New Couch...What material is the best?

So we are about to make a new expensive purchase of a new couch...The old one has had it and we want something that will withstand about another 10 years. We are about to have bubs number 3 and that will make 3 kids under 4yrs...Also we have a staffy who is not usually allowed up on the couch but occasionally she will sneak up if no one is looking but having a short haired coat not a problem..

We are looking at a chaise lounge to fit our room but I am unsure as to what is the best material for wear and tear and cleaning is the most important obviously.....

Anybody out there that can recommend the best fabric to choose?

xx

Leather is easier to clean than fabric.

We have chocolate leather couches which work well with sticky toddler fingers, but I'm unsure if they would be ok with a dog? A dog could potentially scratch or tear the leather... Also, if you buy leather, make sure you get proper full cowhide, not a composite product. We made this mistake with our first lounge and the top layer peeled off :( It was "bicast" leather and we were promised it would last well, they lied :( (it was from John Coote, don't buy from them!) also if you get leather, buy the "leather care kit" as it usually offers extra protection warranty as well.

I agree with the leather being easier to clean - we have leather couches in the family room and then fabric in our "grown ups" lounge. The only problem is that our dog is like yours - not allowed on the couch but I know he sneaks up there sometimes at night when we're all asleep. The leather gets very dirty and oily from him, and there are definite scratches and damage appearing from his claws - he doesn't scratch at it, just weight, him stretching and moving etc.

Omg leather without a doubt! And a good grade of leather! Our couches are a high grade leather and they are 4 yo and have dealt with 2 labs and 2 kids jumping, spewing, spilling, scratching them and look new.

I love my chocolate leather couch!! Was best thing bought just before DS1 was born! So easy to wipe down.

Our dogs are NOT allowed on it, I was worried at the start but they have never tryed to sit on it where as other couch they were always on.

Definitely leather. We will need an extra two lounges suites once our new house is built and we'll be getting all leather. I had considered micro suede when DD1 was little but have since changed my mind and I'm so pleased our current lounge is leather! It's copped a hiding! ;)

I'd have to say leather or else an untreated slip cover you can wash. I'd avoid any stain treated fabrics as the chemicals are nasty for anyone and you really don't want that crap in your home with a little baby.

We just ordered lazboy lounge and two rocker recliners in a luxosuede.

It wasn't too expensive either. We got free delivery and the fabric we brought has an option of fabric protection.

I think with lazboy lounges you get 10 years warranty on the framework and foams, 5 years on fabric (with fabric protection warranty) and lifetime on mechanism in the lounges.

Check them out. If you would like info pm me xx

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We are close to replacing ours and I would either go with a very good quality treated microsuede or leather. Ours is nearly 9 years old and although the arms are worn it still looks really great for it's age. Cusions are still firm, back cushions are a bit tired looking but still great for 9 years old really! We have had red wine, spew, poo, pens, crayons etc. marked all over them since having the kids (and wine before hand ;) ) and they all wipe off. To freshen it up even now I spray with water and euc oil and they come up wonderfully. Mmm maybe I won't get leather! Ours was a set from HN and 9 years ago cost $2500 for a 3 and 2 seater but well worth it.

We have micro suede. We purposely didn't buy leather, because I hate the "feel" of it. My MIL has a very expensive leather couch, and it's just icky to sit on (in MY opinion, that is ;)) It's hot to sit on in summer (and your skin sticks to it when you sit on it for more than 2 minutes :rofl:) and FREEEEZING to sit on in winter (takes a good 10 min before the couch takes on your body temp... brrrr)... So needless to say I wanted to avoid smooth leather. I didn't want cotton blend fabric ones, because they get dirty wayy to easily. So we bought micro suede and I LOVE it! It's soft and comfy both in summer and winter. And we have no issues with stains. It's remarkable how stain resistant it is. I mean, I sat on chocolate and it melted into the fabric = washed right out! I spilled red wine = wash right out. I accidentally marked it with a biro, a pen and a highlighter = washed right out. Then there were some pizza incidences (oily cheese and all), coke, pasta sauce etc etc... You name it, it's been on our couch! (we didn't have space for a dining table in our last flat :rolleyes: so to my dismay all meals had to be eaten on the couch). The couch still looks new.

EDIT: The point was that micro suede is awesome, not that I'm a PIG! :rofl: Just wanted to clarify. :lol:

Leather for sure!

LMAO @ Raupe.....that made me giggle!!

Looks like the consensus is leather or microsuede!

I'm not a big fan of the feel of leather either but I am definately going to check some out and sit on god knows how many! I am going to wait till this bubs arrives as knowing my luck my waters will probably break while I'm on the couch....lol....

Thanks for all the input and advice, I trawled through google trying to find the best option but this has been even better getting it straight from the horses mouth...not that you are horses..just a figure of speech ;-)

I will let you know what I end up with!!

kudu leather here ~ supposed to be 10 times harder wearing than cowhide.

So we ended up with a 6 seater modular in chocolate platinum suede!! Very happy with the way it cleans up! Once the kids are older and the dog we will be purchasing a leather couch for sure :-) but in the meantime this one is just perfect! Thanks for all the input and who knew couch shopping could be so exhausting!!!

I have to admit that leather is durable, but if you get it you have to make sure its great quality. But be warned the dogs claws could rip it in places through jumping up.

We have just got rid of our leather lounge and replaced it with a thick fabric that is tougher than the leather was. I have to admit Im in love with the new lounge a lot more than I was with the leather lounge. If you get fabric, make sure you get it protected with the spray stuff. Also with leather would be a great idea if you have a rug or something where the dog is only allowed to be on, so you can stop its claws from digging in.