Saddle Leather is a unique product that you may use for a variety of upholstery applications. It is heavier and thicker compared to most upholstery leathers. Some people may be intimidated by its thickness, however, its thickness does not limit its use. On the contrary, it is very versatile. So, put aside your fears. Let's look into how our Saddle Leather is made and how you can use it for your next project.

How Saddle Leather is Made

We invested in thorough research to develop a product that met our high quality production and performance standards. First, we explored different raw materials. Our Saddle Leather is made from Spanish bulls from a region near Barcelona. Our research indicated that Spanish bulls provide the largest and cleanest working area and have the most consistent thickness throughout each hide. Tanneries located in Tuscany Italy purchase these superior quality raw materials. They use chestnut tannins from Eastern Europe and Mimosa from Argentina to create this full grain, vegetable tanned leather. All of these quality ingredients give the leather its sturdy hand and exceptional durability. Finally, they complete the process with a light, anti-bacterial finish

Leather grain refers to the composition and appearance of the hide. It is similar to wood grain, which refers to the texture and appearance of wood fibers.  Unfortunately with leather grain, there is a lot of misinformation. In addition to inaccurate definitions, there are false claims regarding durability. We are here to help you learn the proper definitions and gain a full understanding of leather grain.

Top grain = the uppermost layer of the hide. Period.

Top grain refers to the composition of the hide. Some people equate top grain leather with corrected grain leather. This is not correct. Top grain simply refers to the uppermost, top layer of the hide. It is the most desirable layer for leather. Why? Because the fibers of the uppermost layer of the hide are the most dense, providing the strongest durability. As you move down to lower layers of the hide, the fibers are less compact, thereby providing a less durable fiber

Leather rug binding gives area rugs a refined finished look. Area rugs with a leather border offer aesthetic beauty, as well as excellent resistance to wear. In fact, many leathers develop a rich patina over time and will outlast the rug itself.

How Rug Binding is Made

Rug Binding begins with full hides of genuine leather. First, we calculate how many hides are required to fill the order. After we pull the leather, we cut the hides into strips using our computerized cutting machine. Each hide is laid flat on the cutting bed and secured in place with plastic to prevent the hide from moving during cutting. Next, we collect all of the cut strips and move to assembly in our workroom. It is there where we then use non-toxic, GREENGUARD certified adhesive to glue the ends of the strips together. Seams occur approximately 60 to 80 inches apart, depending on the leather. We reinforce the seams with additional adhesive on the back of the leather for extra durability. Lastly, we

We originally developed Avion for aircraft interiors. This soft leather has a uniform grain and a durable finish. It is ideal for high traffic areas. We introduced the collection with 20 colors based on recommendations from our customers and it quickly became a top-selling product. After just two years, we more than doubled the size of the collection by adding 30 more colors. Today, Avion continues to be a customer-favorite across multiple industries for numerous

One way you can really impress your clients is to use leather for wall coverings and other vertical surfaces. Leather provides beautiful color and texture, added warmth, reduced noise, and exceptional durability. Previously, we published a step-by-step guide for our Wall Panels and Wall Tiles. With our Wall Panels and Wall Tiles, there are many ways to make each project unique with buttons, beveled edges, nail heads, and decorative stitching. Today, we're going to review a few additional unique wall covering options that are sure to impress your clients.

Cast Panels

Like the Wall Panels we discussed in our last blog, Cast Panels are made with an MDF substrate. Cast Panels, however, are different because we combine bold lines and shadow play with a routed design on the surface. Cast Panels come in different designs and styles. You can mix and match panels with a "V" or "X" pattern to create a unique layout or to draw the eye in different directions. Choose from

Do you specify wall applications for your clients? Have you considered using leather wall panels or wall tiles for a project, but reconsidered because you thought it would be too complicated? If so, you have come to the right place. We make ordering wall panels and wall tiles easy. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your next wall installation go smoothly.

 Buckhead Tower | Cadence Angora and Caressa White Wall Panels | Designed by Niles Bolton Associates

Plan Ahead

Scheduling is one of the most important factors to keep in mind when specifying leather wall panels or wall tiles for your project. It is best to begin the planning stages as early as possible to leave ample time to consider all of your options, review quotes, receive payment, and allow sufficient time for production. One of the first questions we'll

Glittering pearl and metallic leather colors are in high fashion. They can be found in clothing, accessories, handbags, and furnishings. Designers often ask us what the differences are between these two types of leather. While both have a special sparkle to add some flair to your designs, they are very different.

Pearl Leather

Pearl leather has a softer look and more subtle sheen than metallic leather. To achieve the pearl look, most pearl leathers have a liquid topcoat sprayed on the surface of the hide. We may add a pearl appearance to any of our existing semi-aniline products, including full hides of Shagarrett, by using this method.