If you have ever been shopping for leather products, such as ergonomic office chairs or clothing, you may have noticed the variety of leathers you can choose from. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the differences between these leathers, or know what each type of leather is. Leather can range from real, to a real and artificial mix, to artificial. There are three main types of leather you may stumble upon when shopping for leather products: real, bonded, and faux. Knowing the differences between these three leather types will help you decide which is best for you.

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What is Real Leather, Bonded Leather and Faux Leather?

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Real Leather

Real leather can also be known as full grain leather, which is going to be the highest grade of leather you can find. Full grain leather is the top layer of the animal hide that has natural imperfections. Because of its thickness, real leather can be hard for manufacturers to work with but will be the most durable.

Bonded Leather

Bonded leather is made from the scraps and fibers leftover from manufacturing genuine leather, mixed with a polyurethane binder. These scraps are then rolled together using adhesives to bind the fibers together, onto a paper backing. A polyurethane coating may be added and embossed to create the texture of real leather. Most bonded leather only contains 10 to 20 percent real leather.

Faux Leather

Faux leather is also known as polyurethane leather, or PU leather. It is an artificial leather made of thermoplastic polymer. One hundred percent PU leather will be completely vegan, unlike some types of faux leather, called bicast leather, that have actual leather. Bicast leather takes the fibrous part of cowhide leftover from manufacturing real leather and adds a layer of polyurethane on top.

Differences Between Real, Bonded, and Faux

With the numerous types of leathers on the market, it can be challenging to tell the difference between them when shopping for leather products. Depending on the type of leather you are looking for, or what qualities you seek in your leather products, you will need to know their differences.

1. Cost Differences

The cost will be one of the main differences when comparing these three types of leather. Real leather is going to be the most expensive because it is made up of real leather that is hard to manufacture. Faux leather is cheaper than real leather, but will cost a little more than bonded leather. Faux leather is easier to manufacture compared to real leather. Bonded leather is the cheapest of all leathers because it’s the thinnest, made up of scrap leather and adhered to a thin paper backing.

2. Durability Differences

Real leather is going to have great durability over time because it won’t crack or peel. Instead of wearing out, real leather will develop a patina on its natural surface. Faux leather, or PU leather, is not going to be as durable as real leather, but it will be more durable compared to bonded leather. PU leather isn’t breathable and it can easily puncture and crack over time. PU leather can be resistant to stains and is fade resistant, unlike bonded leather. Because bonded leather is made of scrap leather and polyurethane mixed, and adhered to a paper backing, it is much like paper and can easily scratch, peel, or flake off over time. Bonded leather has a short lifespan and the color can fade in the sunlight.

3. Appearances & Texture Differences

Real leather will have the most natural appearance, though it is limited in color options and will have an inconsistent texture. Real leather has a smooth, soft texture unlike artificial leathers. PU leather has a consistent texture in appearance, though it can sometimes look fake and synthetic. PU leather will be the closest in appearance to real leather and may even look and feel like real leather in some instances. Bonded leather will be easiest to spot because it will look the most synthetic and is thinner than most faux and real leathers. Bonded leather and PU leather can come in various colors and styles, while genuine leather does not.

4. Sustainability Differences

Real leather can be a turn off to some consumers since it is not a vegan material. Real leather tends to be difficult to manufacture and costs more to make. PU leather may use fewer resources to produce, but the plastics do not decompose and aren’t eco-friendly. However, if you are looking for a vegan leather, 100 percent PU leather is a great option. Bonded leather could be considered sustainable because it uses the scraps and fibers leftover from making real leather, but over time, it can release some of the chemicals used during the manufacturing process. Bonded leather is not a vegan product because it can contain between 10 to 20 percent real leather.

5. Care & Cleaning Differences

Because it is naturally absorbent, real leather can easily absorb liquid, which can make it susceptible to staining and difficult to clean. Real leather will need to be treated twice a year to keep it soft and prevent it from drying out. Stay away from abrasive cleaners when caring for real leather. PU leather is going to be the easiest to clean because it doesn’t absorb liquids. With proper care of your PU leather, you will get longer use out it. Bonded leather is going to be difficult to clean. Bonded leather cannot be cleaned with any abrasive cleaners or cloths because the surface can wear away, crack, and peel.

6. Smell Differences

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Although smell is subjective, many people don’t like the smell of artificial leathers. PU leather will have a distinct smell of either plastic or chemicals. Bonded leather on the other hand can also have an artificial smell, but with its added leather, may smell more like real leather. Real leather will have a natural smell that will not smell artificial.

Overall Thoughts

When comparing these three different types of leather, it is really going to come down to personal preference. Real leather is going to be the best option, as long as you aren’t looking for a vegan product. If you’re looking for a vegan leather option, PU/faux leather is the best option because it will last longer than bonded leather. PU leather is also cheaper than real leather, but it may not last long-term. Bonded leather is the cheapest of the three options and may be something you want to avoid if your main concern is durability.

If you are shopping for leather furniture or clothing, make sure you consider the multiple differences between the different types of leathers. Find out which qualities of leather are the most important to you.

Additional Office Chair Resources

Real Leather vs. Faux Leather: Which Is Right for Your DIY Projects?

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When it comes to choosing between real leather and faux leather for your DIY projects, the decision can be challenging. Both materials have their unique advantages and drawbacks, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice. In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider, including durability, cost, appearance and environmental impact, to help you decide which material is best suited for your needs.

What Is Real Leather?

Real leather is a natural material made from animal hides, such as cattle, buffalo, sheep and more. It’s prized for its durability, unique texture and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. Real leather is often used in high-end fashion, accessories and furniture due to its luxurious feel and long-lasting quality.

