Top Grain Vs. Full Grain: What Kind of Leather Should I Choose?
In the manufacture of leather products, the producers can decide to use either top-grain or full-grain leather. The choice of leather determines the durability and breathability of the items produced.
What is Full Grain Leather?
Arguably, full grain leather is the most durable and highest quality type of leather. It is obtained from the animal’s hide just below the fur of the animal. That part of the leather contains natural grains and strong fibers, which makes it extremely strong.
Full grain leather contains imperfections since it has not been sanded, buffed, or snuffed. The marks of the leather come from scars the animal might have obtained during its lifetime. Ideally, the texture and color of the hide are quite identifiable.
What is Top Grain Leather?
Top grain leather is a lesser version of leather when compared to full grain leather. The manufacturer removes the outermost part of the hide, which compromises its durability. The coat’s natural grain is sanded away to eradicate any blemishes and imperfections present on the surface.
After removing the outer layer, the leather is added an imitation grain for a more uniform look. The fabrication processes compromise the leather’s breathability, and as it ages, it will not develop a natural patina.
Top grain is an inexpensive leather option with a uniform look and beautiful finish. However, it might not last for an extended period.
Top Grain VS. Full Grain
Quality
Full grain leather is undeniably the highest quality leather option available in the market. Furniture, handbags, or wallets manufactured with this type of leather last for many years. The leather products are immune from fast wearing out.
On the other hand, top grain leather is a good option, but its products will not last for many years. The removal of the natural grain makes the leather thinner and more susceptible to wear and tear.
Beauty
Full grain contains many imperfections, and the finish of the coat is not uniform. But the blemishes and marks make the leather unique. Additionally, it’s quite breathable. Thus, less moisture will accumulate after prolonged exposure.
Top grain leather is aesthetically appealing, and the uniform finish makes it outstanding. This type of leather is the most recommended if you are looking for leather products with uniform finishes.
Aging Characteristics
Full grain is a particular type of material. Rather than reducing in value as it ages, it tends to beautify. It develops a patina and a unique character. The leather looks more beautiful after a prolonged period of use.
Top grain leather does not develop a patina after a period of use. However, the uniform coating of the material makes it beautiful. After prolonged use of top grain leather products; the thin coat subjects the products to fast wear and tear.
Cost
Full grain leather is costly to acquire and manufacture. When processing this type of leather, the manufacturers undergo a tedious process of making the products. Thus, the products made from full grain leather are quite expensive but more durable.
The Clearwater furniture store contains products crafted with full grain leather. This store’s furniture is high quality and robust; it will maintain its original characteristics for ages.
Top grain leather is an inexpensive leather option. This leather type is much thinner; thus, manufacturers find the material easy to work on and produce good quality bags or furniture.
Learn More from Experts
If you want to discover furniture and products crafted with full grain and top grain leather, Florida Leather Gallery has experts ready to direct you. Contact us today or visit any of our 5 convenient stores to view incredible leather pieces crafted with precision and expertise.
