Real Leather vs. Faux Leather: Which Is Right for Your DIY Projects?

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When it comes to choosing between real leather and faux leather for your DIY projects, the decision can be challenging. Both materials have their unique advantages and drawbacks, and understanding the differences can help you make an informed choice. In this guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider, including durability, cost, appearance and environmental impact, to help you decide which material is best suited for your needs.

Real Leather vs. Faux Leather: Which Is Right for Your DIY Projects?

What Is Real Leather?

Real leather is a natural material made from animal hides, such as cattle, buffalo, sheep and more. It’s prized for its durability, unique texture and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. Real leather is often used in high-end fashion, accessories and furniture due to its luxurious feel and long-lasting quality.

What Is Faux Leather?

Faux leather, also known as synthetic or vegan leather, is a man-made material designed to mimic the look and feel of real leather. It’s typically made from plastic-based substances like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are treated with dyes and textures to resemble animal hide. Faux leather is a popular choice for those seeking an animal-free alternative or a more budget-friendly option.

Types of Real Leather

Full Grain Leather: The highest quality leather, made from the top layer of the hide. It retains natural imperfections, making each piece unique. Full grain leather is highly durable and develops a rich patina over time.
Top Grain Leather: Slightly lower in quality than full grain, this leather is sanded and buffed to remove imperfections. It’s more uniform in appearance but still durable and long-lasting.
Split Leather: Made from the lower layers of the hide, split leather is less durable and often coated with synthetic materials to mimic the look of grain leather. Suede is a type of split leather.
Bonded Leather: The lowest grade of leather, made from shredded leather scraps mixed with synthetic binders. It’s less durable and often used in low-cost products.

Faux Leather Better Than Real 8 — Split leather (suede) is shown on the left and top grain leather on the right.

Types of Faux Leather

Polyurethane (PU) Faux Leather: Made by coating natural fabrics like cotton or wool with a polymer-based substance. PU leather is breathable, flexible, and often used for clothing and upholstery.
Vinyl (PVC) Faux Leather: Created by adding dyes and plasticizers to vinyl. It’s more flexible than PU leather but less breathable, making it ideal for items like bags and furniture covers.

Faux Leather Better Than Real 10 — Some rolls of vinyl offered at Sailrite.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Look & Feel

Real Leather: Offers a unique, natural texture with imperfections that add character. It softens and develops a patina over time, enhancing its beauty.
Faux Leather: Has a more uniform appearance due to machine-applied grain patterns. While it closely mimics real leather, it lacks the natural variations and aging qualities.

2. Durability & Longevity

Real Leather: Extremely durable, especially full grain leather. It resists punctures and tears and can last for decades with proper care.
Faux Leather: Generally less durable than real leather, though high-quality options like Ultraleather® and Naugahyde® offer excellent wear resistance. Faux leather is also waterproof, making it ideal for outdoor use.

3. Cost

Real Leather: More expensive due to its natural origin and labor-intensive production process. It’s often sold by the hide, which can increase costs.
Faux Leather: More affordable and widely available. It’s sold by the yard, making it a cost-effective choice for large projects.

4. Sewability

Real Leather: Requires special tools like leather sewing needles and a walking foot machine. It can be thick and dense, making it challenging for home sewing machines.
Faux Leather: Easier to sew than real leather, though it still requires a walking foot machine to prevent sticking. Standard needles can be used for most projects.

5. Care & Cleaning

Real Leather: Requires regular conditioning and protection from moisture and UV exposure. Spills should be cleaned immediately to prevent staining.
Faux Leather: Low-maintenance and easy to clean with mild soap and water. It’s resistant to UV damage and doesn’t require conditioning.

6. Applications

Real Leather: Ideal for high-end accessories, clothing and furniture. However, it’s less practical for high-traffic areas or households with pets and children.
Faux Leather: Perfect for outdoor furniture, marine upholstery and commercial settings. It’s also a great choice for kid- and pet-friendly environments.

Faux Leather Better Than Real 5 — Bar seats upholstered in durable faux leather.

7. Ethical & Environmental Impact

Real Leather: A byproduct of the meat and dairy industries, reducing waste. However, its production has a significant environmental impact, including high water usage and chemical treatments.
Faux Leather: Animal-free but relies on plastic-based materials, which contribute to pollution and take hundreds of years to decompose. High-quality faux leathers like PU are more eco-friendly than PVC.

Top Faux Leather Brands

Nauga Soft: A supple vinyl upholstery fabric that offers great durability with the look and feel of fine leather. With superior abrasion resistance, it's ideal for interior marine, automotive and home upholstery.

Ultraleather®: With the look and feel of the finest European calfskin, this PU faux leather boasts a rich texture, extremely supple hand and incredible durability. Use for high-end interior upholstery.

EverSoft™: A durable, four-way stretch vinyl with a matte finish suitable for marine cushions, patio furniture and more. Available in two textures: Pebble and Smooth.

Nook™: A versatile and stylish option designed for indoor upholstery projects. It offers a realistic leather look with easy maintenance, making it perfect for furniture, cushions, and home décor.

Shop Faux Leather

Leather Offerings at Sailrite

At Sailrite®, we offer a wide selection of high-quality real leather options to meet your DIY project needs. Whether you’re crafting accessories, upholstering furniture or creating custom leather goods, our leather offerings include:

Chrome Tanned Leather: Known for its softness and flexibility, chrome tanned leather is treated with chromium salts, making it resistant to water and ideal for a variety of applications. It’s available in hides, sides and panels.

Vegetable Tanned Leather: A traditional and eco-friendly option, vegetable tanned leather is treated with natural tannins. It’s durable, ages beautifully and is perfect for projects that require a stiffer, more structured material. Available in hides, sides and panels in natural and pre-dyed varieties.

Our leather selection ensures you have access to premium materials that combine durability, beauty and versatility for all your crafting needs.

Shop Sailrite Leather Offerings

Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?

The choice between real and faux leather depends on your project requirements, budget and personal values. If you prioritize durability, luxury and a natural look, real leather is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for an affordable, low-maintenance and animal-free option, faux leather is an excellent alternative.

Consider the following questions to guide your decision:

What is your budget?
How long do you want the material to last?
Will the item be exposed to harsh conditions or heavy use?
Do you prefer a natural or synthetic material?

By weighing these factors, you can confidently choose the right material for your DIY projects. Whether you opt for the timeless appeal of real leather or the versatility of faux leather, both options offer unique benefits to bring your creative vision to life.