What Makes Klaussner’s Leather Special? A Guide to Leather Grades and Quality

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. How Are Leather Grades Determined?
2. The Different Grades Of Leather
3. Types of Leather Used in Furniture
4. What Makes Klaussner’s Leather Special?
5. Klaussner’s Leather Grades
6. Conclusion

Leather furniture is synonymous with premium and luxury furniture. But do you know that not all leathers are made equally? You often come across terms like full-grain, top-grain, and genuine leather. But what do they actually mean?

Leather grades help in determining the quality, durability, and feel of the leather. So, if you are planning to invest in Klaussner's leather furniture and see different leather furniture with different price tags, you should know the reason. Plus, understanding the leather grades helps you pick the right leather furniture.

How Are Leather Grades Determined?

Leather comes from animal hides, and the way in which those animal hides are processed determines their grade. When a hide is first removed, it's thick and needs to be split into layers.

The very top layer, i.e., the closest to the surface, is named as the strongest and most durable. While the lower layers are weaker and require more treatment to be usable.

So, leather grades are based on how much of the natural hide remains intact and whether the surface has been altered or corrected.

Why Does The Leather Quality Matter?

If you check Klaussner leather furniture, the ones made of full-grain leather and faux leather come with different price tags. This is because the quality of leather changes.

The grade of leather you choose affects how your leather furniture will look, feel, and age over time. High-grade leather, like full-grain or top-grain, easily lasts decades. Plus, it gets softer with use and time.

The Different Grades Of Leather

Let's make it clear that there are different grades of leather available that are categorized based on the leather quality and the layers of the hide.

1. Full-Grain Leather

It's the highest quality natural leather that's taken from the top layer of the hide without doing any extras like sanding or buffing. This is why it flaunts its natural markings and is regarded as highly durable. Plus, it develops a rich patina over time and amps up the luxe look and feel, and many people prefer the aged look as the hallmark of quality craftsmanship. Full-grain leathers are usually picked for premium furniture and luxury goods.

2. Top-Grain Leather

In this type, the leather is slightly sanded or buffed to remove imperfections that occur naturally on it.

So, this is the second-highest grade, yet it is softer and more uniform in appearance as it's sanded. When compared to full-grain leather, this type is more flexible than full-grain leather while still maintaining excellent durability. Additionally, top-grain leather is often treated with a protective coating to increase stain and wear resistance. Means? It's more suitable for households with children and pets.

3. Genuine Leather

Contrary to the name, this leather is often considered lower-grade because they are made from the layers beneath the top grain. It undergoes significant processing to create a more uniform appearance. But as you see, when compared to the other two types, it lacks the natural durability and rich texture of full or top-grain leather.

While it is still real leather, it's more affordable and commonly used in budget-friendly furniture. Also, it may not develop a patina and tend to wear out more quickly over time.

4. Split Leather

Made from the lower layers of the hide after the top-grain portion is removed, this leather grade is often used for suede. Because it comes from the fibrous part of the hide. But it's not as durable as full-grain or top-grain leather. Yet when it's made into suede, it gets a soft, velvety texture or is coated with polyurethane to mimic the look of top-grain leather.

5. Bonded Leather

A synthetic leather alternative made from shredded leather fibers, including scraps, shavings, and fibers mixed with adhesives and bonded with a latex or polyurethane backing to look like real leather.

While this type of leather is affordable, we must point out that you get what you pay for. It lacks durability and tends to peel or crack over time.

Types of Leather Used in Furniture

While leather grades focus on quality, leather types refers to how the leather is finished or treated to achieve different textures and properties.

Based on that, leather can be categorized into

• Aniline Leather

This is high-end leather that's dyed without a protective coating so as to keep the natural grain visible. It's soft and luxurious but more susceptible to stains.

• Semi-Aniline Leather

While this type is similar to aniline, semi-aniline comes with a slight protective coating. Means? It is resistant to stains while also helping maintain a natural feel.

• Pigmented Leather

A type of finished leather with a protective pigment coating that is highly regarded for its durable and stain-resistant nature.

• Nubuck Leather

If you find a velvety, suede-like leather texture, it is nubuck, a top-grain leather that's buffed to create such texture. It gives a soft and luxurious feel but demands careful maintenance.

• Suede Leather

This one is made from split leather and has a soft, fuzzy texture. But it's more prone to stains and damage.

What Makes Klaussner’s Leather Special?

Klaussner doesn't just offer seating with their leather furniture, but they aim to give you an experience.

