Many people love the look and feel of leather. Real leather is unique because it contains one-of-a-kind markings and imperfections that make each piece unique. The smooth feeling of high-quality leather is unrivaled.
But how can you tell the different types of leather apart? Which types are genuinely of the highest quality, and which types are more of a bargain buy?
Continue reading to find out the answers to these questions and more. After reading below, you'll be better able to decipher the many different types of leather.
Full-Grain Leather
Full-grain leather is the most luxurious and expensive type of leather. It features a smooth surface with limited (or no) flaws. It's the most popular type of leather because it's the most visually appealing.
Top-Grain Leather
Top-grain leather ranks second when it comes to quality. It's made with the top portion of an animal hide. Not only is top-grain leather durable and easy to find, but it's also more affordable than full-grain.
Genuine Leather
Genuine leather is the most common type, and the name is somewhat misleading. Many people see the "genuine leather" tag and think an item is a more expensive type of leather. This is incorrect, however.
Genuine leather is the lowest quality of real leather. While it's the most affordable, it's also the least durable. Products made with this type of leather don't last nearly as long as those made with higher quality types.
Corrected-Grain Leather
This is a special type of leather that's been worked by professionals. Experts work corrected-grain leather to remove flaws. By eliminating and correcting imperfections, the leather becomes more functional, durable, and visually appealing.
Bonded Leather
Many people find themselves confused as to whether bonded leather is or isn't real leather. What is bonded leather, really?
Bonded leather isn't real leather, per se. There's real leather in the product, but it's been combined or "bonded" with synthetic materials.
Bonding the leather makes it significantly more affordable, and, in some cases, it can help increase the durability of a leather product. But true lovers of leather products will instantly be able to tell it's fake. Bonded leather does not look or feel like real leather.
Faux Leather
Faux leather isn't real leather. This is the most affordable option because it's made with synthetic materials. The trade-off in price, however, comes at a cost.
Faux leather products are often not as visually appealing as true leather products. They're also more prone to tearing and don't last as long as even bonded leather products.
Do You Have More Questions About the Types of Leather?
The most common types of leather are listed above. Some leather products are more expensive, while others are cheaper. Some leather is significantly more durable than other types.
Do you have more questions about the types of leather?
Contact us today. One of our associates would be happy to answer any questions you still have. You can also check out some of our leather products online.