What Kind of Leather Is the Best for Sofas?
The best type of leather for a sofa depends on your budget, intended use and appearance preferences. The types of leather that provide the best appearance are not necessarily the best when it comes to durability. Does this Spark an idea?
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Bonded Leather
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Bonded leather is made by patching scraps of leather together. It is inexpensive but not very durable; if the sofa will get significant use, avoid bonded leather.
Split-Grain Leather
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Split-grain leather is made from the inner layer of the hide. It is more durable than bonded leather, but not as durable as leather made from the outer layer. It is the least expensive leather that is made from a single piece of material.
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Top-Grain Leather
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Top-grain is the most durable type of leather because it is made from the top layer of the hide and is chemically treated. If you want a long-lasting couch that can take the abuse of children, animals or heavy use, top-grain leather is the best option.
Full-Grain Leather
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Full-grain leather is also made from the top layer of the hide, but it is not treated--which preserves the uniqueness of the leather. It is the most expensive type of leather, due to its beauty, but is less durable than top-grain leather.
Leather Match
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Leather-match sofas are made using both vinyl and top-grain leather to save on cost. The vinyl is usually used in places where people will not sit, such as the back and sides of the sofa.
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