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PU leather looks like genuine leather but costs less. Learn what it’s made of, how it compares, and its pros and cons.
The soft sheen of PU leather catches light differently than genuine leather, creating an almost plastic-like gleam across the surface.
This synthetic material (made from polyurethane-coated polyester fabric) fills shop windows and furniture showrooms across Britain, masquerading as its pricier cousin, and British manufacturers started using it heavily in the 1960s; its popularity hasn't waned since then.
A standard sofa needs about 15 square metres of material, making PU leather's £8-12 per metre price tag quite attractive compared to real leather's £30-45 range. The material shows up in car seats, handbags, furniture upholstery and fashion bits, but it doesn't age like genuine leather; that's the catch.
After about 2-3 years of regular use, the polyurethane coating might start peeling away from its fabric base, and it doesn't breathe well either, making it rather sticky on warm days.
While it resists water splashes and wipes clean easily, PU leather needs gentle care with just a damp cloth and mild soap, best to avoid direct sunlight too.
What is PU Leather?
Credits: BTODtv
The glossy surface of PU leather catches attention in British shops everywhere, a synthetic creation that's become quite common these days.
This material (properly called polyurethane leather) uses a polyester base with a polyurethane coating on top, making it look similar to real leather but at a fraction of the cost.
Common types found in shops:
- Fully synthetic version (100% artificial, no animal products)
- Bicast leather (genuine leather base with plastic coating)
The price difference tells the story really, with PU leather costing about £10 per metre while genuine leather runs up to £40 or more. The synthetic version starts showing wear after a couple of years of use, though, and the coating might separate from its base material.
But for those wanting something that looks proper without the hefty price tag PU leather does make sense, even if it won't last as long as the real thing.
How is PU Leather Made?
The factory lines churning out PU leather look nothing like traditional tanneries, with their chemical vats and modern machinery replacing the age-old leather-making process. This synthetic material comes together through a layered approach that's quite different from genuine leather production.
Main production stages:
- Polyester fabric forms the base layer, giving strength
- A polyurethane coating gets applied on top
- Manufacturers add textures and colours at the end
Some factories add a bit of foam between the layers, about 2-3 millimetres thick, which makes the material feel softer to the touch.
The whole process takes roughly 48 hours from start to finish, compared to genuine leather's weeks-long tanning process. Unlike real leather though, PU leather does not develop that nice aged look over time, and the surface stays pretty much the same until it starts wearing out.
The manufacturing happens mostly in large factories across Asia, where massive rolls of material move through different stations for each layer. The process uses quite a bit of chemicals and synthetic materials, which isn't exactly good for the environment, but it's cheaper and faster than traditional leather making.
Pros and Cons of PU Leather
PU leather sits in an interesting spot between proper leather and basic plastic materials, with quite a mix of good and not-so-good features. The material's grown popular in British shops because it offers some decent benefits, even if it's not perfect.
What's Good About It:
- Costs about £10-15 per metre (genuine leather runs £40+)
- Wipes clean with just a damp cloth
- Comes in any colour you'd fancy
- Don't need special cleaners or conditioners
The Not-So-Good Bits:
- Starts peeling after 2-3 years of regular use
- Made from oil-based materials
- Gets quite sticky in summer weather
- Sometimes, it has this chemical smell that lingers
The material works well enough for things that don't see heavy use or need replacing every few years. Most British manufacturers reckon it's best suited for occasional-use furniture or accessories that aren't meant to last decades. The price makes it tempting, but anyone expecting it to last like real leather might end up disappointed.
Common Uses of PU Leather
PU leather fills shops and homes across Britain, its synthetic sheen catching the eye in everyday places. The material (a polyurethane-coated fabric) brings an accessible alternative to genuine leather, though it doesn't last quite as long.
