|
Every TEAMSEATS™leather furniture product is handcrafted in North America by highly skilled craftsmen with many years of experience. Special care is taken in the engineering, design, manufacture, and assembly of each product. We stand behind our quality with one of the best warranties in the furniture business, covering all furniture components. The minute you sit in one of our chairs or sofas, you will feel the difference and appreciate the craftsmanship. Made to last for generations through careful attention and experienced manufacturers. Below is more information on the special features of our TEAMSEATS™ furniture. ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________ Answers to common questions on Buying Leather and Wood Construction Buying Leather
Have questions about buying leather furniture? You’re not alone. With the range of styles, grades and colors available, buying leather furniture can seem overwhelming. Here are some commonly asked questions & answers. - Where do leathers come from and why are there so many choices and price differences?
- How is leather made?
- What is the difference between top grain and split grain?
- The information I’ve heard about aniline and pigment finishing is confusing. What does it all mean and does it really make a difference?
- How can I tell if my furniture is made of genuine leather?
- How can I tell if the genuine leather I’m buying is good quality?
- I’ve heard leather furniture is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Is that true?
- How do I take care of my leather furniture?
- Are some types of leather or colors easier to take care of than others?
- What happens to leather over time? Does it change or wear out?
Where do leathers come from and why are there so many choices and price differences?
Leather is sourced from all over the world. Furniture leathers come primarily from tanneries in South America, Germany and Italy. Every leather is individually assessed for its quality and use, resulting in a range of prices and grades which allow you to match your leather to your budget and lifestyle.
BACK TO TOP
How is leather made?
Leather is a natural animal product. There are four processes to turn raw hides into finished leather ready for upholstery.
1) Splitting: sorting and grading
2) Tanning: preserves, softens and prepares for the dye
3) Coloring: dying the hide with either aniline, semi aniline or pigment dyes
4) Finishing: prevents cracking and peeling.
BACK TO TOP
What is the difference between top grain and split grain?
At the tannery, a leather hide is split into 2 layers – top grain and the lower grain or “split.” The lower, bottom grain is the flesh piece and may be split one or more times. The lower grain is likely to be used on the outside parts of a piece of furniture.
BACK TO TOP The information I’ve heard about aniline and pigment finishing is confusing. What does it all mean and does it really make a difference?
Every tanned hide is finished. Pigment: protective opaque color which coats the grain very consistently.
It is the most durable, stain resistant finish but is slightly cooler to the touch. Semi-aniline: combines aniline with pigment to enhance uniformity in color and soil resistance while remaining soft to the touch. Aniline: clear (transparent) organic stain, which colors but doesn’t coat completely. It is less stain resistant, but leaves the hide softer, more pliable and warmer to the touch.
BACK TO TOP How can I tell if my furniture is made of genuine leather?
Genuine leather may contain subtle markings that distinguish it from synthetic materials. It will typically be warmer to the touch than leather imitation materials. A large surface of leather is often sewn with smaller pieces to ensure a more consistent finish. To make leather products more affordable, some furniture manufacturers color match top grain leather with splits of vinyl on the outside back.
BACK TO TOP How can I tell if the genuine leather I’m buying is good quality?
All genuine cowhide leathers are good quality and a good investment. Better leathers are softer, slightly warmer to the touch, more pliable and slightly heavier.
BACK TO TOP I’ve heard leather furniture is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Is that true?
No, leather’s many tiny pores enable it to breathe and adjust to your body temperature. Leather remains pliable and comfortable regardless of the temperature.
BACK TO TOP How do I take care of my leather furniture?
TEAMSEATS™ leather is treated with protective products at the factory. Regular dusting with a damp, clean cloth is advised. For further care and handling, please see your retailer.
BACK TO TOP Are some types of leather or colors easier to take care of than others?
Leather with heavier pigment (opaque coloring) and corrected grain are the easiest to care for. Aniline leathers, with transparent color, require more delicate care. Darker colors tend to hide dirt and soil more easily than lighter colors. All leathers can be repaired or refinished.
BACK TO TOP What happens to leather over time? Does it change or wear out?
Aniline leathers, with their light protection, may produce an aged “patina” finish over time adding to their natural character. Protected pigment leathers will become more subtle and soft over time. Leather outlasts synthetic materials 4 to 1 and will not easily show wear. Leather will not tear and is difficult to puncture. All leather and synthetic materials have a tendency to fade if subjected to direct sunlight for long periods of time.
BACK TO TOP CONSTRUCTION QUALITYHave questions about buying wood furniture? You’re not alone. With the range of styles, finishes and colors available, buying wood furniture can seem overwhelming. Here are some commonly asked questions & answers. - How do I tell if the furniture I’m buying is good quality?
- What’s the difference between solid wood, veneer and laminate? There’s so much out there, and it’s hard to tell what I’m buying.
- If I can afford it, would solid wood be the best choice?
- What’s the difference between softwoods and hardwoods?
- There's such a price difference between types of wood furniture. Is it true that you get what you pay for?
