Are La-Z-Boy Recliners Built With Real Leather? The Complete Guide
La-Z-Boy Southeast | July 22, 2025
Quick Answer: Yes, La-Z-Boy recliners use genuine leather made from 100% cowhide, including top grain leather on contact surfaces and split hide leather on sides and backs.
What Types of Leather Does La-Z-Boy Use?
La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor offers over 900 different leather and fabric options. Their genuine leather products use two main types of real cowhide leather:
Top Grain Leather
- Made from the top half of processed cowhide
- Buttery soft texture with superior durability
- Breathable material that regulates body temperature
- Used on all body-contact surfaces (seat, armrests, headrest)
Split Hide Leather
- Made from the bottom half of processed cowhide
- Slightly thicker with a varying texture. Since the top grain has the natural graining, split hide typically has an embossed texture.
- Maintains attractive appearance at lower cost
- Used on recliner sides and backs
Both leather types qualify as 100% genuine leather since they’re made from complete animal hide rather than leather scraps.
Where Is Real Leather Used on La-Z-Boy Recliners?
La-Z-Boy strategically places different leather types based on contact and visibility:
Top Grain Leather Areas:
- Seat cushions
- Armrests
- Headrest
- Any surface your body regularly touches
Split Hide Leather Areas:
- Side panels
- Back panels
- Less visible surfaces
This approach maximizes comfort where it matters most while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Does La-Z-Boy Offer Bonded Leather Options?
Yes, La-Z-Boy provides bonded leather alternatives for budget-conscious customers. Bonded leather consists of leather scraps and fibers bonded together with polyurethane.
Bonded Leather Pros:
- Significantly lower cost than genuine leather
- Maintains leather appearance
- More affordable entry point
Bonded Leather Cons:
- Less durable than genuine cowhide
- May crack or peel over time
- Not as breathable as real leather
Expert Recommendation: Investing in genuine leather options provides better long-term value despite higher upfront costs.
How to Identify Real Leather on La-Z-Boy Furniture
La-Z-Boy offers stationary chairs in leather, but of course, we are known for our recliners.
When shopping for La-Z-Boy recliners, look for these indicators of genuine leather:
- Soft, supple texture on seating surfaces
- Natural grain patterns and slight imperfections
- Breathable material that doesn’t feel plastic-like
- Product specifications listing “top grain” or “split hide” leather
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is La-Z-Boy leather furniture worth the investment? A: Yes, genuine leather La-Z-Boy recliners offer superior durability, comfort, and longevity compared to bonded leather or fabric alternatives.
Q: How do I care for my La-Z-Boy leather recliner? A: Regular dusting, occasional conditioning with leather-specific products, and avoiding direct sunlight help maintain leather quality.
Q: What’s the difference between La-Z-Boy’s leather grades? A: La-Z-Boy uses top grain leather (premium) on contact surfaces and split hide leather (standard genuine) on non-contact areas.
Conclusion
La-Z-Boy recliners feature genuine cowhide leather construction, combining premium top grain leather where your body makes contact with durable split hide leather on sides and backs. While bonded leather options exist for budget shoppers, investing in genuine leather provides superior comfort, durability, and long-term value.
For the best selection of genuine leather La-Z-Boy recliners, visit La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor to explore over 900 leather and fabric options.
Check Out These Additional Resources
Here are some additional online resources you may like to check out:
- How Much Does Leather Furniture Cost?
- 5 Reasons To Buy Leather Furniture
- Best Furniture for Pets: Leather or Fabric?
We’d be happy to help you bring your dreams to life at any of our locations in NC, SC, and GA.
