Re: Austin 8134nb 1021 Wing and Other Questions
I don't know what a rational price would be but I can tell you what I sell that piece for! Currently the # 8134NB Austin in Document Chestnut is $ 2,239 plus delivery charges. On Jan 11th, that price will increase to $ 2,309 ( $ 70 increase). This is in the Town and Country Promotion and in married cover. As a regular class 2 leather, the piece is currently $ 3,360. I don't have the 2010 main price list currently at home (where I am answering this from).
The # 1021 Woodbridge in Document Chestnut is currently $ 1,175.
Why not get the Austin Tilt Back chair and ottoman? That's a fantastic combo...the # 2032NB ( $ 1,399 in Doc Chest) and # 8131NB ($ 503 in Doc Chest). Or you can get the standard Austin Recliner # 3032 ($ 1,469 in Doc Chest). I'm partial to the tilt backs myself, but you do have to have room for the ottoman.
I'd say that that Austin Recliner is COMPARABLE to the sofa. Not exactly the same, but close enough. It is a wall hugger model as well.
What's the most durable leather? Thats hard to say because most all should go 20 years or more. How you take care of it has more to do with durability than the leather series itself. Its all about keeping the hide clean. And the so many other factors come into play as well. What good is durability if it feels like plastic?
My picks by grade for durability as a primary selection, and then luxury, hand and appearance as secondary concerns:
Class 1: Columbia : Best overall hide in entry level leather
Class 2: Aspen, Berkshire, the new Portfino series
Class 3: Equestrian, Luggage, Antelope
Document is a FINISHED hide, and H&M does sell a lot of it. Its a thin-cut leather, and supple. Not my favorite leather by a long shot (its a very processed leather), but I do acknowledge that in T&C it offers a considerable price advantage. It does not tend to scratch.
Yes, we can trim an inch off the leg of a # 1021 Recliner. Usually there is a nominal upcharge to do so.
Be careful ordering 'the firmest' cushions! You might find yourself re-buying softer ones. H&M can offer you Plus 1, Plus 2, Plus 3 and Plus 4 firmness upgrades at no charge. I do not recommend more than a Plus 1 upgrade. Every single customer that has requested the Plus 3 and 4's have regretted it, and many buy another set of standard cores to replace their Plus firmness ones. No extra charge for firmness upgrades.
You can request Q21 cores for the # 8134NB, which are 'extra full'. These will fill the void and cause them to be puffy when new, but once they break in a little they're usually very nice. No extra charge for these.
The forum is all about questions! And answers! Never be afraid to ask too many.....
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
My Private Messages are Disabled - Please ask questions here in the forum.