Expensive leather suite

jeff_chandler

Hi all.

Just under three years since we purchased our leather suite for £2,600. We had one before from one of the well known stores but the frame collapsed. The leather was in decent condition though.

We didn't want to return to those stores and chose a local Leather suite manufacturer. We purchased a suite which was made to requirements. After 15 months the leather on the cushions wore to a point of astonishment, we even had wearing on the arms. We contacted them and reluctantly they visited us and said the leather should not go like that. They then accused us of over cleaning with wet cloths,,,,, we never use wet cloths just slightly damp. We also covered up the suite to protect it from the sun through the window, they told us not to.
They replaced the leather on the cushions which took three months. They also had the leather checked to which they told us nothing was faulty with the leather.
For the past 6 months the cushions and arms have worn down to the light tan and it looks damn awful. I have yet to contact them but are afraid they may try to fob us off. I need some advise first before I do contact them.

Kind regards Jeff

sheramber

If it was the top grade of leather that is soft and doesn't stand up to wear and tear as well as a cheaper grade.

When we bought our suite we explained that we had dogs and were advised not to buy the top grade but rather the second top one.

Our suite is at least 15 years old and has stood up to kids and dogs over that time. The leather is only starting to show wear now.

shaun_from_Africa

If they do state that there is nothing wrong or that the problem is due to something that you have done, you will probably need to get an independent report about the fault.

I had a problem with furniture last year and an inspection was organised by the retailer but you can do this yourself for £125 here:
http://www.fira.co.uk/news/article/the-furniture-ombudsman---independent-inspection-service

teddysmum

As above, aniline leather cannot take water , as unlike 'lower grades' it is not sealed.


There is a lot of information, about types of leather and their care, on this site


http://www.liquidleather.com/furniture.htm


Their products are also very good and after being treated with them for (I've just realised) 24 years our suite is in excellent condition.

jeff_chandler

We went through the differences of leathers and was told the leather we chose was perfect for a family of four. One we was shown scratched but when rubbed with the palm of a hand they marks disappeared.


This leather looks like the one that has a base and rubbed up. It is a darkish brown with a light tan beneath, which now is very prominent all over the cushions and arms.


We was told not to use wet cloths to clean it but damp ones and a quick wipe over. We are now wondering if the sweat from elbows and fore arms can actually make such noticeable damage.
For a suite that is yet three years old the leather looks as if it has been there twenty odd years. It's ok for the makers to tell you the frames are made from beech and will last a life time, the leather that is visible looks terrible.


I'm going to give them a call tomorrow to see what they say, should they refuse to even take a look or actually do something about it I shall have to take the matter higher.


Jeff.

judyb

Do you have any photos? The description you give sounds like a Two Tone leather which will always be less durable finish wise but is fixable. Body oils etc can do a great deal of damage to finishes if good quality protectors (not conditioners) are not used. Regular cleaning is also essential.
Hope ths helps
Judyb