How to Grade Furniture Leather

Determine the Quality Grade

• 1

  Grade leather as “top grain” if it consists of the unbroken, outermost layer of the animal hide. Top grain leather is the most durable and supple leather type, it can be sanded and buffed to hide imperfections. Top grain leather that hasn’t been processed is called full grain leather. Full grain leather includes imperfections that some customers prefer, as they add character to a furniture piece.

• 2

  Grade leather as “split grain” if it consists of the unbroken, innermost layer of the animal hide. Split grain is strong but less attractive and coarser than top grain leather. For this reason, it is typically used on inconspicuous areas of furniture.

• 3

  Grade leather as “bonded” if it does not come from a single piece of animal hide. Bonded leather is made from multiple pieces of leather put together to form a single panel. This type of leather may look like finer grades but is less expensive and less durable.

Determine the Character Grade

• 4

  Grade leather as “analine” if it has not been color-treated. Analine leather has the most natural appearance and texture.

• 5

  Grade leather as “semi-analine” if it has been stained or dyed with a translucent color. Semi-analine leather retains its natural appearance but has a touch of pigment.

• 6

  Grade leather as “pigmented” if it has been treated with an opaque color. Pigmented leather is more durable than other leather grades.

• 7

  Grade leather as “corrected” if it has been sanded or buffed.