Leather
Leather is the oldest covering fabric used in upholstery. It is a natural product and each skin/hide is unique in terms of size and density, bearing the marks of the animal’s life and growing pattern. Most animal skins have been utilised over the years but the most commonly used and proven in terms of wear and high yield for large leather parts is cow hide from bovine/beef animals. Working in leather requires good foundation shapes in terms of fillings and suspensions.
A typical hide varies from about 35 to 65 sq ft averaging at 45 for estimating. A large winged arm chair will require approximately 1.5 hides and a modern cushioned suite approximately 6-7 hides. Selection of specific areas of the hide is essential to end use as the density and stability varies greatly over the hide. A waste factor is normally included of anything from 15 – 40% depending on how large the required panels are.
As leather is not available in a standard width, often re-upholstery in leather involves more seamed panels due to the potential amount of waste involved. Many modern manufacturers utilise all areas of the hide to minimise waste as much as possible and this involves styling the work or building in many component parts. A sign of a quality leather sofa or chair is less panelling and seaming.
Pigmented leather with corrected grain looks uniform throughout but has little character and often can look similar to man made coated clothes such as pvc, usually made in plain colours and found on modern manufactured, reproduction and antique work. Conditions and cleans well with little waste in the cutting.
Semi-Analine leather is more natural in appearance with evidence of scars, brand marks and life traces of the animal often produced two tone in nature. Some shade change on pull up types on hard edge and can feel waxy. This is a good product which looks like leather, improves with ageing and is serviceable with careful use.
Analine leathers – in the main with a dry natural feel are not recommended for every day use. No surface finish is apparent and as a result stains and marks are difficult, if not impossible, to remove without specialist treatments. Suits occasional furniture. On antique work, if an old appearance is required, can give an aged look – suits early 20th century chairs and sofas.
Antiqued rub off leather – a two tone leather consisting of a black base coat with a colour on the surface. The leather panels are applied to the carcase shapes – arms, back and seats and a chemical solution is then used to rub edges or around buttoned areas exposing the black or a shaded antique effect. The leather can then be sealed, this works well on reproduction furniture and repairs.
