For most average shoppers, leather is just that – leather. But buying genuine leather needs careful consideration. This material is far more durable and long lasting than others and ages quite gracefully.
But before you purchase leather furniture, it’s important to have all the facts. Here are some common questions about leather. The answers will help you determine whether it’s the right choice for your commercial setting.
1. What is the best leather?
When purchasing leather, one of the most common questions asked is which one is best. This depends on a few things; your style, your budget and your commercial setting. If you prefer supple, buttery leather, then investing in aniline leather, either “full grain” or “top grain” would be the right choice.
Most top-grain, high-quality leather is run through the aniline process. During this process, the dye is passed through the hide. It helps the leather hold up visually much better over time, and it looks beautiful even after enduring significant wear and tear.
Aniline leather is the most natural form of leather. The top-grain options tend to be the most expensive and aren’t suitable for commercial settings or family restaurants that see heavy use. For these types of conditions, the best leather would be one with heavy or medium protection- this coating helps protect the surfaces from regular wear and tear, stains and spills.
2. How to Choose The Right Leather
There are various pros and cons to consider with multiple leather types, and it can get confusing sometimes. But here we take a look at the three basic types of leather:
- The one with the lightest protection is for leather enthusiasts. It has a buttery, soft feel and a raw appeal with its natural look. It absorbs oils and would need some maintenance, but isn’t the best choice for places that have families coming in.
- Leather with medium protection has a coating that protects from general wear and tear, spills and stains.
- Leather with heavy protection has the most resilient coating; it has some form of stamping to create a more seamless appearance and looks very different from its natural form.
When you go down these leather grades, it also reduces the costs, which also means you add serviceability and take away breathability. In simple terms, you will have more resilient leather surfaces that are well protected from spills and stains. But you would be sacrificing aspects such as smoothness and breathability that are the key characteristics of any top-grain hide.
What you must know is that all leathers are exceptionally durable and will last seven times longer than most fabrics. No matter what type of leather furniture you invest in, your purchase will be long-lasting if you do not neglect regular maintenance.
3. Why is leather always so expensive?
There are various reasons for this, including:
- Only 5% of all hides are handpicked to make top-grain leather. The process is selective, which leads to the supple, buttery and pricier leathers for furniture.
- Leather is a by-product of the dairy and meat industries. Globally, there has been a drop in the demand for meat, which has driven up the cost of leather, making it a luxury item.
- It is also a long-term investment, so while the initial costs of leather furniture are higher, they are well worth the price as it provides an excellent return on investment.
4. Is leather cold in the winter and hot in the summer?
Unlike vinyl or faux leathers, real leather does not have these problems. While it’s different in cars, when it comes to leather furniture in indoor spaces, it isn’t something you need to be concerned about.
Aniline leathers are more breathable, and they stay cooler in summertime and warmer during winter. But if you opt for leathers with more coatings, they will be stickier and hotter than any top-grain, natural leather.
You can also send us your queries about leather furniture via this online form, and one of our experts will call you shortly to discuss your requirements. They will help you with information regarding this and other types of commercial furniture you want.
Thanks for reading,
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