Leather is not sold in sheets or rolls as fabric is; it comes directly from the hide. Every hide will have an irregular shape and be a different size. The average hide size is 50 - 55 square feet. However, this is an average so some hides may be slightly smaller or slightly larger.
Industry norm is that ONE LINEAR YARD in a 54” width is equivalent to 18 square feet of leather (based on a 50 - 55 square foot hide). Although the actual area of a linear yard is 13.5 square feet, the difference is due to the irregular shape of the hide which limits the size of panels which can be cut.
The following guide will help you calculate how much leather is needed however it is always best to confirm amounts with your upholsterer or installer.
1 linear yard = 1 x 18 = 18 square feet
2 linear yards = 2 x 18 = 36 square feet
3 linear yards = 3 x 18 = 54 square feet
4 linear yards = 4 x 18 = 72 square feet
5 linear yards = 5 x 18 = 90 square feet
6 linear yards = 6 x 18 = 108 square feet
7 linear yards = 7 x 18 = 126 square feet
8 linear yards = 8 x 18 = 144 square feet
9 linear yards = 9 x 18 = 162 square feet
10 linear yards = 10 x 18 = 180 square feet
and so on.
Reupholstering a chair which needs 6.5 yards of fabric will require 117 square feet of leather (6.5 x 18) which is approximately 2 large hides. We prefer that you order in square feet (or linear yards) rather than number of hides due to the variance in hide sizes.
If you require extra large panels, these may not be possible in some leathers.
The more “Signatures of Nature” incorporated into the cutting and design, the greater the utilisation factor of the hide.
As hide sizes vary, we will endeavour to ship amounts as close as possible to that ordered but quantities may vary +/- 10% (or possibly more on smaller orders). Minimum order is one hide.
Contact us if you need assistance calculating your needs.