Which holds up better with small children, fabric or leather?

[yeonandjamie]

Currently my husband and I are in the market for sofas/sectionals. We've looked at a number of differents brands/styles/sizes and keep coming back a Hancock and Moore sofa. However, we have 3 small children (4 1/2 yrs., 2 1/2 yrs., 3 mos.) so we really need something durable and easy to clean. Are we crazy to spend the money on something so nice as a Hancock and Moore leather sofa? If so, can anybody recommend some decent quality fabrics and sofa manufacturers?

TIA

[drcollie]

My kids grew up on high quality leather and we still have it in our home. Keep in the Serviceability index of "2" and you should be fine, and it will last long enough for your 3 month old to take it to the first apartment out of college!

[yeonandjamie]

Thanks Duane. And it seems like the general consensus is that leather is a great material with kids. Could you clarify the what you meant by the serviceability index of "2"?

[drcollie]

Leather outlasts fabric by a ratio of 4 to 1, its the nearly ideal material for hard usage as its 'wipe n' go' and won't wear through from normal use, pill or stain with most spills. H&M uses Serviceability grades of:

2 (wipe n' go).
3 (will repel most liquids but oils and household acids may stain it
4 (Untreated and will not repel even water.

[yeonandjamie]

Okay. I saw the numbers on the back of the H&M leather swatches but didn't know what they were (and never asked about them). Also, which H&M leather would you recommend (I was told to go for a grade II or III and had looked at the caress but was told it wasn't recommended as it showed dull and faded)?

[drcollie]

Grades are PRICE grades, not quality or performance grades.

Caress is perfectly adequate and sturdy, but its boring. Its a finished leather, monotone and has a flat-ish finish to it. Would not be my choice.

Look under H&M leather here on the forum for the ones I recommend.

[yeonandjamie]

Will do. Thanks Duane!