January 1, 2025

Leather Grades Made Simple

Buying leather furniture can feel confusing, but don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.

1. All Our Leather Is Top Grain

Every piece of leather furniture we sell is 100% top grain cowhide—the real deal. That’s the best part of the hide and what you want for long lasting furniture.

2. Grade Doesn’t Mean Stronger

Leather “grades” don’t change how long the leather lasts. They only affect price and look.

- Think of it like diamonds: same stone, different price depending on clarity and appearance.

3. Thickness & Drying

All leathers are cut to the same thickness by machine. What changes is how they’re dried:

- Stretch-dried: Most leathers are stretched tight (like a trampoline) so you get more square footage or yield.
- Air-dried: Some are left to dry naturally. These shrink a little, feel heavier and thicker, but they’re not more durable.

4. Things That Change Within a Grade

Even in the same grade, leathers can look and feel very different. Some options you’ll notice:

- Finish: Matte, glossy, or a natural patina look.
- Protection:
  Protected = easier to clean, good for active households or commercial use.
  Pure aniline = natural and soft, but less stain-resistant.
- Color style: Solid, slightly varied, or distressed (worn-in look).

5. Corrected vs. Full Grain

- Grade 1 (Corrected Grain): These hides may have natural scars or marks. They’re lightly sanded and embossed (a pattern pressed in) so the grain is very consistent.
- Higher Grades (Full Grain): Surface is left natural—no sanding, no fake patterns. This shows off the hide’s unique character. Expect some areas to look smoother, some more textured.