PU Leather vs Bonded Leather Office Chairs Compared

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Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:14 PM

You can get a decent best office chair under 100, but what do you know about the leather it is made of?

So it’s time to buy a new task chair, but there’s one question that you need to be answered. Which is better? PU Leather vs Bonded Leather? Each is unique, but which is best for you considering your executive office chair needs? Which can you expect in the best office chair under 300? I can clear it up for you so you can buy the right type of leather chair. If you’re still not sure about the best office chair for your space, consider if faux leather vs bonded leather is the right material for your next chair.

PU Leather vs Bonded Leather Office Chairs Compared
The difference between PU and Bonded leather

Learn About PU Leather vs Bonded Leather Office Chairs

It is hard to tell the difference between bonded leather, PU leather, and genuine true leather unless you know what makes them different. PU leather is also known as faux leather Both Faux leather. It is very similar to bonded leather in look and feel and both feel like the real thing. Since genuine leather is much more expensive, you should know the differences so you don’t get ripped off.

What Is PU Leather?

Also known as faux leather, PU leather is very affordable compared to the real thing. This is why a leather sofa made with it is much cheaper. It contains no animal hide at all. This material is crack and peel resistant, very easy to clean and normally lasts about 2 years before it starts looking bad and peeling. This material has no off-gassing, but if you smell it, you will detect a slight synthetic smell.

This material does tear and puncture easily on desk chairs, where real leather is resistant to tearing and punctures. It is created using a cotton or polyester backing that is coated with a polymer, then is made to look like animal hide.

What Is Bonded Leather?

Bonded leather is the cheapest version you can buy and it actually has small bits of animal hide mixed in. This is why the furniture industry loves leather bonded materials and why so many computer chairs have it. However, it is not very durable and peels easily as anyone who has ever owned bonded leather sofas knows. The material will last anywhere from a few months to two years on bonded leather furniture. And if you are sensitive to chemicals you should know that this material off-gasses.

Though it is resistant to stains, it punctures and tears very easily. Bonded leather is created using some leftover hide bits like dust and tiny shavings. It is then made to resemble real leather and given a coating of polyurethane for shine.

PU Leather vs Bonded Leather Office Chairs Compared
Which leather is better?

Which Leather Office Chair Is Right For You?

You get what you pay for with leather chairs, whether it is a simple chair for the home office or the best office chair for lower back pain. If you can’t afford a real leather executive chair, you can choose between PU leather vs Bonded leather. Bonded leather will be the cheapest price. There’s nothing wrong with it and it looks nice, but be aware that it will not last long before it starts to look bad.

PU leather is a step above and still very affordable, so this is the option that I would recommend for those looking for a budget office chair. It will last a bit longer, look good and provide comfort. Without any off-gassing.

In the end, choose the type of material that is right for you and your budget when it comes to bonded vs faux. Now you can make an informed choice knowing what each of these materials is all about.

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