Leather Tiles

Patrick Tobin, Kiley Briggs, and Tyler Brown

Recycled Leather

Applications in Floors, Wall Panels, and Consumer Products

Why Leather?

Tough Aesthetically

Pleasing Easy

Maintenance

Where does Recycled Leather come from? Post Consumer

Products Scraps taken

from factories that produce shoes, belts, furniture, etc.

Applications in Green Design

Used as Floor Tiles

Floor Tiles Continued

http://www.interiorsurfaces.com/Main.shtml

Wall Panels

Similar to Floor Tiles Versatile and Beautiful Material Infinite Texturing Possibilities

Installation of Leather

Wall tiles can be mounted on nearly any surface. Floor tiles can be mounted on concrete or plywood

Must acclimate to site for two weeks prior to installation to avoid expansion and contraction

Otherwise, installation much like conventional tiles

Complete instructions can be found here:http://www.spinneybeck.com/images/PrintedMat/Factsheets/Large/TileInst-Maint06.pdf

Interesting Facts

Wear and tear ad to beauty of tiles Floor tiles can last up to 30 years Tiles should not require regular waxing and

rather can just be dusted or spot cleaned when necessary (see maintenance)

The Economics of Leather

The cost of a leather floor is comparable to excellent quality hardwood or custom wool carpet.

The wear and tear on leather is very similar to that of hardwood floors

Unlike the hardwood, leather will develop a rich sheen produced by age.

Pros

Leather tiles create a luxurious environment that is both warm and welcoming.

Their versatility allows interiors to be either contemporary or traditional.

A leather floor or wall provides an inviting aroma. Warm and soft to the touch. Leather tiles help absorb sound. The leather tiles are also naturally fire retardant.

cons

Floor tiles are not recommended in high moisture areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, entrances and exits to and from outside.

Leather tiles develop a rich patina over time, but are affected by traffic levels as well as sunlight and humidity, just like fine pieces of furniture.

Not recommended for environments that are extremely dry, with less than 20% average humidity, or in direct sunlight.

Not all companies use Recycled leather

Maintenance

Beeswax Carnauba Wax Butchers Wax

Sources Used

http://www.interiorsurfaces.com/Main.shtml http://materialicio.us/tag/leather http://chicago.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/gr

een-ideas/green-idea-recycled-leather-tiles-by-ecodomo-025896

http://architypereview.com/ar_v02_n01_products.html#prod3

http://blackstockleather.com/FAQs/ http://www.edelmanleather.com/tiles_faq.htm