How long does leather last? Full grain leather is the most durable grade and can last a very long time, but it needs to be carefully maintained and cared for. As Leather comes from a variety of animals, each hide has its own unique properties and imperfections. Sheep leather, for instance is quite soft, whereas buffalo leather is thicker and tougher and will last longer.
Full-grain leather can last 10 -15 years on average, depending on how well its maintained. Factors that influence its longevity are the type of leather, thickness, quality and general usage & maintenance. Some full grain leathers if cared for can last as long as 30-50 years.
Now that you have a basic answer to how long leather lasts, let’s delve a little deeper to see how we can improve its lifespan. Leather grade (quality) is an important factor in determining its lifespan. Below is a table summarizing how long the best grade (full grain) leather can last if cared for correctly.
| Types of Leather furniture & clothing | Potential Lifespan |
| Leather Sofa | 25 years |
| Leather Shoes | 5-7 years |
| Leather Jacket | 20 years |
| Leather Belt | 5-10 years |
| Leather Wallet | 10 years |
Why does leather last so long
Leather can last for decades because it is a natural product that has evolved over thousands of years. It is a hard wearing protective barrier for animals that has to withstand, heat, cold, snow, rain, scratches, cuts and water for the entire life of the animal. The composition of the fibres of leather makes it extremely durable and able to withstand these elements. Added to this is the tanning process which further increases the strength of leather.
If the leather quality is high and is adequately cared for eg, cleaned, conditioned and is not used on a daily basis it can add years to its lifespan.
What are the 4 grades of leather that last the longest?
Full grain leather – this is without a doubt the best quality/ grade of leather and will last the longest. It is the top layer of the hide just under the fur. The top layer remains intact as nothing is removed from its surface which adds to its strength and durability. The hide is unaltered in that the natural pattern/ texture of the hide is visible. There is no sanding or correction of the grain. These hides are sort after for their beauty and durability and are very expensive.
Full grain leather will develop a patina over time as it absorbs oils. This gives leather its beautiful, aged look. Check out this link to United Leather for some awesome full grain hides for sale.
Top grain leather – Top grain is the second highest quality leather. It is similar to full grain but the top grain layer is removed/ altered to get rid of some of the imperfections and blemishes in the hide. Usually, the surface is sanded and buffed to remove these imperfections. This grade is slightly more flexible than full grain and is also slightly cheaper. Top grain doesn’t last as long, but it is still beautiful and of high quality.
Genuine leather – many people incorrectly believe this grade to be the best quality leather. This is not true. Also known as corrected grain or split grain, it is what remains after the top grain has been removed. This layer is slightly tougher and the hide will have imperfections which will need to be sanded. Usually this grade is painted or embossed with a layer to make it look like its full or top grain.
It is much more affordable but not as strong as the top grades and doesn’t have the same lifespan as top or full grain leather.
Bonded or corrected grain leather – This is the lowest quality. It has been altered in various ways and joined or bonded together to make up a single hide. Polyurethane is used to bond the different pieces together and then the hide is sprayed or painted to make it look like top grain leather. This type of leather is durable but is the weakest and cheapest.
I have included this sketch to show you the location on the hide where the various grades of leather are located.
How to make leather last longer?
You can increase leathers lifespan by caring for it properly. Leather will need to be regularly maintained in order for the lifespan to be extended. Here are some useful tips for extending the life of leather.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight. The sun will dry out leather and remove its natural oils and will eventually cause leather to crack & peel.
- Use leather conditioner on your sofa, jacket, shoes etc. Apply conditioner every second to third month to help protect it from harmful dust and dirt. Conditioner provides a protective barrier which helps replenish its lost oils.
- Frequency of use. How often a sofa or leather jacket is used will have a great impact on its lifespan.
- Never cover or store leather in plastic bags. Leather is breathable and plastic will prevent it from breathing when in storage. This will result in mould forming on the hide.
- Use a soft cloth or soft fabric when covering leather. This allows it to breathe.
- Avoid leather getting wet. Dry immediately if it gets wet. Its ok to clean it with a damp cloth.
- Do not use a heat source to dry out your leather. Heat will ruin leather and cause it to leach out its natural oils.
- Do not use any abrasive chemicals to clean leather. Check all cleaning products are compatible with leather before using.
- Items such as bags should be stuffed with acid free paper to retain their shape when stored. Bags should be stored on its base and should not be hung up.
- Climate also plays a big role in leather’s lifespan. Very humid climates will reduce the life of leather.
What are the advantages of leather compared to fabrics.
- It is strong and durable.
- It is a natural product.
- It is breathable.
- It will last for many years.
- It can be made into many different products.
- There are a wide variety of leathers.
- It doesn’t tear easily and can be repaired.
What are the disadvantages of leather compared to fabrics?
- Its price as it can be really expensive.
- It can be quite stiff and rigid at first.
- As it is a natural product it will sustain wear and tear over time.
- It needs to be maintained and cared for regularly.
Conclusion.
Now you know all about the various grades of leather and the properties of each. Leather is a quality product that is worth paying a premium price for as it can easily last for 10 -15 years or more. I hope you found this article useful & managed to learn a little bit about leather care and maintenance. If you would like to learn a bit more about leathercraft please check out my post on how to care & repair leather.