Hi Maureen,
If you really want one that will stand up, look for recliners made using a Leggett and Platt mechanism:
http://www.homefurniturecomponents.com/motion.asp
That's the best in the industry and comes with a lifetime warranty on the mechanism. Then after that, a hardwood frame, that is doweled, screwed and glued. That's as good as they make them. After that, if you keep the leather clean and out of direct sunlight you should be good to go. Brands I have that would meet those standards are Bradington Young, Leathercraft and Hancock and Moore. Any of those will have the structural strength to last. Of course the latter two are finer tailored and have better hides to choose from.
My inventory is all on the sales floor, so its practical to get any of them only if within reasonable distance of my store in Alexandria VA. Otherwise its too expensive to ship them via unboxed blanket wrap service. You're in California, yes? Really its more practical and less expensive to order new ones and drop ship them from the factory. H&M closes for a week on DEC 19th for vakay. There's a 70/30 chance to get some pieces made and shipped before then, but the clock is ticking!
I have (11) recliners in stock and (4) Tilt back chairs with matching ottomans
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
My Private Messages are Disabled - Please ask questions here in the forum.