Klaussner sources its raw leather hides from Skyline, a company that excels in making the world's top-grade, top-grain leather. This firm sources its raw hides from top-quality ranches, including Brazil, South America, and other regions. The notable part is each hide goes through strict processing to ensure high standards. Plus, the leather is certified by eight global authorities. Means? The leather used in our furniture making is guaranteed to be of high quality and reliability.

With over 75 leather upholstery options, they ensure that anyone can get their hands on leather furniture irrespective of their budget.

Klaussner mostly chooses only top-grain leather, and it has categories from A3 to A8. Each category comes with unique characteristics in texture, thickness, durability, and finish.

Klaussner’s Leather Grades

 

A8/A7 (Premium Full-Grain & Natural Leather)

• CS Series (A8) - Stone-wash leather (1.0 to 1.2 mm thick)

This leather type is pure frosted, natural drop-grain leather that easily preserves the hide's authentic texture, including pores, skin spots, and scratches. With the help of a stone-wash technique, this leather is made with a suede-like matte finish. Plus, it's extremely breathable and develops a rich patina over time.

It requires special care, like no exposure to water, harsh sunlight, or cleaning chemicals.

• 52 Series (A8) – Aniline-Dyed Leather (1.0-1.2 mm thick)

Aniline leather is dyed with high-quality aniline dyes that penetrate the leather completely. This one preserves the natural patterns while enhancing its softness and breathability.

Unlike pigmented leathers, this one is finished with only a small amount of plant-based or metallic dyeing agents, so it gets a rich, vibrant color. Considering its richness, this leather grade is ideal for high-end furniture, but it requires careful maintenance to avoid stains and fading.

• NP Series (A7) – Napa Leather (1.0-1.2 mm thick)

Napa leather has a tight, fine-grain structure thanks to its vacuum drying and finishing treatments. This leather shines with its ultra-soft, silky-smooth, and highly elastic leather and resists deformation and stretching. Yet, it still requires gentle care and foam-based cleaners to maintain its pristine look.

• 38 Series (A7) – Mid-Antique Oil-Wax Leather (1.0-1.2 mm thick)

This leather has a semi-grainy surface with a vintage, weathered aesthetic and undergoes a light grinding process before being coated with a thin layer of oil wax. This waxing process creates a soft sheen and improves its retro appeal.

It is slightly stiffer compared to other A7 leathers yet remains breathable and comfortable. This type is the go-to option for leather furniture that's made in a rustic or antique-inspired look.

• 32 Series (A7) – Light-Frosted Drop Grain Leather (1.2-1.4 mm thick)

Featuring a delicate, velvety matte finish, this leather offers a luxurious, suede-like feel while maintaining the durability of top-grain leather. One can spot subtle fine lines and matte textures that enhance its soft touch and premium aesthetic.

A6 (Full Leather, Lightly Embossed for a Natural Feel)

• NS Series (A6) – Medium-thick, lightly embossed grain leather (1.3-1.5 mm thick)

This features symmetrical, medium-sized grain patterns that provide a natural yet structured appearance. It maintains a smooth, soft texture while enhancing durability and resistance to wear and tear.

As a full-leather option, this leather wraps every surface of the furniture in top-grain leather.

A5 (Thin Leather, Lightly Embossed)

• R Series (A5) – Thin, lightly embossed leather (1.0-1.2 mm thick)

This leather hide is a step down in thickness, but rest assured of the soft and refined feel it carries. Though it's thinner than A6 leather, it still manages to provide good comfort and breathability.

The subtle embossing helps in improving the natural leather aesthetic while maintaining a smooth, soft feel.

A4 ( Thick Embossed Leather for Structure & Durability)

• N Series (A4) – Medium Lychee Grain Leather (1.3-1.5mm thick)

This leather is designed for those who prefer a structured, slightly firm leather feel with enhanced grain definition. The firm feel makes it more durable and resistant to wear. Plus, it's comfortable to touch, making it ideal for high-use furniture.

A3 (Thin Embossed Leather)

• 88 Series (A3) – Small Lychee Grain Leather (1.0-1.2 mm thick)

This leather is quite similar to the A4 series but thinner. It's embossed with a small lychee grain pattern for a structured and stylish look. Thanks to its slightly firm texture, it is a practical choice for high-traffic areas. Though it lacks the softness of higher-grade leathers, it still offers great durability and an elegant aesthetic at a more budget-friendly price.

Conclusion

Your leather furniture, your way, is the idea backed by Klaussner. One size never fits all, especially when it comes to furniture. Since Klaussner has understood this, they offer a wide variety of colors, finishes, and leather types that can match your personal style.

Plus, Klaussner doesn't cut corners when it comes to materials and craftsmanship. Their leather furniture isn't just about good looks. It's made to stand the test of time. From the stitching to the structure, every detail is carefully designed for durability.