Leather furniture is a popular choice for many homeowners. It can be expensive, but it lasts for years and becomes more comfortable over time. When you’re shopping for leather furniture, you’ll likely come across two types of leather: bonded and top-grain. So, what’s the difference? In this article, we will explain the differences between bonded and top-grain leather, so you can make an informed decision about which type of leather is best for your home.
Leather Grades in General
Leather is a natural product, and as such it has unique markings and variations in color that make each hide one of a kind. It is often considered a luxurious product because it is both beautiful and durable. Leather furniture is a great investment. It is durable, comfortable, and stylish. But, like any other investment, it is important to choose a quality product that will last for years to come.
There are, however, different grades of leather that vary in quality and price. The four most common types of leather used in furniture are full-grain leather, top-grain leather, corrected grain and bonded leather. Before proceeding further, we will cover leather grades in general.
Full-grain leather
Leather is graded based on the quality of the hide and where on the animal the hide was taken. The highest quality leather is full-grain leather, which is made from the top layer of the hide. Full-grain leather is made from the top layer of the cowhide. It has not been sanded or buffed to remove imperfections (or natural marks) on the surface of the hide. The grain remains, making it more durable and breathable. Because full-grain is the highest quality leather available it is usually used in high-end products such as furniture, handbags, shoes, and belts.
Top-grain leather
Top-grain leather is the second-highest quality of leather. It’s made from the top layer of the hide, which is the outside portion. This layer is then sanded and processed to remove any imperfections, before being dyed and finished. Because it’s made from the top layer, top-grain leather is more durable and resistant to stains and scratches than lower grades of leather.
Corrected-grain leather
Another variant for top-grain leather, corrected-grain leather is made from the second layer of the hide. This layer is also sanded and buffed to remove any natural blemishes, marks, or imperfections. The grain pattern is then “corrected” by embossing an artificial grain into the surface. This results in a more consistent and uniform appearance.
Bonded leather
Bonded leather is made from lower-quality hide scraps that are bonded together with adhesives and then stamped or embossed with a grain pattern. This process often results in a product that looks and feels like real leather, but at a fraction of the cost. Bonded leather is also sometimes called reconstituted leather or composite leather.
It typically contains only about 10-20% actual leather, with the rest being filler materials. Because of this, it is not as strong or durable as top-grain leather. However, it is usually more affordable. [1]
Why Bonded Leather is a Bad Investment?
So, now that we know what bonded leather is, let’s talk about why it’s a bad investment.
Bonded leather is a cheaper alternative to genuine leather, but it’s also a lower quality product. As we mentioned, it’s made from shredded or ground up leather that’s been bonded together with adhesives and other materials. While it may look similar to genuine leather at first glance, over time it will show signs of wear and tear much sooner.
Poor durability
This leads us to our next point: bonded leather is not as durable as genuine leather. Since it’s made from lower quality materials, it’s more prone to rips, tears, and cracks. It also doesn’t age as well, so you can expect it to look old and worn long before its time.
Real, high quality leather is prized for its durability. It’s made to last for many years, and only gets better with age. If you’re looking for a piece of furniture that will stand the test of time, bonded leather is not the way to go. For example, some top-grain leather sofas can last upwards of 10 years with proper care. This can’t be said of bonded leather.
With all of that being said, it should come as no surprise that bonded leather has a shorter lifespan than genuine leather. Because it’s not as durable or resistant to wear and tear, it will need to be replaced much sooner. In fact, some experts say that bonded leather only has a lifespan of about five years. So if you’re looking for a long-term investment, you’re better off going with genuine leather.
Bonded leather is also difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Once it’s damaged, you’ll likely have to replace the entire piece of furniture. With genuine leather, on the other hand, it’s often possible to repair small cuts and scratches.
And often, it’s simply not worth it to try and repair bonded leather furniture because it will just get damaged again.
Differences in appearance
One of the most noticeable differences between bonded leather and top-grain leather is in their appearance. Bonded leather has a uniform surface because it’s made from shredded or ground up leather that’s been bonded together. Top-grain leather, on the other hand, has a more natural look and feel because it’s made from the outer layer of the hide.
Over time, bonded leather will also start to crack and peel, whereas top-grain leather will develop a patina that gives it character and depth. So if you’re looking for a piece of furniture that will age gracefully, top-grain leather is the better choice. [1], [2], [3]
How to Distinguish Top-Grain Leather From Bonded Leather?
