Bonded Leather vs. Leather Sofas

Material

• Leather is defined as an animal hide that has been stripped of fur and tanned. Most often, cowhide is used to make leather, but bulls, pigs, ostriches and even deer are also used to make leather. Bonded leather is constructed by bonding leather scraps together or by combining torn strands of leather with fabric and layers of man-made materials, such as latex, vinyl or polyurethane.

Durability

• Leather comes in various grades, and the durability of leather can vary, based on its quality. Bonded leather is the least durable type of leather, because it is a composite material. Split grain leather is slightly more durable, but for maximum durability, look for top grain or full grain leather. These latter two types of leather are the most durable, because they are made from the outermost layer of animal hide.

Texture and Sitting Experience

• Bonded leather and true leather feel quite similar when used to upholster a sofa. However, leather connoisseurs may find that bonded leather is more "sticky" to the touch and doesn't have the rich aroma of fine new leather.

Cost

• Bonded leather furniture is generally much cheaper to purchase than a true leather piece of furniture. Consumers can purchase a bonded leather sofa for one-half or even one-third of the price of a traditional leather sofa.

Social Considerations

• People who are eco-conscious may approve of bonded leather, as it uses up leather scraps that would otherwise be thrown away. Members of the Hindu faith and followers of Jainism may also prefer bonded leather over true leather, assuming it is made from non-bovine leather scraps. Ask your furniture salesman to confirm what type of animal leather was used, as knowing whether it was cowhide or pigskin is important in many religions.