simple online customization for fabrics/configurations
• Some eco-friendly materials like rubberwood

Klaussner Cons:

• Lower quality materials used overall
• Limited customization and accessorizing options
• Shorter warranties don’t ensure longevity
• Less transparent about sustainability initiatives

Flexsteel Pros:

• Handcrafted quality with unrivaled materials
• Custom-made options tailored to personal preferences
• Lifetime warranty on frames shows confidence in quality
• Established heritage brand with reputation for heirloom builds
• Strong environmental and sustainability programs

Flexsteel Cons:

• Significantly higher prices across the board
• Lengthy lead times for custom pieces
• More limited inventory available for quick shipping
• Conservative styling might not suit all tastes
• Not as widely accessible through major retailers

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Also Read: Comparison Between Roo & You And Nugget.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, deciding between Klaussner and Flexsteel comes down to your budget, how you plan to use the furniture, and your personal style.

Those wanting an affordable way to furnish an entire home or replace items more frequently may gravitate toward Klaussner. Cost-conscious shoppers who appreciate the ability to tweak fabrics and configurations will find solid value.

Buyers wanting investment pieces made to last decades without showing wear should consider splurging on Flexsteel. Custom upholstery and premium materials create true heirloom furniture. The brand suits more traditional tastes or contemporary spaces with a quieter elegance.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – you’ll need to weigh your priorities and home aesthetic. But keeping the key differences between Klaussner and Flexsteel in mind will help you pick the furniture brand that best fits your lifestyle and vision.