Most common spots where PU leather shows up:
- Furniture makers use tonnes of it each year, covering sofas that cost £299 to £899 in shops
- Car manufacturers layer it across seats and dashboards, especially in models under £25,000
- Fashion brands stitch it into bags selling for £15 to £50 at high street shops
- Chair makers use lots of it, producing comfortable home office chairs that are created from PU Leather.
The material works brilliantly in British weather; water beads right off and a quick wipe sorts most spills. Restaurant owners particularly favour it; their busy venues need something that cleans fast between customers, and PU leather does exactly that.
But there's more to it than just practicality, the finish comes in colours that real leather can't match. Deep purples, bright whites, and even metallic finishes that catch the light just so.
Manufacturing processes create these effects at a fraction of genuine leather's cost, which makes it dead useful for businesses watching their spending.
The stuff isn't perfect, mind you; after a few years, it might start peeling in high-wear spots. Still beats paying four times more for the real thing, especially in places where it needs changing every few years anyway.
How to Care for PU Leather
Looking after PU leather furniture such as sofas or home office chairs does not need to be complicated, but it does need regular attention to stop it going manky. The synthetic coating (made from polyurethane mixed with various plasticizers) needs different care than what you'd give to real leather.
Basic care steps that work:
- Mix up a cleaning solution using warm water and washing-up liquid, about 1 tablespoon per 500ml
- Give it a good wipe down every fortnight, especially them bits where people sit most
- Keep furniture at least 50cm away from radiators and sunny windows
The stuff really suffers in British homes during summer, when temperatures can reach 30°C inside. Heat makes the coating go all stretchy and weak, then it starts peeling off like sunburnt skin. Most damages happen around July and August, when direct sun hits through windows.
Some shops sell special PU leather cleaners for £8 to £15 a bottle, but regular soap does the job just fine. The main thing is keeping it clean and not letting dirt build up in the creases; that's what makes it crack faster.
Watch out for those pound shop cleaning sprays; they might look like a bargain, but the harsh chemicals eat right through the coating. Stick to gentle cleaning, regular wiping, and keeping it out of hot spots - that's what makes it last.
Making the Right Choice
Picking materials for furniture or clothes needs proper thinking, especially when PU leather sits next to other choices in shops. The material (a synthetic blend that costs about £8-15 per metre) offers something different to each shopper.
Who might want PU leather:
- People with £200-£500 for a new sofa, rather than £2,000 plus
- Students furnishing first flats, where stuff might not need to last forever
- Shops fitting out spaces that need quick cleaning between customers
The animal-free aspect draws lots of attention, though it's not all sunshine and roses. Manufacturing PU leather creates plastic waste, and the stuff doesn't break down properly in landfills.
Some newer options like mushroom leather (costing £30-45 per metre) solve both the animal and planet problems, but they cost loads more.
Real leather lasts ages, maybe 15 to 20 years if looked after properly. PU leather might give you 3 to 5 years before showing wear. But then again, styles change faster now, so maybe that's long enough.
Money talks, though, and PU leather speaks the right language for tight budgets. Just don't expect it to last forever, and keep the receipt if someone promises it will.
Boulies’s Best-Selling PU Leather Office Chairs
Office chairs from Boulies blend comfort with durability. Their collection features Ultraflex PU leather, creating a soft yet tough surface that doesn't crack or fade. The chairs offer ergonomic support through adjustable parts (lumbar support, armrests, and tilt mechanism), making them suitable for both work and gaming sessions.
Boulies Master (Ultraflex PU)
Credits: boulies.co.uk
The Boulies Master chair commands space like a throne in a modern office, its sporty design catching eyes from across the room. The round-edge cushion cradles users' hips, while the ergonomic shape keeps legs from going numb during long sessions.
Key features that matter:
- PU leather covering that's smooth as butter
- Armrests that shift in 4 directions for proper support
- Tilt mechanism that rocks and reclines
- Sturdy aluminium base with extra-large wheels
The chair follows body movements naturally, adapting to different positions throughout the day. With 929 reviews averaging 4.72 out of 5 stars, users keep mentioning how it is built to last.
