“Leather” on an office chair spec can mean several different materials: full grain, top grain, corrected grain, split or bonded leather. Ask for the grade by name, the finish, and the result of a leather abrasion test, not just the word “leather”.
What do the leather grades mean?
Grade names are used loosely in retail, so it helps to know the trade meanings. These definitions come from a US leather manufacturer’s guide.
| Grade |
What it is |
What to know |
| Full grain |
The outer cut from the hair side of the hide, with only the hair and epidermis removed |
Natural marks stay visible. Only about 10% of hides qualify, according to the same guide |
| Top grain |
A loosely used term for leather that is not full grain |
Not standardised, and the guide says it can simply be a euphemism for “not full grain” |
| Corrected grain |
Leather buffed with abrasives to a smooth surface, often with an embossed grain |
The guide says it affects about 85% of global hides |
| Split |
The fibrous layer left after the top grain is separated |
Lacks the durability and appearance of premium grades |
| Bonded |
Leather scraps held together with a binder |
The guide calls it the least pure form of leather |
Two things follow. First, “top grain” on its own does not tell you how much of the surface was altered, so ask what finish and correction were applied. Second, a grain pattern that repeats identically across every chair may be embossed, which points to corrected grain rather than full grain.
What does “bonded” or “genuine” really tell you?
“Genuine leather” is not a grade. It does not distinguish between a full grain hide and a split. For bonded material, US Federal Trade Commission guidance says a product containing ground, shredded or bonded leather should not be represented as leather, and that if terms such as “bonded leather” are used, the percentage of leather fibres and of other substances should be disclosed. These are US rules, so check what applies to your purchase, but the principle of asking for the percentage works anywhere.
How is upholstery leather tested for wear?
Leather has its own abrasion test standards. ISO 17076-1 uses the Taber method. ISO 17076-2 uses the Martindale ball plate method and is written for upholstery leather in different applications. Ratings for fabric, which are often quoted as Martindale rub counts, are not interchangeable with leather results, so compare only results from the same method.
On a spec sheet, ask for the method name, the number of cycles, and what the end point was.
What does BIFMA cover?
BIFMA standards describe tests for the chair itself. For example, ANSI/BIFMA X5.1-2017 covers general-purpose office chairs, and X5.11 is a version that uses a 181 kg (400 lb) occupant as its basis. Upholstery is a separate question, so ask for both. We explain the standards in What BIFMA-Compliant Means on an Office Chair.
What should a spec sheet say about leather?
- The grade, by name, and whether the surface was buffed or embossed
- The finish type, such as aniline, semi-aniline or pigmented
- The leather abrasion method and result, with the standard number
- For bonded or composite material, the percentage of leather content
- The upholstery warranty, stated separately from the frame and mechanism warranty
For a short checklist you can use in a showroom, see Five Questions to Ask Before Buying an Executive Chair.
How does Hausbarn fit in?
Hausbarn designs and builds premium office furniture through manufacturing partners, with a focus on the executive or CEO cabin. Leather-upholstered seating is part of that range. Ask for any supplier’s grade, finish and test information in writing, including ours. See the Premium Office Furniture page for the range.