Types of Leather: Quality and Durability

The biggest difference between a $499 leather sofa and a $5,000 leather sofa is the type of leather that is put on the frame. Forty percent of the cost in manufacturing a leather sofa is the leather. Here is a basic breakdown of the different leathers that are used in the furniture industry and how they benefit the wear ability.

ANILINE
Aniline top grain leather is the most expensive and the most natural looking leather and keeps the unique surface characteristics such as scars, wrinkles, blemishes. All surface marks remain visible, which make it easy to distinguish from the other processed hides. Only the finest hides in the world fall in this category. Lovers of truly natural products are particular fond of these leathers. Through the years this type of leather develops a patina which adds to its value as a focal point in any room. Only 5% of the total world supply fall in this category. Since it is not protected, aniline leather can be stained easily. It is not recommended for young families or very high traffic areas for that reason.

SEMI ANILINE
These leathers differ from the Aniline since the surface and have been treated with a light coat that has some pigment which makes it more soil- and stain resistant than the Aniline. The natural markings are less distinquished and the color is more even. These leathers are also a top grain leather. About 10% of the leather in the furniture industry is this leather.
  

PROTECTED, OR PIGMENTED LEATHER
Protected leather is the most durable type of leather, for that reason it is the most used leather in furniture. Protected leather has a polymer surface coating containing pigments. This finish is similar to painting your car (pigment finish) where the aniline dyed finish is similar to dying your clothes. In other words, an opaque finish versus a translucent finish. While the thickness of the surface coating may vary, it allows the manufacturer to have more control over the properties of the leather.

It is possible to add more resistance to scuffing or fading. This type of leather is easy to maintain and stands up to different conditions and uses. This type of leather does not have the uniqueness of aniline leather and looks less natural.


BICAST LEATHER
Bicast leather is very shiny since it is made from split leather which is then laminated with a polyethylene top layer. The layers used to make bicast leather are of very inferior quality, which, without the coating, may not be of any use at all. It may look like leather, and you may find plenty of color choices, but the grain might appear too even.

Bicast leather may also be prone to splitting and cracking. What bicast leather has going for itself is that it is more affordable than real leather, and easy to keep clean. If you are looking for real leather, then bicast leather is not for you.

BONDED LEATHER
Bonded leather is created when leather fibers are glued to the BACK of fabric, usually a polyurethane. It is then embossed to look like leather. In some cases, manufacturers glue leather fibers on the material to further enhance the leather look. There is some controversy among furniture experts concerning whether bonded leather is considered leather, since it usually contains only 10 to 17 percent leather fibers which are on the back of the fabric. The American Home Furnishings Alliance believes that if leather is disintegrated into small particles, mixed with other materials and then made into sheets or rolls, it should not be marketed as leather. Furniture Today, an industry publication, claims the term "bonded leather" is misleading, since consumers may simply hear the word "leather" and assume the furniture is made with real leather.

One of the most important factors in picking your leather is to decide how the piece of furniture is going to be used. If it is a busy household which has children and pets, you will want to search for a protected or pigmented leather. If the look and feel is the most important factor, an aniline or semi-aniline leather would be a wise choice. If price is the main factor and longevity is not the main goal, choose a bicast or bonded leather.

Blacker’s stocks over 15 sets of stationary leather sofas in all sizes and colors. Our trained and professional staff will be glad to help you choose the sofa that meets all your need. Bring in this coupon and receive 10% off the sale price on any of our in stock stationary leather sofas.

 
 

If you have any questions about proper care or the kid/pet-friendliness of leather furniture, check out this month's Blacker's Bugle Newsletter.

We look forward to serving you,

Connie Wood,

Buyer

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