Leather - Kath Becker

For the most part leather furniture would not be considered practical for households with children. However now there are many degrees of treatment that the textile can undergo to make it fit any purpose.

Bycast leather has an artificial finish

Full grain leather has not been corrected by any means of sanding or buffing. Retaining the grain gives the hide strength and durability. Without any finishes smothering the fibres, the leather has breathability. Over time the surface with develop a patina, which is a natural sheen that comes with use.

Bycast leather is where the hide is split in thickness and a coat of polyurethane applied to the surface. An immitation grain is embossed in the polyurethane. The result is alot stronger than untreated hide, the texture is more consistent and it is easier to maintain. Such properties mean it is often considered an alternative furniture covering to cloth fabrics if small children are present.

Chair made with full grain leather

Top grain leather means the rawhide has been removed, leaving a thin layer of leather that receives a sand and a polish. This is the most common variety of treated leather for fine furniture.

Corrected grain leather are produced when the appearance of the leather does not meet the requirements. The imperfections are sanded off and an artificial grain is pressed into the hide.

Coloured leathers are increasingly sought after, and the range of colours is burgeoning. The structure of the grain means that the dying process is quite simple. An untreated hide will absorb the pigment easily and with the right finish, will retain the colour for a long time. Exposure to sunlight will fade the colour, but regular teatments will reduce the effect.

Depending of the process undergone by the hide, the cost of leather varies. Fullgrain leather requires the best quality hide because of how little it is treated. Whereas the bycast leather can be sourced from hide with imperfections and not affect the aesthetic. A sq.m of full grain cowhide will cost anywhere between $50 and $100. Low quality leather can cost between $10 and $50 per sq.m.