Leather Quality question

[maggieandyaothecats]

I';m somewhat of a newb, and I was at Phillip Van Leeuwen Company (artoffurniture.ca) and looking a nice sofa that I have found that I kinda like. I'm pretty picky about the sofa, but its pricy for higher grades of leather and I want to know whether its worth $500 to get it to a higher grade.

Do I get the lowest cost leather? Do I pay the extra $500 for the medium grade, or $1k for the highest grade?

I'm also wondering how long these grades last? My lifestyle probably didctates that I won't be too rough on these sofas.

[Pete_Coach]

From http://www.bankhardts.com/Merchant/selectin1.htm

Bonded leather is leather that is made of bits or scraps of leather which are then 'bonded' together into a single piece of leather. In the manufacturing process, this type of leather may be made to look like a single piece of leather, but it lacks the strength of a single piece of hide.

Split grain leathers are the next grade up. Manufacturers typically split hide into the outer most and inner most layers. The inner most layer of hide that is produced in this process is called split grain leather. Because it is a single piece of hide, instead of multiple pieces bonded together, split grain leathers offers more strength and better life than bonded leather. When something is labeled "genuine leather", it is typically a split grain or bonded material.

Top grain leathers are made of the outer most layer of the hide, processed or sanded to hide serious imperfections in the leather. Top grain leathers are stronger than split grain leathers because this outer layer of the hide is the most durable. Top grain leathers may be formed in the manufacturing process to look like exotic skins such as alligator or ostrich.

Full grain leathers are made of the outer most layer of the hide. Unlike top grain leathers, full grain leathers are not sanded or processed; rather, the beauty of the natural markings are left untouched. In general, full grain leathers are preferable because they offer a combination of strength, durability and appearance.

[maggieandyaothecats]

From http://www.bankhardts.com/Merchant/selectin1.htm

Bonded leather is leather that is made of bits or scraps of leather which are then 'bonded' together into a single piece of leather. In the manufacturing process, this type of leather may be made to look like a single piece of leather, but it lacks the strength of a single piece of hide.

Split grain leathers are the next grade up. Manufacturers typically split hide into the outer most and inner most layers. The inner most layer of hide that is produced in this process is called split grain leather. Because it is a single piece of hide, instead of multiple pieces bonded together, split grain leathers offers more strength and better life than bonded leather. When something is labeled "genuine leather", it is typically a split grain or bonded material.

Top grain leathers are made of the outer most layer of the hide, processed or sanded to hide serious imperfections in the leather. Top grain leathers are stronger than split grain leathers because this outer layer of the hide is the most durable. Top grain leathers may be formed in the manufacturing process to look like exotic skins such as alligator or ostrich.

Full grain leathers are made of the outer most layer of the hide. Unlike top grain leathers, full grain leathers are not sanded or processed; rather, the beauty of the natural markings are left untouched. In general, full grain leathers are preferable because they offer a combination of strength, durability and appearance.

Thanks, but is the upgrade of $500 worth it?

I mean this helps to know what the leathers is made of, but is it actually more useful to have the higher grades?

[Pete_Coach]

Thanks, but is the upgrade of $500 worth it?

I mean this helps to know what the leathers is made of, but is it actually more useful to have the higher grades?
Well, that is just it isn't it. Is it worth it? You now know what it is made of and now you need to decide which you want and if it is worth it to you to have full grain or not.
Quality and workmanship costs money. What is the cheapest for your lifestyle? Only you know. For me, I always buy the best I can afford.

[Psycho44]

I would pay $1000 for the highest grade rather than $500 for medium. I figure if I'm going to make a huge investment in sofa why not add another $500 and I get the best quality and the "appearance." That way everyone will know it's the top quality leather.

[bacid1]

Thanks, but is the upgrade of $500 worth it?

I mean this helps to know what the leathers is made of, but is it actually more useful to have the higher grades?

It's worth it IF you plan to keep the couch for a long time AND the couch itself is quality and will last.

Since van leuwan is typical chinese imports (albeit, better than the brick/leons in looks), don't expect the couch to last 10 years.

You'll be lucky if it's not sagging by year 5.

[maggieandyaothecats]

One more question.

Say I buy this couch...http://www.artoffurniture.ca/product.php?product_id=782

I heard that any furniture company can order any couch they want from the same manufacturer. Is it possible to order this couch from a different store to ensure I get the right price? I've looked around, but haven't seen this on any other store's showroom floor.