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Our Materials

There are many components used in constructing a sofa. Leather is one of them. Wondering what else is inside your leather sofa? Check out the details below for more information!

1. Wooden Frames

The quality of frames set the foundation and structure of each and every sofa. At SCANLIVING, we mainly use a combination of solid pine wood and plywood for the wooden frames of the sofa. 

2. High-Density Foam

The filling of the cushions matters as it determines how soft or firm the seat cushions will be. High-density foam seats are used in the seats of the sofa as they are firmer and long lasting as compared to its counterparts - low-density foam and down feather.

3. Mechanism and Hardware - Stainless Steel

SCANLIVING uses stainless steel frame to support the reclining and inclining functions of the sofas. The high-grade steel provides support and flexibility when the recliners and incliners are in action.


Other types of leather in the industry

1. Synthetic leather

Also known as bi-cast or PU leather, it is split grain with a coating of colour polyurethane which makes it look like top grain leather. It has the appearance of top grain leather, at a cheaper price point. However, it cracks and peels when exposed to excessive friction.

2. Bonded leather

It is hardly leather at all, with a composition of 17% leather. Bonded leather is created by combining scraps and fibres. Furniture that uses this leather are significantly cheaper as compared to real leather.

3. Faux leather

This is not real leather. It is a man-made leather made from synthetic materials such as rubber-coated fabric and plastic. It is durable and it looks like original leather - the cheapest type of leather for furniture.


General characteristics of natural leather

Leather is a natural material that ages with the time of use. You might notice the following characteristics on the leather sofa:

1. Each sofa is unique

Every hide used is unique. The grains of each sofa will differ.

2. Shade variations

No two hides are alike and due to the difference in grain structure, it will cause the dyes and coating to penetrate to different degrees. This gives each hide a unique look. 

3. Stretch marks

Stretch marks are created when the hide is stretched to accommodate the shape of the sofa.

4. Grain variation

Fibre texture varies differently from being tight across the backbone to being loose in the belly areas. 

5. Wrinkles

Wrinkles appearing on the leather surface is due to stretching and results in the inner material to be squeezed or moved due to the habit of use. The softness of the cushion will increase to 5 – 10% with the frequency of use. It is best to sit at different parts of the sofa and occasional patting of the sofa can relieve it from the wrinkles and maintain its best appearance.