Out with the old, in with the new; it’s time to update your leather furniture! Whether you’re engaging in a total home makeover or just giving your den a much-needed facelift, replacing your worn-out leather furniture will feel like a breath of fresh air.

If you have been doing some window shopping to get ideas, you probably noticed that leather sofas can greatly range in price — this has a LOT to do with what grade of leather is used. To get the most out of your leather furniture, you’ll need to find out what you need from it, such as how long you want it to last, how comfortable you want it to be, and how often you’ll need to repair it. By familiarizing yourself with leather grading, you’ll be able to apply this knowledge and purchase with confidence!

Leather Grading Scale

Without going into overwhelming detail about the leather making industry, the leather grading scale can be simplified to four basic types of leather: full-grain, top-grain, genuine, and corrected (or bonded). These grades refer to the processing the hide undergoes, where the hide came from, and its general durability (among other, more specific things.)

Here’s a quick and comprehensive guide to leather grading to help you get the most out of your leather sofa:

Full-Grain

Often described as “luxurious” by manufacturers and buyers alike, full grain is the best type of leather available. It is attractive and popular for many reasons and is used in high-quality leatherworking to produce stunning heirloom furniture pieces.

• Sturdy and thick, yet soft.
• Pleasing natural texture and smell.
• Extremely durable and resilient, due to preservation techniques.
• Wearing “in” vs. wearing “out” — full grain can actually look better over time.

Top-Grain

Found everywhere from handbags to car interiors, top grain leather is the most common type. It is much thinner than full-grain and is less breathable (due to the special coating it receives during processing), making it feel “cooler” and more desirable to wear and sit on than full-grain. Additionally, its long-wearing and resilient nature make it ideal for everyday furniture pieces.

• Flexible and comfortable.
• Has been sanded and given a “finishing coat.”
• More stain and water-resistant than natural leather.
• Less expensive than full-grain.

Genuine Leather

While extremely affordable, genuine leather is not in the top tier of leather grading. Most low-end leather products will be made of genuine leather and may not live up to your expectations in terms of lifespan or looks. While a genuine leather sofa may look attractive initially, consider how quickly you’ll need to replace it.

• One of the lower qualities of leather available, despite its name.
• Considered the “leftovers” of the leather-making process.
• Heavily treated with dyes and chemicals.
• Low durability; likely to need repairs and eventual replacement over time.

Bonded Leather

You have likely already encountered bonded leather, which is the worst grade of leather available. This material is common in cheaply made handbags, shoes, toys, and other goods that have been mass-produced and is made of the shredded leftovers of the leather making process. Unfortunately, an untrained eye will easily mistake bonded leather for genuine leather — be wary of shiny, fibrous lookalike materials that have been labeled “genuine,” as they are often made of bonded leather instead.

• The lowest quality of leather available, made from scraps and damaged pieces.
• Heavily processed with chemicals like adhesives and dyes.
• Poorly made and undependable.

Here at the Florida Leather Gallery, leather is our second language! We’re the best furniture store with gorgeous leather sofas in Fort Myers, hands down. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff members are ready to help you fall in love with your home again. Don’t hesitate to visit us at one of our 5 convenient locations or contact us today!