- Is there anything I should be aware of when I move my furniture around?
- Are there any tips on selecting a style that I’ll be happy with for many years? What should I consider when selecting a style of furniture?
- Should there be a finish on the wood? Is it necessary to “oil” a product to keep it from drying out?
- Are some kind of woods easier to take care of, and how do I care for/clean wood furniture?
- How do I repair my furniture if it gets scratched or nicked? Can I do it myself?
How do I tell if the furniture I’m buying is good quality?
Open drawers and look for signs of quality, such as construction technique and joint assembly. Joint techniques like dove tailing, or dowel are superior to others. Slide drawers in and out to determine their fit, and safety functions like drawer stops. Test the piece for stability - well manufactured products are rigid, and sturdiest in areas receiving the most stress or bearing the most weight. Finally, inspect the composition and finish - is it solid wood, laminate, or is it veneer, and what kind of finish and sealant completes the piece. Do a full, top to bottom inspection of the product .
BACK TO TOP What’s the difference between solid wood, veneer and laminate?
There’s so much out there, and it’s hard to tell what I’m buying. Solid hardwood means the grain of the lumber will carry through the core. Solid hardwood allows for pieces to be carved or lathe-turned, offering more detail in the wood’s presentation. Hardwood veneers are thin slices of wood, bonded to another composite wood product like plywood or particle board. Laminates are a printed imitation hardwood surface that is applied usually to a composite wood product like particle board. This simulated wood grain or other pattern is reproduced out of paper, plastic or foil and then bonded to the base product. Because laminating is a surface treatment, this process doesn’t allow for any carving or detailing in the finish and is typically more simple in appearance.
BACK TO TOP If I can afford it, would solid wood be the best choice?
With advances in technology, today’s combination of wood veneers and laminates may be difficult to distinguish from solid wood composition. Solid wood furniture is an investment and has its benefits, but it’s more susceptible to changes in humidity than a veneered or laminate piece. In a dry environment wood contracts, while in moist conditions it expands. Inspect how the manufacturer has compensated for humidity changes. Solid woods products usually are made in smaller pieces and glued to make up larger surfaces which prevents warping and cracking with changes in humidity.
BACK TO TOP What’s the difference between softwoods and hardwoods?
Softwoods, such as pine, spruce, and fir are from coniferous (needle bearing) trees, and are picked for their casual earthly appearance. Hardwoods such as, oak, maple, and ash come from deciduous (leaf bearing) trees, and have been used throughout history for the finest furniture and architectural detail. Most hardwoods are stronger and are less likely to dent than softwoods. Hardwoods are generally used in the construction of upholstery frames to secure nails and screws in high impact areas.
BACK TO TOP There’s such a price difference between types of wood furniture is it true that you get what you pay for?
Prices are determined by the style and quality of the piece and whether it was made of solid wood, veneer, laminate or a combination. Whether it was imported or locally manufactured can also affect price. Cost of products made from laminates, which are simple in design and construction, are usually lower priced than those made of solid wood. Before purchasing a product, ask your retailer how it was manufactured.
BACK TO TOP Is there anything I should be aware of when I move my furniture around?
First, follow any shipping, unpacking or assembly instructions supplied by the manufacturer. Most manufacturers strongly suggest you lift your furniture rather than pushing or dragging it. Typically, the more you move it, the more susceptible it becomes to damage.
BACK TO TOP Are there any tips on selecting a style that I’ll be happy with for many years? What should I consider when selecting a style of furniture?
Furniture preferences are personal. Try to avoid impulsive buying by carefully considering where and how the piece will be used in your home, and your budget. Buying classic or traditional styled furniture will never be a mistake - the traditional look is timeless.
BACK TO TOP Should there be a finish on the wood? Is it necessary to “oil” a product to keep it from drying out?
Oiling furniture was the original method used to preserve/protect the life of wood products. However it is a high maintenance process, and doesn’t offer adequate protection for the wood. Today, most wood furniture should be finished or covered in a sealant to close off the pores of the grain. Sealers produce a smooth level surface, while offering protection from heat, dryness, moisture and alcohol. A sealant can also enhance or alter the color of the wood product.
BACK TO TOP Are some kind of woods easier to take care of, and how do I care for/clean wood furniture?
The type of finish on your wood furniture will determine how easily your furniture can be cleaned. The care of any wood is based on the wood’s finish and how it’s treated, not the wood itself. The better the finish, the longer the product will maintain its appearance. Today, casegoods are usually finished with a sealant that requires only wiping with a damp cloth. Review the manufacturer’s instructions about the care of your specific finish.
BACK TO TOP How do I repair my furniture if it gets scratched or nicked? Can I do it myself?
Solid wood products, can usually be repaired, by sanding and refinishing with a touch-up kit. If the product is treated with a manufacturer’s seal, consult your retailer for repair instructions or purchase a touch-up kit. Veneered and laminated products may also be re-finished, however a professional should be considered for more severe damage.
BACK TO TOP
|
