Not all leather furniture is equal. The factors relating to seating systems, frames and the attachment of legs that are covered in Upholstered Furniture apply to leather furniture as well as to fabric-covered pieces.

Leather for furniture is normally split into three layers. The top split, which had hair on it, is called Top Grain Leather and is the most expensive. The second layer has no natural graining and must be stamped to look like Top Grain. It is called Corrected Leather. The third layer is usually used to make suede or coated and corrected inexpensive furniture.

Top Grain is the softest of the leathers, and each hide must be carefully selected as not every one has the proper attributes. Corrected leathers are not as soft and usually have a good deal of pigment added to bring

out various colors. It is also used for backs and sides of better furniture, since those places do not need the flexibility of the seating areas. The cheapest leather furniture uses not only the least expensive leathers, but also has layers that are cut very shallow and require the use of fabric backing, as seen in vinyl fabrics. Another method of reducing cost is to use vinyl dyed to match the leather in all areas except the seating areas and armrests. While the match may be perfect in the beginning, leather and vinyl age at a different rate and the match becomes a miss-match after a period of time.

You get only what you pay for. Do not purchase inexpensive leather furniture with a poor framing and spring system and expect it to last a half century. You can anticipate that type of longevity only if you buy good merchandise. Ask a lot of questions before you purchase.

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