Is all leather furniture called Genuine Leather Furniture the same?
Not at all. First, there are variations in grades of leather. Those variations determine how the hide will wear over time. Those grades are discussed in subsequent Q&As. And secondly, there are some lines of furniture that say Genuine Leather, but when you inquire more closely, you learn that manufacturers are using vinyl panels on the sides and backs of the pieces of furniture; wherever someone would not be sitting. This brings down the price of the furniture considerably, but mars the look. Close examination shows mismatches between vinyl and leather. And over time, those mismatches tend to get worse, and the leather mellows and the vinyl becomes brittle.

How strong is leather?
Leather is the strongest natural material known to man.

What is Top Grain leather?
This is the best grade of leather. When a hide is cured, it is split to divide the top layer from the layer beneath. As the name implies, Top Grain is the top portion. It retains all the natural scarring and wrinkling of the hide (which is minimized by skillful cutting and placement of the hide on the piece of furniture). If these characteristics aren't desired for the intended look of the hide, the Top Grain can be sanded and buffed until a more uniform look is attained. Ultimately, Top Grain is most prized because it provides the most strength, durability and suppleness.

What is Split Leather?
This is the layer that remains when Top Grain is removed from the hide. It has none of the textural character of the Top Grain, but can be embossed with a texture that simulates Top Grain. This layer of hide is still appropriate for furniture, but is not as strong as Top Grain.

Can you mix leather and fabric pieces?
Yes. It is done all the time. Our rule of the thumb is: Put the seating that will get the most use in leather because it does not show the day to day wear that upholstery fabric will.

Can Leather be repaired if scratched or torn?
Yes, other than the possible of scratching your leather, it is not often that we get calls about leather being torn or ripped. However, it does happen and there are companies in the market place that can repair your leather pieces.

Can I have pets around my leather furniture?
Absolutely! Most good leather furniture is far from delicate (suede and other specialty hides are exceptions to the general rule that follows!). Even if your dog or cat jumps up on your leather furniture, those claw punctures should just seal right up.

What about kids? Should we wait 'til ours are grown to get leather furniture?
Kids are infamous for two habits, spilling and bouncing. The bouncing question will be taken up later (the short answer: good leather furniture is built for years of rough treatment, so bounce away!), but as for spills, they're no problem either! Read on, then tell the kids you're getting some beautiful new furniture!

Is leather hot?
No. Leather is constantly adjusting to its environment. It is cool to the initial touch but will adjust to your body temperature within 10 to 15 seconds. It will not be hot and sticky in the summer nor will it be cold in the winter.

How do I handle a spill?
Very calmly! With all but the most specialized leathers, spills just bead up and can be wiped away! Try doing THAT with cloth upholstery!

Is Leather for children?
The very opposite ~ Leather is great for children of all ages. It will take the day to day use that a family has to offer.

My teenagers don't sit down, they plop! Will my leather furniture take the abuse?
If it's well made, a leather sofa or chair will handle the tough stuff. That's because leather furniture can last 20 years or longer, and just keep looking better and better. Furniture manufacturers of integrity build their frames (the inside structure of furniture) to last just as long. Read on, to find out about frames and suspensions (the springs and such) that will serve you as loyally as the hide they support.

Will leather soften after years of use?
Yes, but not to the degree you would hope. Leather softness is achieved by tumbling at the tannery. Generally, what leather softness you purchase is what you will have for the life of the furniture.

Can Leather be cleaned?
Yes ~ Most leathers (ie... protected leathers) can be cleaned with a mild soapy solution and water. Unprotected leathers (ie... pure anilines) require special handling. We recommend the use of leather care products for their protection and cleaning.

Will Leather fade?
Yes. Direct exposure to ultra violet sun rays will cause fading and/or discoloration.

How long will leather last?
A relative question but we know of cases where leather pieces have been passed along to their children after 20 to 30 years of use.

What sort of frame should I look for in my leather furniture?
The frame of a leather piece of furniture is crucial. Your leather furniture will last, according to Furniture World Magazine, four times longer than an upholstered piece. So you don't want your leather furniture to give up on you from the inside out. Ask these questions about the frame of a piece your are considering: Is it made of kiln-dried hardwood? It should be. If wood isn't dried in a kiln, it will dry out later -- in your home! That means warping. Also ask if the frame was constructed with double-doweled corners. This makes the joints stronger, to give you noiseless, stable support.

What about the suspension of my leather furniture? What will serve me best?
First, look at the suspension system in the seat cushions. Do they have inner-springs? Some leather furniture makers save a few dollars by leaving out the springs. Instead, they'll insert a slab of foam (see the description of foam in cushions, which follows shortly). At first owners don't notice a difference in a cushion without springs. But over time, their cushions don't spring back as quickly -- or at all -- when they get up. It's nice to leave behind a good impression, but not on your seat cushions!

I've heard 8-way, hand-tied springs or the new computer manufactured springs in the suspension are very good. Why?
Bases with real springs act to preserve the cushions they support, in the same way a box spring prolongs the life of a mattress. Eight-way, hand-tied springs are joined together at key points so they can move independently of each other. So your furniture feels more comfortable, and supports you more evenly. It also holds up wonderfully to the abuses of pets and kids.

Are all foams in cushions created equally?
Alas, no! You can compare your leather furniture to carpeting. You may have heard that you can extend the life of new carpeting by buying good quality padding to go under it. The same holds true for leather furniture. Find out what the back cushions of the leather furniture you are investigating are made of. Inferior furniture is often stuffed with shredded foam, a byproduct of the cushion-making process. Recycling is a good idea, but not here! Shredded foam tends to break down over the years, making the cushions lumpy or limp. Look instead for virgin-fiber Dacron, or its equivalent, in all back and side cushions.