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October 18, 2024 4 min read

When it comes to high-quality living room furniture, Flexsteel and Hickorycraft are two respected names. Flexsteel, known for its Blue Steel Spring system, has a long-standing reputation for durable, comfortable seating. Hickorycraft, with a heritage of craftsmanship rooted in North Carolina, offers a balance of customization, eco-friendliness, and affordability.

IIn this article, we will compare the two brands. We will look at construction, comfort, sustainability, and value. This will help you make the best choice for your home.

A comparison of Hickorycraft and Flexsteel Sofas
Comparing the construction of Hickorycraft and Flexsteel

Construction & Durability: A Comparison

Flexsteel is widely recognized for its Blue Steel Spring system, a technology that enhances seating durability and comfort, ensuring that cushions retain their shape over time. This feature minimizes sagging, making Flexsteel a reliable option for long-term use ​(Ralph's Way). Flexsteel uses a combination of hardwood and reinforced 5-ply materials in its frames, offering strength and durability, though some buyers may prefer the feel of solid hardwood frames, which are often seen in higher-end brands ​(Home Of Cozy)​.

On the other hand, Hickorycraft uses a sinuous spring system and frames constructed from hardwood solids, which positions it in the “better” category of the good-better-best ranking system ​(Furniture Fair). Hickorycraft’s frame construction may appeal to those seeking traditional hardwood furniture. Both brands back their frames with limited lifetime warranties, but Hickorycraft offers additional coverage for springs and cushions, providing extra peace of mind ​(Home Of Cozy)​.

Conclusion:Flexsteel’s Blue Steel Spring system is ideal for those prioritizing cushion durability, while Hickorycraft’s hardwood frames and broader warranty coverage make it a strong contender for buyers seeking durability and value at a competitive price.

Style and Customization: A Closer Look

When it comes to style, Hickorycraft is known for being more fashion-forward and offering on-trend fabric choices, catering to buyers who prefer contemporary styles​. Flexsteel, in contrast, focuses on more classic, timeless designs, making it a better option for those seeking traditional, long-lasting aesthetics.

Choosing custom fabrics for a Hickorycraft Sectional

In terms of customization, both brands offer a comparable range of fabric options. However, a key difference is that Flexsteel provides custom motion furniture, such as recliners and power seating, while Hickorycraft focuses almost exclusively on stationary furniture. Hickorycraft’s stationary offerings allow for customization in terms of performance fabrics, frame, and design, but if buyers are looking for motion furniture (like recliners), Flexsteel offers the advantage in that category.

Conclusion: Hickorycraft’s fashion-forward styles will appeal to buyers who want trendy, custom fabric options, while Flexsteel’s range of motion furniture gives it an edge for those seeking versatile, functional seating options.

Hickorycraft Apollo Sofa

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Materials

As sustainability becomes a bigger concern for buyers, Hickorycraft sets itself apart by incorporating recycled materials and soy-based foam into its designs, contributing to its environmentally friendly appeal​. Flexsteel, while strong in durability and comfort, does not emphasize sustainability in its marketing or production processes​.

Conclusion: Hickorycraft is a better choice for buyers who want eco-friendly products. Flexsteel may attract those who value traditional durability and craftsmanship.

Made in the USA vs. Offshore Production

A key difference between the two brands is where they manufacture their products. Hickorycraft proudly produces its furniture in Taylorsville, North Carolina, giving the brand a strong connection to American craftsmanship. This allows for tighter quality control and faster custom order deliveries. The proximity of production to U.S. consumers means that Hickorycraft can often deliver custom furniture in less than 45 days ​(Furniture Fair).

Flexsteel, by contrast, outsources a significant portion of its production overseas. While this allows the company to maintain a global reach, it can result in longer lead times for custom pieces and potential service delays ​(Home Of Cozy).

Made in USA Furniture

Conclusion: For buyers who prefer to support American-made products and prioritize fast delivery, Hickorycraft offers clear advantages. Flexsteel, however, benefits from its global production scale, which may appeal to customers seeking a broader range of product availability.

Hickorycraft Sharpel Sofa

Price and Value: Getting More for Less

Flexsteel targets the mid-to-high-end market for pricing. Sofas usually start at about $1,200 and can reach $6,000. The final price depends on customization and materials.

Hickorycraft usually costs between $1,000 and $2,500. This makes it a more affordable choice for buyers who want good quality without spending too much.

Both brands offer high-quality furniture. However, Hickorycraft's lower prices may attract more customers. These customers want good value without losing durability.

Conclusion: Flexsteel provides high-quality products that come with a higher price. In contrast, Hickorycraft offers great value for those seeking quality at a lower cost.

Warranty and Customer Service

Both Flexsteel and Hickorycraft offer lifetime warranties on their frames, but Hickorycraft also includes a 5-year warranty on springs and a 10-year warranty on cushions, ensuring peace of mind for buyers. Furthermore, because Hickorycraft manufactures its furniture in the U.S., it may offer faster service responses compared to Flexsteel, whose overseas production could lead to longer wait times for repairs or replacements​.

Hickorycraft Shopping at a furniture store

Conclusion: Both Hickorycraft and Flexsteel offer strong furniture options, but they cater to different types of buyers. Flexsteel excels in motion furniture, offering recliners and power seating that provide functionality alongside a classic aesthetic.

Hickorycraft mainly focuses on stationary furniture. Their designs are stylish and modern. They use hardwoodfor strong construction.

Their prices are competitive. This makes Hickorycraft great for people who want trendy styles, durability, and quick custom delivery. Ultimately, the best choice depends on whether you prioritize style, motion functionality, or value.

Final Thoughts: Hickorycraft or Flexsteel?

Both Hickorycraft and Flexsteel offer strong furniture options, but they cater to different types of buyers. Flexsteel excels in motion furniture, offering recliners and power seating that provide functionality alongside a classic aesthetic. Hickorycraft, however, focuses almost exclusively on stationary furniture, and with its fashion-forward designs, hardwood construction, and competitive pricing, it is ideal for those who value on-trend styles, durability, and faster custom delivery.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on whether you prioritize style, motion functionality, or value.

Want to learn more about Hickorycraft’s offerings? Visit our stores in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana to explore the full range, or schedule an appointment online today to speak with one of our furniture experts!