FAQs
What are Tiger Leather’s typical hide sizes?
Our whole hides are an average of 50-55 SF. A half hide is typically 20-25 SF.
How do I convert yards to square feet?
1 yard is equal to 18 square feet (SF) of leather. Multiply the number of yards required by 18.
How do I convert meters to square feet?
There are 10.764 square feet per meter. Multiply the number of square meters by 10.764.
What is the minimum order quantity?
A half hide, which is approximately 25 SF, is the minimum amount that may be ordered.
What is the typical yield, or, how much waste should be expected?
Leather will have a slightly higher waste than fabric; however, the yield and waste will depend upon the application. Please direct this question to your furniture manufacturer.
Why does my sample look different than the one on your website?
Varying display resolution or color setting on computers sometimes causes the colors to be displayed incorrectly. There may also be a variation in the dye lot of the sample you received to the sample shown on the website. Also, differences in texture can be found throughout the hide of some leather which results in larger grain near the edge and smaller grain toward the center of the hide.
What is a CFA? Do I need one?
CFA stands for Cutting for Approval. It is a small sample cut from the actual dye lot that will be shipped for that particular order.
The CFA can be waived by signing a waiver form, however it is not recommended. Since leather is a natural product it will absorb dye differently within the hide and from hide to hide. Therefore you may see slight variations from the original sample to the actual leather received.
What method of payment do you accept?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We also accept check, ACH and wire transfers. Credit is offered through our credit insurer, Euler Hermes.
How long will it take my order to be processed?
Leather that is kept in stock will be processed within 1-2 business days. Custom orders will take more time to process. Please contact Customer Service at info@tigerleather.com for more information about custom orders.
Why did we receive more leather than we ordered?
Due to leather coming from a natural source rather than on bolts of fabric, we are unable to cut to the exact amount needed. Each hide varies in size, and for that reason we try to pull as close as possible to the square footage requested on your Purchase Order. Overage will be kept within the industry standard of 10% of the ordered quantity.
Does Tiger Leather practice sustainability?
Yes! Tiger Leather’s tanneries have some of the most environmentally conscious manufacturing processes in the leather industry. Read on for additional information about Tiger’s Sustainability.
In the context of recycling, the production of leather uses a very “green” recycling process. The tanning process starts with the hides and skins, which are byproducts of the meat industry. From there, leather byproduct is used for the shoe industry or for fertilizer which advances the growth of crops. The crops are then used to feed the animals that provide the meat industry with its raw materials, thus creating the perfect recycling loop.
What is the difference between Top Grain and Full Grain?
There is no difference. The equivalence of both terms is recognized by ASTM International, which defines both terms in ASTM D1517 - Standard Terminology Relating to Leather:
Full Grain: having the original grain surface of the skin.
Top Grain: grain side of a split hide from which nothing except the hair and associated epidermis have been removed.
The two terms are used interchangeably to mean leather that has the original grain surface completely intact.