The adjustable back support slides up and down to match different spine curves, making sure the chair fits like a glove. Whether this is for intense gaming sessions or long work days, this chair handles both without breaking a sweat.
Boulies Master Rex (Ultraflex PU)
Credits: boulies.co.uk
The Boulies Master Rex looms in office spaces like a modern throne, complete with a sneaky leg rest that pops out when needed. Its round cushion edges spread weight about, keeping legs from going dead during marathon sits.
Proper good bits:
- Tilts back between 95° and 165° for different positions
- Leg rest that hides away when not wanted
- Fancy aluminium arms that shift four ways
- Rocks 15° to keep folks moving
Wrapped in either posh PU leather or fabric that does not mind spills, this chair means business. The back support slides up and down to match different spine shapes, making long desk sessions less of a bother.
They ship it free in England, give two years to fix any niggles, and let you send it back within two weeks if it is not right. Dead useful for anyone stuck at a desk all day, no matter if this is for work or games.
Boulies Elite (Ultraflex PU)
Credits: boulies.co.uk
There is just something striking about a chair that does not need extra pillows. The Boulies Elite stands firm with its flat seat cushion, a design choice that makes perfect sense for long sitting periods. The backrest curves just right, matching how the spine naturally sits.
Key features that make it special:
- 8-way adjustable aluminium armrests (proper positioning for any desk setup)
- Multi-tilt mechanism with height control and rocking function
- XL PU casters that roll smoothly on most surfaces
- Premium Ultraflex PU leather that's built to last
The chairs have proper credentials too, with 420 customers giving it 4.8 out of 5 stars. This is just about the numbers, though - the build quality shows in every part, from the solid aluminium base to the water-resistant materials.
There is a two-year limited warranty and 14 days to return it if this is not your cup of tea. Bit posh for some, maybe, but it's built properly for folks who need serious support.
Conclusion
PU leather shows up everywhere these days, its shiny surface fooling most eyes at first glance. The stuff (made from plastic-coated fabric) costs about £8-15 per metre, while real leather runs £50-100. It covers sofas in display windows and car seats in showrooms, looking proper posh for less dosh.
But there's a catch - it doesn't last forever. After a few years, it starts peeling like old wallpaper. Good for a quick fix or tight budget, but eco-type enjoyers might want to look at other options.
FAQ
Why does polyurethane leather have that odd chemical smell when new?
The manufacturing process of PU leather releases volatile organic compounds that create that distinct smell. The polyurethane coating and synthetic materials used in production cause this effect, but it usually fades after proper air circulation for a few weeks. Some cheaper versions might keep that plastic smell longer due to additional chemicals in their make.
How does water resistance compare between PU and genuine leather?
PU leather actually handles water better than natural leather, thanks to its synthetic material construction. A drop of water beads right off instead of soaking in. But try not to leave it soaking - while the surface layer repels water nicely, the fabric base underneath might still get damp if proper care isn't taken.
What makes some PU leather feel more like real leather than others?
The surface finish and base fabric make all the difference. Higher-quality PU leather uses better fabric layers and more sophisticated polyurethane coating processes. The manufacturing process affects the tactile experience, too - some makers add texture patterns that match genuine grain patterns found in animal hide.
Is PU leather really helping with environmental concerns?
While PU leather avoids animal products, its environmental impact is not that brilliant. The production process uses fossil fuels and creates plastic pollution. Though it is a vegan alternative, the synthetic materials and toxic chemicals used raise environmental implications. Some newer sustainable alternatives like mushroom leather might offer better eco-friendly options.
How long before PU leather shows signs of wear?
With heavy wear, PU leather typically starts showing its age after 2-3 years. The layer of polyurethane might crack or peel, especially in furniture upholstery that gets lots of use. Its lack of durability compared to genuine leather means it needs replacing more often, though proper care can extend its life a bit.
