My leather chairs are not leather!

dreamypuma

grace1402 wrote: »

the chairs are NOT leather at all but a good quality faux leather. We can tell they are not leather as you can see in the right light there is a repeat pattern in the leather grain the same on every chair, their is no 'leather' smell, and we've had a look at the underside of the fabric under a leg.

Are you sure the chairs are not a Bi-Cast leather? This is quite common in in-expensive furniture, although man-made I believe in the UK it can still be sold as leather.

skintchick

dreamypuma wrote: »

Are you sure the chairs are not a Bi-Cast leather? This is quite common in in-expensive furniture, although man-made I believe in the UK it can still be sold as leather.

How does that work? If it's not leather how on earth can it be described as such?

jaxxy00

Are you sure they are not 'corrected grain leather'?

This is real leather and would have the repeat pattern you talk of due to the process the leather goes through. It is a kind of dimpled effect, a bit like the skin on an orange.
Also you say they dont smell of leather, well we have just had new leather sofas which are corrected grain (more hard wearing, which is better for because we have a dog which is up and down on them) and they didnt smell of leather when we first had them delivered but, now a week or so later the smell is really starting to come out of them.

grace1402

How can I tell if that's thet are, and would they have a pattern running through them and not smell 'leathery'!?

dmg24

Hi Grace,

Have you asked the shop for a response on this? Perhaps best before you take it any further x

jaxxy00

grace1402 wrote: »

How can I tell if that's thet are, and would they have a pattern running through them and not smell 'leathery'!?

Im not really sure how you would tell. All i know is there are different types of leather, e.g, analine (really soft smooth, expensive although not particuarly hard wearing), top grain, split leather, corrected grain etc. If you do a Google search you will find out lots of info on various types of leather.

I was lucky recently in finding the Argos Farley sofas which were corrected grain ( a uniform colour and also the dimpled pattern rather than the natural characteristics of the skin showing through) also bufallo leather which i have read as being a tougher leather which was good for me with my dog. Plus the bonus of being pocket sprung seating which if soooo comfy.

dreamypuma

skintchick wrote: »

How does that work? If it's not leather how on earth can it be described as such?

Hi,

Bicast leather is made from a pulp I believe, it is often regarded a a cheaper leather, however often people prefer it as it is perfected through the manufacturing process. You don't get all the natural scaring and imperfections as you would in normal leather.

What you paid for your goods should be a good reflection on if this is the case. I'm no expert on leather, however know that I have purchased some Bicast recently as I preferred the look, as it seemed more contemporary, and for the price I it fitted my immediate requirements. As you say it doesn't actually smell leathery either and has a fabric or meshed back to it. I think this link should explain it a bit better: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicast_leather

I'm not suggesting that this is the case in your circumstance, however it is something you may want to take onboard and enquire about.

Bicast has a similar appearance to this: http://www.easyfurniture.co.uk/images/bicast.jpg

Which seems to be very popular in dining furniture at the moment.

I hope this helps, and you come to a satisfactory outcome

grace1402

Hi, Thanks! My chairs are similar style to the ones in your link but without the leather drop down the back legs, just a straight seat. You're other link does say that Bi-cast cannot be sold as 'Leather'. I've got my local trading standards visiting this Monday to take a sample and get it tested! Keping you all posted!

asharon

Have you asked the company you purchased them from yet ?

dmg24

asharon wrote: »

Have you asked the company you purchased them from yet ?

I agree with this point. You will look very silly if there is a valid explanation.