The history of leather dates back to the beginnings of humankind. As a byproduct of the beef industry (no water buffalo, or pigskin) leather is an extremely environmentally sound purchase. That is because it allows our suppliers to manufacture incredible, long-lasting products that would have otherwise been wasted. The reason that a leather purchase might seem more costly is because you are paying for a natural resource. Only about 25% of the hides received are judges "select" enough to be used in our furniture.

At the tannery the outer layer of the hide is separated from the inner layers of skin. This outer layer, only about 3/64" thick (about the thickness of coin), is the "top-grain". The other bottom layers, which can be split multiple times, are referred to as the "split hides".

Leather Expressions DOES NOT use any slit hides in their selection of sofas, loveseats or chairs. Be assured that the sofa you're purchasing is 100% top-grain cowhide leather.

The reason only top-grain leather is suited for use in upholstery is because this interwoven network of cells is the strongest material known to mankind, yet so unbelievably soft and supple. Properly tanned, it will outlast the best wearing upholstery fabric four or five time to one. In fact, if properly cared for, top-grain leather should last indefinitely, developing a soft patina over time.

Split hides are coarser and stiffer, tending to crack more easily. The average wear time of a split hide is about 5 years. Split hides are better suited to other markets, such as handbags, briefcases, belts and shoes. Split hides are devoid of a natural grain pattern and most often are heavily pigmented and finished with an embossed grain pattern.

On average, top-grain leather costs more than twice what splits cost. Also, because top grain leather proudly displays its life signs such as scars, bites, wrinkles and brands, the yield is much lesser than on the heavily processed split hides. This adds even more to the already increased price. Often time, manufacturers will use split hides on upholstered furniture to keep the price down. A common practice is the use of splits on areas that do not come in contact with the body, such as on the back and sides of an upholstered piece. Pieces utilizing extensive split hides can still be called "all leather". BE AWARE. DO NOT SETTLE. Under normal use, your leather piece will give you and your family many, many hears of pleasure. You will actually end up saving yourself money because you won't have to replace the mistakes you've made by purchasing poor quality.

Because each cowhide comes from an individual cow, all are unique and lifestyle markings reflect the life of the cow. These markings include scars, barbed wire cuts, insect bites, brands, neck wrinkles, stretch marks and manure and urine stains. The amount and extent of these markings determine the quality of a top grain cowhide.

All leathers used by Leather Expressions are top-grain leathers, but there are two different types of top-grain leather. Corrected grain refers to leather that has had its surface altered to remove unwanted blemishes and scars. A full grain leather, on the other hand, is left with all of its natural markings intact.

One of the beauties of leather is that no two cowhides are exactly alike. It takes, on average, three hides to upholster a sofa. There will often be differences in texture and color on the same piece of upholstery. Full grain leather wears its natural markings not as defects, but rather as genuine proof of its authenticity.

Based on supply and demand, hides, which have fewer surface imperfections, are precious commodity.

Less than 10% of all hides are judged select enough to remain full grain. This makes the price much higher than the common hides which will need to be corrected.

Corrected grain leathers are lightly buffed or sanded. The depth of this sanding is so sight that durability and strength is unaffected. Corrected grain leathers are just as strong as full grain. The buffing reduces that amount of visible scarring. The extent of this correction process varies from the light removal of random scars to the heavier sanding of an entire surface. If the entire grain is removed by sanding, a new grain pattern must be embossed on to the surface regardless of the amount of buffing. The maximum protection family of leathers would fall into this category. If the surface of the hide has been altered, it should be referred to as a corrected grain. Corrected grain leathers typically need additional pigmentation and heavier finish coats to further disguise the blemishes. For this reason, they tend no to be as soft and supple as their full grain counterparts.

Full grain leather is judges so select that no alteration of the surface is needed to make the leather acceptable for upholstery. Because the natural markings are allowed to show through, full grain leathers are often used for the premium pure aniline for aniline plus leathers. Typically, pigmentation and surfaced finishes are kept at a minimum to maximize the hand of the leather. Full grain leather is natural and wears its signature with pride. This is where you will find our natural leather category.

Aniline dyes are transparent and are used to add color to tanned hide. These dyes contain no solid particles and allow all natural marking to show. Hides are immersed in large drums of aniline dye, allowing the dye to completely permeate the entire cell structure of the leather. Depending on the process, the leather can either be considered "pure aniline" or "aniline-plus". Aniline-plus or semi-aniline leathers are dyes in vats with aniline dyes that permeate throughout the hide. Aniline plus leather processing goes on step further. After the leather is aniline dyed, a pigment color is applied to the top surface guaranteeing a consistent color. Then, additional finishes are added such as antiquing or a sauvage effect for added visual beauty. Finally, the clear finish coat of polyurethane resin is applied as a protective coating for stain repellency and sun resistance. This produces a high gloss or matte finish and provides the utmost in easy car. Check out our performance leathers. Just vacuum and wipe with a lightly dampened cloth.

Pure aniline leather is dyed in vats as above. However, neither a surface pigment color nor a protective coating is applied. This promotes maximum softness or "hand". Natural markings, such as scars, barbed wire marks, insect bites, stretch marks and neck wrinkles are not disguised. Also, variations in color are further proof of the leather's authenticity. The lack of protective coating makes pure aniline leather more susceptible to staining and fading in direct sunlight. Extra care should be taken in care and cleaning. The good news is that it is now possible to apply a "transparent" finish that will provide you with stain protections, fade protection, ink and lipstick protection and more, while still providing maximum breathability and without changing the look or feel of this leather. Your Leather Expressions design consultant will almost insist upon the extended warranty when purchasing leather of this caliber.

It is important to understand the differences between the leathers. It is also important to understand that one leather is not better than the other, just different. Each leather appeals to a different customer and each with proper care will provide years of durability. While nothing compares with the luxury and sensuality of pure aniline, aniline-plus leathers offer practicality and easy care.

Your Leather Expressions design consultant will happily help you decide which leather is right for you. You may like the ease of caring for aniline-plus leather, or you may want the unbelievable feel on full aniline.