Our quality features.
Built with integrity to last—and look good doing it.
“Bench-made” might sound like an old term, but it still defines how we work: furniture crafted by hand, not pulled from a line. Every Elite Leather Co. piece is built with care—from the frame you don’t see to the stitching you do.
We start with hardwood from responsibly managed forests either solid alder or FSC-certified plywood that meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards. We cut and assemble frames in-house, reinforcing them for lasting strength and tailored fit.
Inside each frame, tempered steel sinuous springs offer long-term support that resists sagging. It’s a superior system to webbing, which can stretch over time.
Cushions are sewn with bonded nylon thread for durability and wrapped in high-resiliency foam for comfort that holds. Even the outside panels are padded for a smoother look, softer feel, and added structure.
This is furniture that’s built to last. And to be lived in.
Leather Care
How to protect and enjoy your leather for years to come.
What to Know First
Leather is a natural material. It softens and patinas over time—and that’s part of the charm. But like any quality product, it benefits from care.
Direct sunlight, heat, or improper cleaning can dry out leather or cause damage. Always test any products in a hidden spot first, and avoid harsh cleaners, alcohol, oils, or silicone-based sprays.
For Regular Cleaning
Wipe down with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid oversaturating the surface.
Use distilled water if your tap water is hard or mineral-heavy.
Dusting weekly helps prevent buildup.
For Spots & Spills
Blot immediately, never rub.
For stubborn marks, use a water-based leather cleaner recommended for your finish.
Let leather dry naturally, away from direct heat.
Conditioning & Protection
Use conditioner 1–2 times per year, depending on climate and use.
Choose a pH-balanced product made for your specific leather type.
What to Avoid
Don’t use baby wipes, furniture polish, ammonia, or bleach-based cleaners.
Keep sharp objects and pet claws away from leather surfaces.
Never soak leather or use steam.
Avoid placing leather near heat vents or fireplaces.
Types of Leather
A guide to the hides we use—and why they matter.
Full-Grain Leather
The highest-quality cut of the hide. Full-grain leather is durable, breathable, and develops a rich patina with age. It keeps the natural surface markings intact, making each piece unique.
Top-Grain Leather
Sanded slightly for a more uniform surface. Still high-quality and more resistant to wear, but with fewer visible natural markings.
Semi-Aniline Leather
Dyed with both pigment and aniline to improve consistency while retaining a soft hand and subtle natural grain.
Protected or Pigmented Leather
Treated with a finish coat for added durability and stain resistance. Great for high-traffic homes, families, or commercial spaces.
Specialty Leathers
Includes pull-up, waxed, nubuck, and embossed finishes. Each offers a distinct visual texture or tactile feel. Best suited for lower-traffic or display pieces, as some finishes can be more delicate.
Glossary of Leather & Upholstery Terms
8-Way Hand-Tied Springs
A traditional suspension system where each coil spring is hand-tied in eight directions for support, durability, and comfort.
Aniline Dyed
Leather that is dyed all the way through using soluble dyes, without added pigments or surface coatings. It preserves the hide’s natural character and texture.
Batch Variation
Slight differences in color or texture between dye lots or production runs. Common in natural materials like leather, especially with aniline finishes.
Bonded Cushion
A cushion that is permanently attached to the frame or decking using adhesive or stitching. Offers a streamlined look but limits adjustability or flipping.
Breathability
Leather’s ability to release moisture and heat. Aniline leathers are more breathable than pigmented or protected types, making them more comfortable over time.
Buffed Leather
Leather whose surface has been abraded to smooth out imperfections or achieve a specific texture. Used in corrected grain, nubuck, and suede finishes.
Color Variation
Natural differences in tone that occur across panels or hides, especially with aniline-dyed or full-grain leathers. Adds to the uniqueness of each piece.
Corrected Grain
Top grain leather that has been sanded to remove surface flaws, then embossed and finished to create a more uniform appearance.
Corner Blocks / Frame Blocking
Structural reinforcements added to the corners and joints of a furniture frame. Essential for long-term stability and strength.
Crocking
The transfer of dye or finish from leather to another surface due to friction or abrasion, most common with new or deeply pigmented hides.
