Layman Term For Leather Sofa

[kalimantan 6]

There are a few topics here in the forum discussing the different brands or types of leather sofa retailers sell. I would like to know in layman terms the following without salesman talk.

a) Leather sofa - means OUTSIDE is leather skin ?

b) What does the INSIDE of the sofa contains ? The INSIDE of the sofa determines the comfort level as well besides the OUTER SOFA LEATHER SKIN ?

C) Of the leather skin itself, what type of ANIMALS are suitable for leather skin ? What are the common Animal skin used for leather ?

d) Does any country specialize in the leather skin ?

e) Does the leather skin itself contains GRADES ?

f) I always hear leather skin - crocodile, etc. Does crocodile skin makes sofa ?

Topic is focus on sofa materials. please do not talk about length or width, etc

[archenemy 0]

from what i understand..pardon me if im wrong

a) Leather sofa - means OUTSIDE is leather skin ? correct.

b) What does the INSIDE of the sofa contains ? foam or sponge with a wooden frame to give the sofa its shape

C) Of the leather skin itself, what type of ANIMALS are suitable for leather skin ? What are the common Animal skin used for leather ? cow, sheeps, pig(not used for sofas because its too small)

d) Does any country specialize in the leather skin ? i know italy & brazil

e) Does the leather skin itself contains GRADES ? sure it has.

f) I always hear leather skin - crocodile, etc. Does crocodile skin makes sofa isnt a croc skin sofa too spiky to sit on? seen a croc? would you want to sit on its back?

Edited July 4, 2011 by archenemy

[SamTheMan 7]

There are a few topics here in the forum discussing the different brands or types of leather sofa retailers sell. I would like to know in layman terms the following without salesman talk.

a) Leather sofa - means OUTSIDE is leather skin ?

Outside, known as upholstery. Leather sofa must be upholstered in leather. Layman must be careful because leather may mean synthetic leather. To be safe make seller indicate genuine leater.

b) What does the INSIDE of the sofa contains ? The INSIDE of the sofa determines the comfort level as well besides the OUTER SOFA LEATHER SKIN ?

1. A properly made sofa will have a solid timber frame with a spring system consisting of steel springs and/or elastic webbing. Some manufacturers use hand tied springs or pocket springs. Pocket springs for sofas is really a gimmick because it is designed for mattresses and will probably not handle sitting very well.

2. On top of the springs, there should be several layers of high density foam to create a comfortable seat. High density foam is usually made from polyurethane that can range from 30kg/m3 all the way to 65kg/m3. The higher the better because it will be more resilient.

3. Finally, on top of high density foam, usually a layer of fibre foam or feather.

C) Of the leather skin itself, what type of ANIMALS are suitable for leather skin ? What are the common Animal skin used for leather ?

For leather sofas, typically cow and buffalo. Cow is softer, buffalo tougher.

d) Does any country specialize in the leather skin ?

Most raw cowhides come from Australia and South America because they raise the most cattle. Cowhides can come from anywhere cattle is raise for meat.

Buffalo usually from India.

e) Does the leather skin itself contains GRADES ?

Grading of leather is done at the Tannery, hide with less scarring will be made into Aniline or Semi-Aniline leather. Hides with more scarring will be made into corrected grain leather.

f) I always hear leather skin - crocodile, etc. Does crocodile skin makes sofa ?

It is possible to embossed a crocodile pattern onto cowhide. Usually crocodile skin is not used for leather due to size of hide.

Topic is focus on sofa materials. please do not talk about length or width, etc

[kalimantan 6]

Thanks Sam, i would like to know further (if you are able to answer)

a) from naked eyes, how to differeniate or see in reasonable eye on synthetic versus real leather ?

b) Do you have picture or x-ray view of the INSIDE of the sofa ? Does brochures tell you the INSIDE of what you describe ? If the INSIDE cannot be seen or described easily, how does human determine the comfort ? Could the definition of "comfort" depends on each individual ?

c) Refer to your answer on "Cow is softer, buffalo tougher"

From singapore perspective,

1) what are the common animal leather in singapore ?

2) singapore weather is hot, which leather is better to absorb heat or human's perspiration ?

d) Cow and buffalo - which skin is more expensive ? Or is it based on economics of scale in that countries ? Eg India currency is lower than Sing dollars versus Australian currency ?

e) Grades : In a diamond's world, there are the 4C measurements. In the Tannery, are there organisations that determine the "premium" of the leather ? Is less scarring better ?

I want to thank you again for your objective answers.

[SamTheMan 7]

Thanks Sam, i would like to know further (if you are able to answer)

a) from naked eyes, how to differeniate or see in reasonable eye on synthetic versus real leather ?

Very hard to tell just be looking. PVC leather will feel like plastic but PU leather can feel just like real leather.

Problem is, cheaper grades of corrected grain leather and split leather can also feel quite plastic. I can tell but a regular consumer will probably have trouble identifying the difference.

b) Do you have picture or x-ray view of the INSIDE of the sofa ? Does brochures tell you the INSIDE of what you describe ? If the INSIDE cannot be seen or described easily, how does human determine the comfort ? Could the definition of "comfort" depends on each individual ?

I am sure you can google a cut out of a sofa from the internet.

c) Refer to your answer on "Cow is softer, buffalo tougher"

From singapore perspective,

1) what are the common animal leather in singapore ? Mostly cowhide but cheaper ones may be buffalo.

2) singapore weather is hot, which leather is better to absorb heat or human's perspiration ? 100% top grain cowhide would be best I guess.

d) Cow and buffalo - which skin is more expensive ? Or is it based on economics of scale in that countries ? Eg India currency is lower than Sing dollars versus Australian currency ?

Cow definitely costs more than Buffalo.

e) Grades : In a diamond's world, there are the 4C measurements. In the Tannery, are there organisations that determine the "premium" of the leather ? Is less scarring better ?

Of course less scarring is better. By scarring I mean, insect bites, cuts and so on. I am not referring to the natural grain pattern of the cow. Usually you can see the natural grains on a quality leather, for cheaper leather the surface will be very consistent like synthetic leather.

I want to thank you again for your objective answers.

[kalisha 0]

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