As you can see, there are a few key differences between top-grain leather and bonded leather. For this reason, it’s important to know how to distinguish between the two types of leather before making a purchase.
Take a look at the price tag
One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between top-grain leather and bonded leather is by looking at the price tag. Top-grain leather is always going to be more expensive than bonded leather because it’s a higher quality material.
If you see a piece of furniture that’s made with top-grain leather, you can expect to pay a premium price for it. On the other hand, if you see a piece of furniture that’s made with bonded leather, it’s likely going to be more affordable.
Feel the texture of the leather
Next way to tell the difference between top-grain leather and bonded leather is by feeling the texture of the leather. Top-grain leather has a smooth, consistent texture that feels natural. On the other hand, bonded leather has a synthetic, plastic-like feel.
You will also find that bonded leather is much thinner than top-grain leather. This is because the process of bonding together multiple layers of leather results in a thinner final product.
Inspect the surface of the leather
Another way to point the difference between these two types of leather is by inspecting the surface. If you look closely at top-grain leather, you’ll notice that it has a natural grain pattern on the surface and a natural sheen. This grain pattern is created by the animal’s skin and it’s what gives top-grain leather its unique look and feel.
Bonded leather, on the other hand, has an artificially created grain pattern on the surface. This grain pattern is made by taking scraps of leather and bonding them together with adhesive. As a result, bonded leather doesn’t have the same natural look and feel as top-grain leather. [1], [2], [3]
Bonded Leather vs. Top-Grain Leather: Unveiling the Distinctions
Deciding between bonded leather and top-grain leather is a choice that can influence the quality, durability, and cost of your furniture or accessories. In the table below, we’ll compare these two types of leather to help you make an informed decision.
| Aspect | Bonded Leather | Top-Grain Leather |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Composite material made from leather scraps and synthetic fillers | The top layer of hide, with natural grain and texture |
| Quality | Lower quality, less durable | High quality, more durable and long-lasting |
| Appearance | May have a uniform, plastic-like surface | Has natural grain patterns and a rich appearance |
| Comfort | Less breathable and may feel less comfortable | More breathable and comfortable to sit on |
| Durability | Prone to cracking and peeling over time | Highly durable and resistant to wear and tear |
| Price Range | Generally more affordable | Typically more expensive due to higher quality |
Explanation of the Table:
- Aspect: Lists key aspects for comparison between bonded leather and top-grain leather.
- Bonded Leather: Describes characteristics and advantages of bonded leather.
- Top-Grain Leather: Describes characteristics and advantages of top-grain leather.
Your choice between bonded leather and top-grain leather depends on your priorities, including quality, appearance, and budget. Bonded leather, while more affordable, may lack the durability and natural appearance of top-grain leather. Top-grain leather, on the other hand, offers a premium look and long-lasting performance, making it a preferred choice for high-quality furniture and accessories.
Consider the intended use, budget, and desired lifespan of the item when making your decision between these two types of leather.
FAQ
Is top-grain leather worth the price?
Yes, top-grain leather is definitely worth the price. It’s important to remember that not all leathers are created equal, and top-grain leather offers a number of advantages over lower grades of leather.
Top-grain leather is made from the outermost layer of the hide, which is the strongest and most durable part. This makes it more resistant to wear and tear, and means it will age better over time.
Lower grades of leather are made from inner layers of the hide, which are thinner and less tough. They’re also more likely to suffer from damage like cracks, scratches, and tears.
Which is better: top grain or bonded leather?
The answer to this question is pretty obvious once you know the difference between these two types of leather.
Top grain leather is made from the topmost layer of the hide. It is the part of the hide that is closest to the hair, and as such, it is usually more durable and resistant to wear and tear than other types of leather.
Bonded leather is made from lower quality scraps of leather that are bonded together with adhesive. It is not as durable as top grain leather, but it is usually more affordable. However the cheap cost clearly reflects in the quality.
How can you tell the difference between bonded leather and top grain leather?
The easiest way to tell the difference between bonded leather and top grain leather is by looking at the surface of the material. Bonded leather will have a smooth, uniform appearance with no natural markings or grain patterns. Top grain leather, on the other hand, will have a more natural look with visible grain patterns.
Another way to tell the difference is by feeling the two materials. Bonded leather is typically much thinner and less durable than top grain leather. Top grain leather, on the other hand, is thicker and more durable.
