Learning about Leather: Know the Differences before You Shop

Years ago you could spot a faux leather sofa a mile away; not anymore.  As technologies used to manufacture home furniture push forward, it’s becoming more and more difficult to differentiate between top-grain quality leather and well-crafted bonded leather.

When discussing leather furniture with your sales person, ask them to clarify what leather or combination of leathers are used in the manufacturing of your favorite furniture pieces.  As a savvy shopper, it is important to know the difference between leather qualities so that you can select a grade that perfectly compliments your expectations and lifestyle. 

Top-grain leather:

• Top-grain leather is among the finest quality leather and, depending on the leather chosen, can be used in light or high traffic households;
• Features a thinner grain than full-grain leather, making it supple; 
• Has been sanded, polished and finished to remove surface imperfections and natural markings; 
• Has a greater resistance to staining as a result of the polishing and finishing process.

Split Leather:

• Split leather is a good quality leather and is traditionally used in the covering of back and side furniture panels; 
• Is often finished with artificial top layer before it is embossed with leather grain;
• Split leather is also used in the production of suede.

Bicast Leather:

• Is not ‘true’ leather and is finished with a layer of polyurethane, which accounts for its stiff surface and lower level of breathability.
• Bicast leathers are usually very durable, easy to clean and can be purchased for only a fraction of the cost of ‘true’ leather.

Bonded Leather:

• Is not ‘true’ leather and can contain a percentage of leather parts, which are bonded with latex to replicate the look and feel of ‘true’ leather.
• Bonded leather is usually quite durable and often can be purchased for only a fraction of the cost of ‘true’ leather.

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