DIY Network

DIY Basics: Choosing and Caring For Leather DIY Basics: Choosing and Caring For Leather From "Ask DIY Decorating & Crafts" episode DADD-201

Adding a piece of leather furniture to a room is a great way to give it a punch of style and class. But the key is picking the right piece for your needs -- and not getting ripped off. Interior designer Bea Pila has had some clients show her their favorite leather chair or couch, only to find upon closer inspection that it's vinyl. That's why she's here to offer some DIY leather basics.

advertisement

• The most important step to buying leather is determining the grade. Top grain, the top layer of the hide, is the preferred leather for furniture because it's thicker and the color runs more evenly through the piece. You can do a simple touch test: higher-grade leather should be more supple and soft.

  The other grade, split leather, is the bottom layer of the hide and is less durable because it's not as thick. This is the type of leather often processed into suede. It's going to feel tougher and not as smooth as top grain.

• One of the problems with upholstered leather furniture is that you really can't do a thorough inspection. You can't see the other side of the leather to judge its quality. That's why I encourage my clients to get swatches so they can get a better sense of what the furniture is really made of

• Although leather is a very durable material, there are some care instructions you need to know. You can have your furniture finished (extra buffing, moisturizing and waterproofing). This is important if you have children.

• It's also a good idea to keep leather furniture out of direct sunlight, or if that's not possible, choose a leather conditioner with a UV protector.

• Pets and leather furniture can be a bad combination. As tough as leather may be, it's no match for a dog or cat with sharp claws. And repairing a leather chair or couch can be an expensive -- or impossible -- task.

So here are the DIY Basics you need to know buying leather furniture:

• Top grain is high-quality leather.

• Split leather less expensive and less durable.

• Check swatches of leather before buying an upholstered piece.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for conditioning and cleaning your leather furniture.