Leather Sofa Puddling effect?

benjamintheblue

I wonder if someone could help me?

I bought a new couch last week costing over £2000 from Stokers based on seeing a lovely one in the shop. Now its been delivered, I've noticed the leather is ruffling giving like a puddling effect. Not all cushions are doing this, and I don't remember the one we sat on doing this. Just after a bit of advice on what I should do (if anything) and what I should say to Stokers. Many Thanks

ps I know leather does this after a few years, but should it do this after a week??

Carer

"Puddling - Wear and tear of Leather, Fabric and Foam

The construction of a sofa consists of a hardwood frame with metal suspension supporting a multi-density polyurethane rubber seat cushion. In the first three months the top layer of the rubber has a settling period where it becomes softer. This is normal, we most often describe thins by comparing your old leather shoes vs your new leather shoes. The new pair always takes a few wears to become more comfortable as the foam and cover soften.

Over time where you sit the most will become softer, this happens both to the cover (leather and fabric) and of course the rubber in the seat cushions.

Why does leather stretch?
Leather is skin and as such will stretch every time it is used. Commonly referred to as puddling or body contouring, this will happen from the first time you use your sofa. The seat sinks in under the weight of the user stretching the leather. Leather is not elastic, its a natural product. For us to produce the leather seat that doesn't stretch we would need make it extremely hard so the weight of the body doesn't sink into the foam. This of course is counter productive in making a sofa that comfortable for you to enjoy.

Why do different couches vary?
Each hide / skin is different, its not uncommon to have different seats react differently as they are not from the same animal. Some leathers have a heavy painted finish on the surface, this does make them less likely to stretch but having so much paint on the surface gives you the feel and characteristics of vinyl. Hotter in the summer, colder in the winter and more likely to crack and peel. Weather plays a big part in leather also, in the summer leather tends to be softer, in the winter firmer. "

askmeaboutsofas

How much puddling are you getting? Seems a bit early for it to be doing that, most good manufacturers will take this into account when making the sofa. Unless it's meant to have a vintage/distressed look it sounds a bit off that it's puddled so quickly. Can you check the one they have in store again to see if that's doing the same thing?
If you sit down, get up and there's a few wrinkles which smooth away when you plump up the cushion I would say that's to be expected, particularly with a feather or fibre filling.