Does Leather or Cloth Furniture Last Longer?

Leather

• Leather is a rugged material. As far as upholstery materials go, it is tough to find anything more durable than leather. Furniture made from high-quality leather has a lifespan measured in decades rather than years. Leather is more easily cleaned and harder to stain than cloth, and high-quality varieties are resistant to tears and rips so that even in high traffic environments you can expect a long-lasting piece if it is covered in quality leather.

Natural Fibers

• Natural fiber cloth appears in many forms in furniture upholstery. Cotton, chenille and other natural fibers share a few common qualities. They do not withstand abuse as well as leather does but should hold up under normal use. The problem with most natural fibers, though, is that they are prone to staining. If you don't clean the fabric immediately, you may have a long-term stain to contend with.

Microfiber

• Microfiber sofas are a modern option constructed from a synthetic material composed of, as the name suggests, very tiny fibers woven into fabric. Microfiber fabric is easy to clean, and some varieties of the fabric can be cleaned up with just a washcloth to prevent stains after a spill. Microfiber is often the covering in low-end couches, however. If the springs, padding or frame of a couch is of low quality, it might not last long regardless of the covering.

Grade

• More important than whether or not a couch is made from leather or cloth is what the manufacturer of the product rates the durability of the fabric. Leathers, synthetics and natural fibers all come in varieties that are less or more durable than others. To find the furniture that will last the absolute longest, look for a product covered in a material rated for severe domestic use. This provides you with furniture that will last for a very long time, no matter what material it is made with.