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What is the difference between Full top Grain Leather,Top Grain Leather,Split Grain Leather and Bicast Leather?
Leathers selected for the furniture industry are sliced to a uniform thickness on precision machines. This splitting process separates the Top Grain ( Top 3/64 inch ) of the hides from the Split Grain. The top layer or Top Grain is the strongest part of the hide. It contains the tightest fiber structure and is considered the most durable part of the hide. Top Grain simply means, top layer, which can also mean the leather was overly scarred (too many imperfections) requiring the entire surface of the hide to be sanded to remove these imperfections. This process alters the natural surface grain of the hide and closes the hair cells which hinders the breathe ability of the leather. Furthermore, since the natural graining of the leather is removed it requires a new pattern (graining) be stamped or pressed back onto the leather using a heat embossing process. This procedure results in a less natural appearance and a rougher hand/feel. After arrival at the tannery, hides go through a selection process or grading to determine which hides are suitable for which types of leather. Top grain hides containing more imperfections are sanded and embossed, while Top Grain hides that have few, if any imperfections are called Full Top Grain. Full Top Grain is still a Top Grain (top layer) of the hide possessing the durability and breath ability factor. However, these select hides are so pristine that a complete sanding or buffing is not required. The result is that these hides are allowed to remain in their most natural state, offering the highest breathe ability and natural graining possible, while maintaining the durability factor. Split Grain is a by product or what is left over after the Top Grain ( 3/64inch) is removed. It does not have the same fiber content of a Top Grain, and will not hold a finish like one either. Because of the weakened fiber structure, Splits are susceptible to cracking, peeling and over stretching which results in a very poor quality leather sofa in a short period of time. A Bicast Leather is simply a Split Grain leather with a Vinyl coating pressed onto the surface to add strength. The two worst elements combined into one hide. Splits and Vinyl. The result is leather that will not breath at all and is hard to the touch. You WILL be HOT IN THE SUMMER and COLD IN THE WINTER. These leathers are quite common today in many big box retailers, and department stores, for the fashion that they seem to offer. There are some that look like they are nice, but donot be fooled. Always ask Is this a Spilt Grain Leather Or Bi Cast? Let a Leather Creations specialist show you Full Top Grain Leather that gives the same fashionable appearance while offering all the wonderful characteristics that you would expect in premium quality leather.

What is your warranty on leather?
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Is Leather hot in the summer and cold in the winter?
Are the more expensive leathers more durable or better?
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Which Leather do you recommend for families with kids and pets?