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Faux Leather (PU): What It Is and How to Care for It

Polyurethane (PU) faux leather is one of the most popular materials in home furniture today. It looks great, holds up to everyday life and is easy to care for. Here's what you need to know.

What is PU faux leather?

PU faux leather is a synthetic material made by coating a fabric base with a layer of polyurethane. It's used for furniture, footwear and accessories. You may also see it called:

  • textured PU
  • faux leather or leatherette
  • vegan leather
  • cowboy PU
  • artificial leather

Because 100% PU faux leather is entirely man-made and uses no animal hide, it's considered a vegan material.

Key features

  • Water-resistant: unlike genuine leather, which absorbs water, PU won't.
  • Flexible and lightweight.

Benefits of PU faux leather

  • Durable: unlike genuine leather, PU won't dry out over time.
  • More design options: it can be made in a wide variety of colours, textures and styles.
  • Affordable: it's easier to manufacture, so it costs less than genuine leather.
  • Easy to clean and maintain: because it doesn't absorb water, spills are simple to deal with.

Why is it called "textured PU"?

All of our faux leather styles are made from textured polyurethane. Some have a brushed finish that looks and feels like faux suede, but in the furniture industry they're still called textured PU.

Where you'll find PU faux leather

You'll find it mostly in our seating, including accent chairs, dining chairs, counter and bar stools, benches and ottomans. It also shows up on storage handles and adds a rich finishing touch to some decorative accessories.

How to clean PU faux leather

To avoid water marks when spot-cleaning:

  1. Test your cleaning method on a hidden area first.
  2. Use a small amount of water to dampen the surface.
  3. Gently blot the stain instead of rubbing.
  4. Use a mild detergent or an upholstery cleaner.
  5. Blot the area with a dry cloth afterwards.
  6. Let it air-dry, away from direct heat or sunlight.

Care is the same for all PU faux leathers. For extra protection, you can apply a water-repellent treatment (available at hardware stores), although it isn't necessary.

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Frequently asked questions

What is PU faux leather?

PU faux leather is a synthetic material made by coating a fabric base with polyurethane. It's also known as textured PU, leatherette, vegan leather or artificial leather.

Is PU faux leather vegan?

Yes. 100% PU faux leather is entirely man-made and uses no animal hide, so it's considered vegan.

Is PU faux leather waterproof?

PU faux leather is water-resistant: unlike genuine leather, it doesn't absorb water, which also makes it easy to clean.

Is PU faux leather durable?

Yes. Unlike genuine leather, PU faux leather won't dry out over time, which makes it a durable choice for furniture.

How do I clean PU faux leather?

Test on a hidden area first, lightly dampen the surface with a small amount of water, gently blot the stain with a mild detergent or upholstery cleaner, blot dry with a clean cloth and let it air-dry away from heat or direct sun.

Why does some PU faux leather look like suede?

Some textured PU styles have a brushed finish that gives a faux-suede look. They are still textured PU and are cared for the same way.

Ryan McDonnell