Just another analogy that perhaps may be helpful, for the spectrum: Full-grain leather - Lumber Top-grain leather - Lumber is cut, sanded and lacquer sealed

Just another analogy that perhaps may be helpful, for the spectrum: Full-grain leather - Lumber Top-grain leather - Lumber is cut, sanded and lacquer sealed Genuine leather - MDF/HDF Bonded leather - Lowest-quality fiberboard (i.e. mostly glue)