Crust
Leather that has been tanned, dyed, and dried but not yet finished. Often used as a base for further processing.
Decking
The fabric or leather section beneath the seat cushions, often made with a different material than the visible upholstery. Helps hold cushions in place and keeps them from shifting.
Double Stitch / Top Stitch
A visible, reinforced seam often used in leather upholstery. Adds durability and a tailored, often decorative detail.
Embossed Leather
Leather stamped with a raised or textured pattern. May imitate a natural grain (like alligator or pebble) or introduce a decorative finish.
Fat Wrinkles / Stretch Marks
Natural markings on leather that reflect the hide’s original condition. Common in full-grain hides and often viewed as desirable, not defective.
Finish
The final protective or aesthetic treatment applied to leather. Can be matte, satin, or glossy, and helps resist stains, moisture, or fading.
Full-Aniline / Pure Aniline
Leather dyed exclusively with aniline dye, with no pigments or surface finishes. Retains all natural grain and develops a rich patina over time.
Full Grain
The highest-quality cut of leather, retaining the hide’s full, unaltered grain surface. Breathable, durable, and naturally beautiful.
Grain Matching
A technique in high-end upholstery where leather panels are carefully aligned so the grain flows consistently across seams. A sign of craftsmanship.
Hand
A term used to describe how leather feels—whether soft, firm, supple, smooth, or textured.
Lightfastness
A leather’s resistance to fading or color change when exposed to sunlight or UV light. An important performance factor for bright or sunlit interiors.
Loose Back / Loose Seat
Furniture with detachable cushions that can be flipped or fluffed. Offers a casual, relaxed feel and easier maintenance.
Not Leather
Materials that mimic the look of leather but are not made from genuine hide. Includes bonded leather, bicast, reconstituted, pleather, vinyl, and synthetic “vegan” leather.
Nubuck
Top grain leather that has been sanded on the grain side to create a soft, suede-like texture. More durable than suede but still absorbent.
Patina
The soft sheen and rich character that leather develops over time through age, use, and natural wear. Especially visible in aniline and nubuck leathers.
Pooling / Puddling
Natural rippling or looseness that occurs in soft leather upholstery over time. Especially common in full-grain hides and not considered a flaw.
Pull-Up
Leather finished with waxes or oils that lighten when stretched or pulled, creating tonal variation and visual depth.
Raw Hide
Untanned animal hide that has been preserved but not chemically processed. Must be tanned before it can be used as leather.
Sauvage / Kela
A two-tone or marbled finishing effect that adds depth and dimension. Can be subtle or bold depending on application.
Semi-Aniline / Aniline-Plus
Leather that is aniline-dyed and lightly pigmented for added surface protection and color consistency. Balances natural beauty with durability.
Shrunken Grain
Leather tanned in a way that causes the surface to shrink, creating a bold, uneven grain with pronounced valleys and texture.
Sinuous Springs
S-shaped steel springs used in upholstery frames for support and comfort. A high-quality, long-lasting suspension system widely used in modern construction.
Split
The lower layer of a hide, separated from the top grain. Commonly used for suede or finished with synthetic layers.
Suede
Leather made from the split layer of the hide, buffed on the flesh side to create a napped, velvety surface. Softer and more absorbent than nubuck.
Tanning
The process of converting raw hide into leather by treating it with chemicals or natural tannins to prevent decay and improve durability.
Tight Back / Tight Seat
Upholstery where cushions are built into the frame and not removable. Offers a firmer, more structured appearance.
Top Grain
The outer layer of the hide, just beneath full grain. May be lightly corrected for uniformity and is durable, supple, and widely used in high-end furniture.
Vegetable Tanned
Leather tanned using natural plant-based agents (like bark or roots). Ages beautifully and is known for its firm feel and environmental friendliness.
Waxed (Waxy) Leather
Leather treated with wax to enrich color and add a soft sheen. Lightens where stretched, creating a natural, distressed appearance.
Webbing
A woven suspension system made from elastic or synthetic straps. Typically less durable than springs and more common in entry-level furniture.
Wet Blue Leather
Chrome-tanned leather that remains in its semi-processed, wet state. Often shipped to other tanneries for finishing.