Custom Upholstery: Leather v. Leatherette v. Leather-Appointed

Metalwork and engine rebuilds account for some of the bigger and flashier jobs we do here at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice. But they aren't the only jobs. Custom upholstery is a big and integral part of the restoration work we do. After all, if there is one thing most susceptible to time and the elements, it's the upholstery. When it comes to replacing that upholstery, customers today have a lot of choices, including cloth, vinyl, and leather -- but things can get tricky with that last one. You may have heard of leather, leatherette, and leather-appointed seating, but do you know the difference between them? The following is a look at what each of these materials is, their benefits, and their disadvantages:

Custom Upholstery FAQ: Leather vs. Leatherette vs. Leather-appointed

• Leatherette. Leatherette is not leather but a man-made material that, when well made, strongly imitates the look and feel of real leather. The biggest benefit of leatherette upholstery is that it has the quality look of leather but not the price. Additionally, today's leatherette upholstery is extremely durable, capable of better withstanding UV degradation, and easy to clean thanks to this type of composite being great at repelling food and liquids. However, leatherette does have the disadvantage of not breathing well, getting excessively hot during the summer, and having a low resale value.
• Leather-appointed. Leather-appointed upholstery is comprised partially of leather and partially of another material, frequently leatherette or cloth type. Typically, the actual leather sits at the top, over the other material. This type of upholstery is relatively new and seen most in newly released models, although our team has experimented with it with success. The problem is it does tend to wear out prematurely, especially when compared to real leather seating, although it can be a cost-effective option.
• Leather. There is nothing quite like custom leather upholstery. Leather upholstery breathes better, has that outstanding authentic scent and appearance, and gives a vehicle significantly better resale value. However, it does come at a cost. A very basic leather interior job will cost between $4,000 and $7,000 while a high-end, complete leather interior job can be as much as $20,000.

Whether you choose leather, leatherette, or leather-appointed custom upholstery for your hot rod or classic car, installation is just the first step. Each of these materials needs to be properly cared for if they are to maintain their value and appearance over time. Use a mild soap and warm water solution to regularly clean the materials. Never use harsh pads, brushes, or any detergent not marked specifically for leather or leatherette upholstery. For leather upholstery, consider finishing every cleaning with a special leather protectant to reduce UV damage.

Need a Custom Upholstery Quote? Contact Us at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice

Our team at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice has experience in all manners of custom upholstery. To learn more about the different materials we work with and to get a quote for custom upholstery in your classic car or hot rod restoration, contact us today.