How to Grade Leather Sofas
- 1). Determine whether the sofa is covered in full-grain leather, which retains the natural markings of the animal hide. The best hides have gone through fewer manufacturing treatments to remove imperfections and are soft to the touch. Less-expensive leather upholstery that mimics full-grain hides will feel thin and stiff, like plastic. It often is heavily dyed to hide imperfections.
- 2). Pass up cheaper split leather to get the best durability. Split leather is derived from the lower layers of a hide and is embossed to imitate full-grain leather. Split leather's structure is weaker, and it can be prone to stretching.
- 3). Consider how the leather upholstery is finished. Protected aniline leather is commonly available. It is coated with protective dyes that help resist stains and make it easier to clean. However, much of the leather's natural markings may be covered by those coatings.
- 4). Check the furniture label. Sometimes these labels reveal that an entire sofa is not upholstered in the same material. You may find that a lesser-quality leather or even vinyl was used to cover the back or sides of the sofa to reduce the cost. This can affect the sofa's appearance, because the color of the front, back and sides likely won't match perfectly. Leather also lasts longer, and vinyl tends to crack over time.
- 5). Find out how the sofa frame was constructed. Hardwood frames are more durable. Those with interlocking joints are stronger than frames that are only glued and nailed. A hardwood frame that has been kiln-dried by the manufacturer is less likely to warp later.
- 6). Look for leather sofa seat cushions with innersprings. Some cushions are constructed only of foam covered by leather. Cushions with springs are less prone to sagging and retain their shape better.
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