Buying leather furniture can be a difficult task because of the vast selection furniture manufacturers provide to the retail market. However, choosing the right leather for your specific need and taste does not have to be a big endeavor if you know ahead of time what you are looking for, in relation to your need

We at THE LEATHER SOLUTION have taken time to provide a list of things we believe you should consider, before making your choice. Although we do not endorse a particular brand or vendor, there are things we believe are important to you, as a consumer, in making your decision. Leather is an excellent choice for furniture, but all leather furniture is not created equal.

1. Make sure the leather you are considering is made using "top grain" hides. "Split grain" leather is a weak and inferior grade of leather and generally will only last a short time. DO NOT confuse "top grain" with misleading terms such as top grade.
2. There are many types of finishes that are used in coloring leather. These finishes fall into four (4) primary categories
• Unfinished/Nudes/Pure anilines - This is untreated/unprotected leather. The color is dyed into the leather as opposed to sprayed on. It is a very porous and open grained leather that is prone to staining, very difficult to clean and maintain.
  
  This leather is very soft with a delicate hand/feel, and asthetically very pleasing, not recommended for situations where it will get heavy use (family room or main living area) or with pets.
• Semi-anilines - This is lightly finished leather. The color is sprayed on and top coated with a stain resistant clear coat. This leather doesn't possess tremendous wear resistant properties. Proper and regular maintenance is a must for this leather.
  
  This is a very soft and supple leather, and still not recommended for extremely high wear situations, although its protection makes it a little more durable overall.
• Full finished - This is a heavily finished leather. The color and protective clear coat are also sprayed on and provides the best wear and stain resistant properties, and imminently easier to maintain.
  
  The trade off is asthetics. Because of the amount of finish it will not have near the softness of hand as the aforementioned finishes.
  
  Full finished leathers will generally be the most durable in heavier wear situations, but still need to be regularly maintained to insure long life.
• Nubucks and suedes - See unfinished leather.

3. Construction
• Frames have various construction and wood types. Solid wood frames are more durable as a general rule, however, plywood frames if not abused and trampolined on will provide years of use.
• Springs and webbing are the two (2) primary types of support. Like the frames, under normal use either way will provide good support for years.
• Foam padding comes in many, many degrees of firmness. In choosing furniture, choose a padding that is the most comfortable for you, that will also keep supporting you in future years.