I am about to undertake my first chair, and my wife has “suggested” that the seat be leather. <!—-><!—-> <!—->
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There are a few articles in FWW describing how to make a chair seat covered with fabric (FWW # 163, 133). Is it reasonable to assume that working with leather is similar, or will I be in for a big surprise? <!—-><!—->
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Is there anything in particular that one should know about the types, quality and character of leather? Frankly it seems that it’s not really all that costly considering that a chair seat is not likely to require much material.<!—-> <!—->
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Thanks in advance,<!—-> <!—->
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Neil<!—-> <!—->
Replies
Leather isn't too costly on a per-chair seat basis, but you usually have to buy it in at least half-hide quantities, unless you can find a local supplier that would be willing to sell you enough for a single chair.
However you go about procuring your leather, make sure that you talk to someone who understands leather and that you explain what it's going to be used for. The different tanning processes (e.g., vegetable vs. chrome), the different locations from which to cut your leather (belly, shoulder, etc.), and the different grades (full grain, top grain, suede, etc.) all result in leather having different properties, and you want to be sure that the leather you use is suitable for upholstering a chair.
-Steve
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