What Is Faux Leather?

Faux leather, also known as synthetic or vegan leather, is a man-made material designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather. It’s typically made from plastic-based substances like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are treated with dyes and textures to resemble animal hide. Faux leather is a popular choice for those seeking an animal-free alternative or a more budget-friendly option.

Types of Real Leather

• Full Grain Leather: The highest quality leather, made from the top layer of the hide. It retains natural imperfections, making each piece unique. Full grain leather is highly durable and develops a rich patina over time.
• Top Grain Leather: Slightly lower in quality than full grain, this leather is sanded and buffed to remove imperfections. It’s more uniform in appearance but still durable and long-lasting.
• Split Leather: Made from the lower layers of the hide, split leather is less durable and often coated with synthetic materials to mimic the look of grain leather. Suede is a type of split leather.
• Bonded Leather: The lowest grade of leather, made from shredded leather scraps mixed with synthetic binders. It’s less durable and often used in low-cost products.

Types of Faux Leather

• Polyurethane (PU) Faux Leather: Made by coating natural fabrics like cotton or wool with a polymer-based substance. PU leather is breathable, flexible, and often used for clothing and upholstery.
• Vinyl (PVC) Faux Leather: Created by adding dyes and plasticizers to vinyl. It’s more flexible than PU leather but less breathable, making it ideal for items like bags and furniture covers.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Look & Feel

• Real Leather: Offers a unique, natural texture with imperfections that add character. It softens and develops a patina over time, enhancing its beauty.
• Faux Leather: Has a more uniform appearance due to machine-applied grain patterns. While it closely mimics real leather, it lacks the natural variations and aging qualities.

2. Durability & Longevity

• Real Leather: Extremely durable, especially full grain leather. It resists punctures and tears and can last for decades with proper care.
• Faux Leather: Generally less durable than real leather, though high-quality options like Ultraleather® and Naugahyde® offer excellent wear resistance. Faux leather is also waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor use.

3. Cost

• Real Leather: More expensive due to its natural origin and labor-intensive production process. It’s often sold by the hide, which can increase costs.
• Faux Leather: More affordable and widely available. It’s sold by the yard, making it a cost-effective choice for large projects.

4. Sewability

• Real Leather: Requires special tools like leather sewing needles and a walking foot machine. It can be thick and dense, making it challenging for home sewing machines.
• Faux Leather: Easier to sew than real leather, though it still requires a walking foot machine to prevent sticking. Standard needles can be used for most projects.

5. Care & Cleaning

• Real Leather: Requires regular conditioning and protection from moisture and UV exposure. Spills should be cleaned immediately to prevent staining.
• Faux Leather: Low-maintenance and easy to clean with mild soap and water. It’s resistant to UV damage and doesn’t require conditioning.

6. Applications

• Real Leather: Ideal for high-end accessories, clothing and furniture. However, it’s less practical for high-traffic areas or households with pets and children.
• Faux Leather: Perfect for outdoor furniture, marine upholstery and commercial settings. It’s also a great choice for kid- and pet-friendly environments.

7. Ethical & Environmental Impact

• Real Leather: A byproduct of the meat and dairy industries, reducing waste. However, its production has a significant environmental impact, including high water usage and chemical treatments.
• Faux Leather: Animal-free but relies on plastic-based materials, which contribute to pollution and take hundreds of years to decompose. High-quality faux leathers like PU are more eco-friendly than PVC.

Top Faux Leather Brands

Nauga Soft: A supple vinyl upholstery fabric that offers great durability with the look and feel of fine leather. With superior abrasion resistance, it's ideal for interior marine, automotive and home upholstery.

Ultraleather®: With the look and feel of the finest European calfskin, this PU faux leather boasts a rich texture, extremely supple hand and incredible durability. Use for high-end interior upholstery.

EverSoft™: A durable, four-way stretch vinyl with a matte finish suitable for marine cushions, patio furniture and more. Available in two textures: Pebble and Smooth.

Nook™: A versatile and stylish option designed for indoor upholstery projects. It offers a realistic leather look with easy maintenance, making it perfect for furniture, cushions, and home décor.

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Leather Offerings at Sailrite

At Sailrite®, we offer a wide selection of high-quality real leather options to meet your DIY project needs. Whether you’re crafting accessories, upholstering furniture or creating custom leather goods, our leather offerings include:

Chrome Tanned Leather: Known for its softness and flexibility, chrome tanned leather is treated with chromium salts, making it resistant to water and ideal for a variety of applications. It’s available in hides, sides and panels.

Vegetable Tanned Leather: A traditional and eco-friendly option, vegetable tanned leather is treated with natural tannins. It’s durable, ages beautifully and is perfect for projects that require a stiffer, more structured material. Available in hides, sides and panels in natural and pre-dyed varieties.

Our leather selection ensures you have access to premium materials that combine durability, beauty and versatility for all your crafting needs.

Shop Sailrite Leather Offerings

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

The choice between real and faux leather depends on your project requirements, budget and personal values. If you prioritize durability, luxury and a natural look, real leather is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance and animal-free option, faux leather is an excellent alternative.

Consider the following questions to guide your decision:

• What is your budget?
• How long do you want the material to last?
• Will the item be exposed to harsh conditions or heavy use?
• Do you prefer a natural or synthetic material?

By weighing these factors, you can confidently choose the right material for your DIY projects. Whether you opt for the timeless appeal of real leather or the versatility of faux leather, both options offer unique benefits to bring your creative vision to life.

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