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Recently more furniture manufacturers are offering products that are described as bonded leather, bicast leather, reformulated leather, and other leather terms. Leather has been confusing due to the various grades but now there are all these new types of leather materials going on sofas, chairs, and ottomans. I’ve sorted through the leather menagerie and will try to simply explain the differences.

First, the definition of leather is “an animal skin made smooth and flexible by removing the hair and then tanning”. For comprehensive information about leather a good reference source is the Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leather).

Bonded leather is sometimes referred to as “reconstituted leather” but it is a man-made material. Leather fibers which are often leftover scrap are bonded together with an adhesive substance. The appearance is similar to genuine leather but the cost is substantially less. Bonded leather is gaining more acceptance in the furniture industry because it is a cost effective alternative to genuine leather and the appearance is attractive. One issue with bonded leather is that is not available in as many styles, colors, and textures as real leather.

Bicast leather is a man-made product that is made by applying a thick layer of polyurethane to a layer of low-grade leather. There are various processes used to manufacturer bicast leather. Some manufacturers have created their own product names (without mentioning the word leather).

The main point is to convey is that one should know that bonded and bicast leather products are not genuine leather even though they sound like a type of leather. Real leather is more expensive and well proven for its durability. Man-made “leather” like material is attractive, lower priced, but the conclusion about their durability has not been proven. I have sat in some bicast and bonded leather sofas and chairs and they felt just as comfortable as real leather. I anticipate in the long run that bonded and bicast leather will grow in popularity because the costs are significantly less than genuine leather and the appearance is very nice.