Choosing the right type of leather

Posted under Home Improvement by admin on Thursday 9 December 2010 at 7:10 am

Leather dining chairs are a perfect addition to any restaurant, bar or pub, bringing a touch of class and comfort to the surroundings.

However it can be difficult to know which type of leather to choose from – budget restrictions, the design of the interior, and the regularity with which you will use them are all deciding factors. Danetti.com gives a handy guide on the differences between, and benefits of each type.

The most common type of leather chosen by commercial establishments is full grain leather, which is crafted from the highest quality raw material. This is the type that carries the distinctive “leather smell”, and it is hard-wearing. Another advantage is that as it ages, it looks more attractive, making it the perfect option for regular use – although it is probably the most expensive choice.

Another type to consider is split leather – created through splitting the hides’ skin. Due to the nature of its construction, split leather can be more delicate, reports HubPages, but there are treatments available that can make it more hard-wearing. This is a genuine leather, made with natural fibres, and is often cheaper than full grain; however it is more easily damaged.

Buffed leather, otherwise known as suede, is a common choice – it can be much cheaper to purchase, and easy to stretch over dining chair frames. It is the most difficult of all the leathers to protect and keep clean, however it is soft, comfortable and can be dyed to match any colour scheme.

A perfect choice for leather dining chairs that are expecting a lot of use is bicast – a regenerated fabric that is strong and highly durable. As it is coated, it is easily cleaned, and means spills have no long-lasting affect. It is an affordable fabric, however as it is regenerated, is not always classed as genuine leather.

Lastly, faux leather is often chosen for its leather-like qualities – often mistaken for the real thing. It is strong, long-lasting, and not damaged by spillages or stains – with its wipe-clean surface, it is a popular avenue for commercial establishments to choose.