| Solid Hardwood | 2–6 in (5–15 cm) | About 250–500 lb per leg, depending on wood species and mounting | Traditional, farmhouse, mid-century, transitional | Warm appearance, can be stained or painted, good structural strength | May dent or split if poorly dried or over-tightened | Dust regularly; clean with a slightly damp cloth; avoid standing moisture | Best all-round choice for upholstered sofas and visible decorative feet |
| Rubberwood | 2–5 in (5–12.5 cm) | About 200–400 lb per leg, depending on construction | Contemporary, Scandinavian, painted cottage styles | Uniform grain, comparatively stable, accepts paint and clear finishes well | Needs a proper finish to resist moisture and surface wear | Keep dry and inspect painted surfaces for chips or abrasion | A practical value option when the legs will be painted or lightly stained |
| Beech Wood | 2–6 in (5–15 cm) | About 250–450 lb per leg, depending on mounting hardware | Modern, Scandinavian, minimalist, rounded retro designs | Fine, even grain; strong and easy to machine into smooth bun shapes | Natural color may darken or vary after finishing | Use a suitable wood finish and avoid prolonged direct moisture | Excellent for clean, rounded bun feet on compact or medium-sized sofas |
| Steel | 2–8 in (5–20 cm) | About 300–800 lb per leg, depending on tube thickness and base design | Industrial, modern, contemporary, minimalist | High strength, slim profiles, consistent dimensions, excellent for heavy sofas | Can feel visually cool; damaged coatings may allow corrosion | Wipe clean; repair scratches on coated surfaces to limit rust risk | Choose for maximum load support or a sharper contemporary appearance |
| Aluminum | 2–6 in (5–15 cm) | About 200–500 lb per leg, depending on wall thickness and mounting | Modern, lightweight, contemporary, retro-metal designs | Lightweight, naturally corrosion-resistant, easy to handle during installation | Softer than steel and more likely to show dents or deep scratches | Use a non-abrasive cleaner and check fasteners periodically | Useful when low weight and corrosion resistance matter more than maximum strength |
| Polypropylene or Reinforced Plastic | 1.5–5 in (4–12.5 cm) | About 100–300 lb per leg, depending on reinforcement and design | Budget, casual, contemporary, concealed-support designs | Low cost, moisture-resistant, lightweight, easy to clean | May look less premium and can deform under excessive heat or load | Clean with mild soap; keep away from strong heat sources | Suitable for lighter sofas, replacement projects, or hidden support feet |
| Cast Iron | 2–5 in (5–12.5 cm) | About 400–900 lb per leg, depending on shape and mounting | Industrial, vintage, heritage, heavy traditional furniture | Very rigid, substantial, resistant to compression and impact | Heavy; unprotected surfaces can rust; may damage hard floors without pads | Keep dry and use protective floor pads; touch up coating when needed | Best for substantial furniture where weight and vintage character are desired |