Everything You Need to Know About Leather Recliners
La-Z-Boy Southeast | October 30, 2018
Are you in the market for leather recliners and trying to make the best decision for your home?
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we recognize there are many factors you’ll need to consider before you purchase leather furniture.
This is why we put together this educational article and video with everything you need to know about leather recliners.
Durability: Leather Recliners
One of the most common questions we receive is, “Do leather recliners hold up over time?”
La-Z-Boy Recliners are made in the USA, built-to-last, and known around the world for their unique design and famous comfort.
Upholstering your La-Z-Boy Recliner in top grain leather means it will last 4 times longer than fabric on average.
We can demonstrate the durability of top grain leather by trying to stick a pen through a sample.
It’s nearly impossible to stick the pen through top grain leather no matter how hard we try.
Top Grain Leather vs Split Hide Leather
At this point, you’re probably wondering, “What on earth is top grain leather?”
When leather is processed, the cowhide is cut into two equal sections. The top half is called the “top grain” and the bottom half is the “split hide.”
The top grain is the softest, most durable and breathable type of leather you’ll find on furniture.
Split hide is a little grainier and thicker than top grain. However, it looks great and is often used on the sides and backs of recliners because you typically don’t touch these areas.
Top grain leather is buttery soft, long-lasting, and won’t make you sweat. When you’re shopping for a leather recliner – be sure to ask, “Is this leather top grain or split hide?”
Common Misconceptions: Leather Recliners
When clients visit one of our locations, they usually believe three common misconceptions about leather recliners:
- During the summer it’s too hot.
- During the winter it’s too cold.
- When I sweat it gets sticky.
The reason most people arrive at these conclusions is because of the experiences they’ve had with leather in their car.
Car companies often use split hide leather with vinyl sides and a thick layer of polyurethane coating on top.
Polyurethane causes the leather in your car to feel sticky and overwhelmingly hot or cold depending on the temperature outside.
The top grain leather on La-Z-Boy Recliners will breathe well, adapt to the temperature of your home, and always feel comfortable to sit on.
Bonded Leather Is Not Real Leather
“Bonded leather” is a common term you’ll likely come across during your recliner search.
The only real leather you’ll find in this type of fabric is the shavings or particles cut from the cowhide before it’s processed.
Ingredients of Bonded Leather:
- 57% Polyurethane
- 26% Poly/Cotton
- 17% Leather Particles
This type of fabric looks and feels like genuine leather. However, it’s mostly polyurethane.
Check Out These Additional Resources
Recliners made with top grain leather are durable, breathable, and buttery soft.
At La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor, we’d be happy to answer your questions and help you get fitted for a recliner that’s perfect for your body.
Here are a few additional resources you may like to take a look at:
- How to Pick the Best Recliner for Me
- 7 Features & Benefits of La-Z-Boy Recliners
- 5 Tips for Styling Around Your Recliner
You can see our wide selection of leather recliners at any of our locations in NC, SC, and GA.