Finally, you can also tell the difference by looking at the price tag. Bonded leather is usually much cheaper than top grain leather since it is made from lower quality materials. Top grain leather, on the other hand, is made from higher quality materials and thus tends to be more expensive.
Which is better: top grain or full grain leather?
Full grain leather is the highest quality of leather available. It is made from the top layer of the hide and includes all of the natural markings, such as scars and veins. This type of leather is extremely durable and will develop a patina over time, making it even more beautiful. Top grain leather is a lower quality because it is sanded or buffed to remove any imperfections, which also makes it less breathable. It will still be quite durable, but not as much so as full grain leather.
Is bonded leather as good as real leather?
Bonded leather is not as strong or durable as top-grain leather, but it can be similar in looks, when looking from a distance that is. The main difference between the two is that bonded leather is made from lower-quality scraps of genuine leather that are bonded together with adhesives and other materials, while top-grain leather comes from a single piece of high-quality hide.
Bonded leather furniture may not last as long as top-grain leather furniture, but it can be a more affordable option for people who want the look of real leather without the high price tag.
What sets bonded leather apart from top-grain leather?
Bonded leather and top-grain leather differ primarily in their composition and quality. Bonded leather is made from a blend of leftover leather scraps and fibers that are bonded together with adhesive. It is less durable and less genuine than top-grain leather, which is derived from the top layer of a hide and is known for its strength, natural grain, and longevity.
How does the quality and durability of top-grain leather compare to bonded leather?
Top-grain leather is considered higher in quality and durability compared to bonded leather. Top-grain leather retains the natural grain of the hide, providing strength and resistance to wear and tear. In contrast, bonded leather is made from scraps and fibers, making it less durable and prone to peeling or delamination over time.
What are the differences in appearance and texture between bonded leather and top-grain leather?
Top-grain leather typically has a more natural appearance with visible grain patterns and textures. It may show some imperfections, enhancing its authenticity. Bonded leather often has a more uniform and artificial appearance, lacking the genuine grain and texture of top-grain leather.
Which type of leather is more suitable for long-term use and investment?
Top-grain leather is more suitable for long-term use and is considered a better investment. Its superior durability means it can withstand years of use and maintain its appearance, making it a wise choice for items like furniture or accessories that are expected to last. Bonded leather may deteriorate more quickly and is often considered less of an investment due to its shorter lifespan.
Is there a significant price difference between bonded leather and top-grain leather products?
Yes, there is typically a significant price difference between products made from bonded leather and top-grain leather. Top-grain leather is a premium material and is more expensive due to its quality and longevity. Bonded leather, being a lower-quality and less genuine material, is generally more budget-friendly. However, the price difference is often reflective of the quality and durability of the leather used.
Useful Video: Full Grain Leather VS Top Grain Leather – What’s The Difference?
Conclusion
When purchasing leather furniture, it is important to know what kind of leather you are getting. When it comes to leather, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first is that not all leather is created equal. There are different grades of leather, and each has its own set of pros and cons. The second thing to remember is that leather is a natural product, so no two pieces of leather will be exactly alike.
Bonded and top-grain leather are two drastically different types of leather. Bonded leather is made from bits and pieces of lower quality leather that are glued and pressed together, while top-grain leather is the outermost layer of a hide. This means that top-grain leather is higher quality and more durable than bonded leather.
While the cheap price of bonded leather may attract some people, it is important to keep in mind that this type of leather is not as durable as top-grain leather. Top-grain leather is a more expensive option, but it is worth the investment because it will last longer and age better than bonded leather.
Top-grain leather, while being on a pricier side, is also the highest quality leather you can buy. It’s made from the outermost layer of the hide, so it’s more durable and resistant to wear and tear. And it provides a better value over time because it will only get better with age.
When deciding between the two, it is important to keep in mind what you are looking for in a piece of furniture. If you want something that is going to last for many years and age gracefully, then top-grain leather is the way to go. We suggest you steer clear of bonded leather if you can as it is not as durable or high-quality as top-grain leather. Thanks for reading our guide on bonded leather vs top-grain leather!
References
- https://elitehts.com/grain-leather-vs-bonded-leather/
- https://leatherexpressions.com/leather-expressions-offers-highest-quality-top-grain-leather/
- https://furnitureacademy.com/bonded-leather-vs-genuine-leather/
