What Is the Difference Between Split Hide & Full Hide?

Leather Anatomy

• Cowhide is a typical material used for leather goods. The thick hide has many different fibrous levels. The surface level of the hide is called the grain. The grain has densely packed fibers running in a vertical direction. Beneath the grain is an area called the corium. The corium is larger than the grain, but has a looser fibrous structure, running horizontally. The corium is also known as leather suede. Between the grain and corium is a junction where the fiber structure changes from vertical to horizontal.

Full-Hide Features

• Full hide consists of the top grain and junction portions of the hide layers. It is typically more expensive than other hide choices, because it has the natural outside markings. The markings are usually enhanced with tanning products, darkening the hide and highlighting the unique material pattern. The vertical fibers create a strong material, capable of withstanding constant wear.

Split-Hide Features

• Split hide derives from the lower portion of a hide cut called top grain. Top grain is a leather layer made of the grain, junction point, and corium. The top grain's bottom portion is split off, consisting mainly of corium, creating the split hide. This leather quality includes the loosely bound horizontal fibers. The fibers are easily pulled apart, so the split hide is typically applied to an item that gets relatively little wear, such as the arms of a chair.

Appearance Considerations

• Full-grain hides retain their natural markings, with some tanning enhancement. In contrast, split hide does not have the natural patterns because it is a lower hide layer. However, manufacturers have the option of sanding the hide and carving patterns identical to those of the full grain.

Leather Purchase Warning

• Some retailers try to deceive consumers. Advances in technology have created grain marking techniques that pass off lower-quality split hides as full-grain hides. Verify the leather's quality by looking at the edge of the material. The surface color should match the inside color. Be aware, though, that some leather manufacturers paint or sew the edges together, concealing the interior's appearance.