Leather Buying Guide 2017

Hide Types - Leather Buying Guide. Leather can be made from the skins of different animals. For the most part, leather is created using the skins of cow, lamb, pig, python, and alligator. Each of these animals creates leather in different sizes and shapes. Looking at the hide shapes and sizes below can help you determin the best hide for your project (Please note that all sizes and dimensions are general averages. Each piece of leather is uniquely shaped).

Hide Thickness - Leather Buying Guide. In an effort to make leather a uniform thickness, hides are run through a splitting machine called a skiver. However, each animal is different and there is always variations in thickness even within a hide. Below, we have broken-down the different thicknesses of leather and what they are generally used for. You can use this information to help guide you to the right leather.

Hide Tannages - Leather Buying Guide. Tanning is the process with which a hide is treated to produce leather. Different tanning methods can produce difference characteristics in leather. Below, we have laid out these differences so you can better demine the leather for you.

Dyes - Leather Buying Guide. The dyeing method is the primary factor in determining the final appearance of leather. Below, we have broken down the different dyeing processes and the leather they create

Pricing - Leather Buying Guide. For the sake of simplicity, when District Leathers sells items online we provide the customer with the price per hide. Typically, leather is priced by the square foot. For example: a 7 ft2 lamb hide priced at $5.00 per ft2 would be $35.00 total.

Imperfections - Leather Buying Guide. Leather is a natural byproduct created from the skins of animals and thusly will exhibit markings. These can come in the form of bug bites, scars, defects, fat wrinkles, and brands. These are all signs that you are purchasing genuine leather. District Leathers strives to provide our customers with the highest quality skins available. This being said, when purchasing please expect skins to contain some imperfections.

Calculating - Leather Buying Guide. Calculating how much leather you will need to complete your project can be a tricky thing. We always recommend talking with your cutter/upholsterer to get a better idea of the square footage you will need. If you have questions, please contact us at 201-314-5717 or info@districtleathers.com

Glossary - Leather Buying Guide.

FAQs - Leather Buying Guide.

Custom Orders - Leather Buying Guide. District Leathers is happy to produce custom leather for their customers. Because of our extensive relationships in the industry, we are confident that we can create almost any type of color or finish you are looking for. Depending on what leather you would like to produce, lead time and ordering minimums will vary. If you are interested in placing a custom order, please contact us.

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