Below you will find a selection of bullet point FAQ’s to help you buy leather online.
How do I buy leather online?
Ordering anything online can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to more specialist products like leather. But that’s where we come in – we’re always on hand to offer help and advice. Our staff have a combined experience of over 30 years, so feel free to browse the website, and if at any point you get stuck or are unsure, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via phone or email. If you’re nearby you can always arrange a visit to our warehouse to get some hands-on experience with the leather.
How is the leather sold?
All prices quoted online include VAT. We sell the leather by the cut. Different leathers come in different cuts, be that a shoulder, side, butt or whole hide. All hides are individual, and are all slightly different in terms of sizes, shape and markings. To learn more about the different cuts we offer, click here.
Is there discount for bulk orders?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to order a large amount of leather, in excess of 100ft/article, please contact us and we’ll see if there’s anything we can do on the price.
How much is UK delivery?
Next day delivery, up to 20KGS, to a standard UK address is £12.60 (excluding Highlands & Islands). You can get a delivery quote for any leather in your basket, simply enter your delivery postcode and click “Calculate Shipping” and it will confirm the total delivery price.
Do you offer international delivery?
Yes! We’re happy to send our leather everywhere and anywhere. Just email us with your address, including area code/ZIP code and we’ll get a quote using one of our tracked shipping options. Usually we use UPS or FedEx. We don’t currently offer international shipping through our online shop (we’re working on it, so watch this space!)
When will I receive my order?
All orders placed before 13:00 will be dispatched same working day, unless specified in the product description. Orders to UK Mainland (excluding Highlands & Islands) will be sent on a next working day delivery service (usually FedEx). The majority of orders are delivered next working day. However, we cannot guarantee that your order will be delivered next working day. There may be some unforeseen delays with your delivery, but usually only a day or two. Once the parcel has been dispatched we cannot be held accountable for delays with delivery and we cannot offer any refunds on shipping charges for late delivery. If there is any delay with your delivery, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer services team who will be more than happy to help resolve any issues as quickly as possible, you can do this via telephone: 01535 655111 or email:sales@jwoodleathers.co.uk.
How is leather sold?
At J. Wood Leathers, our Leather is typically sold by the square foot rather than by length or piece. However, due to the natural and irregular shapes of hides, not every square foot is equally usable. This means it’s important to factor in a bit of extra material for each project.
Why are leather hides different shapes and sizes?
Each hide comes from a real animal, which means no two are exactly alike. The natural shape of the hide can include curves, and depending on grade, the useable surface of the skin may include scars, holes, and other imperfections, so careful planning is needed when cutting and laying out your patterns.
What are the different types of leather cuts?
Leather is available in a variety of cuts depending on the part of the animal used. Whole hides are the full piece. Butts are taken from the rear of the animal and are very strong. Sides are one half of a hide, cut down the spine. Shoulders are from the neck to the upper leg area. Click here for more information.
How is leather thickness measured?
At J Wood Leathers, we measure leather thickness in millimetres using precise gauges or callipers. Because thickness can vary slightly across a hide, we provide thickness ranges rather than a single measurement.
What thickness do I need for my project?
This depends on what you’re making. We stock ranges for a huge variety of projects and applications, from lining leathers at 0.8mm, right the way through to 5.0mm for heavy duty projects. If you need advice on which thickness you require, please don’t hesitate to contact us one of our team will be happy to help.
How do I estimate how much leather I need?
Measure the surface area of your pattern or project, then add 10–25% extra to allow for waste, natural flaws, and layout inefficiencies. This extra ensures you’ll have enough usable leather for your design. For more info on how much leather you may need, please see here.
What’s the ‘waste factor’ and why is it important?
Leather is a natural product and can include holes, scars, rough patches, or oddly shaped edges. The waste factor refers to the portion of a hide that may not be usable. We recommend adding extra to your order: 10–15% for precise cuts, and 20–25% or more for small, irregular items.
Does leather thickness affect how much I need?
Yes, thicker leather is sturdier but less flexible, which can make layout and cutting more challenging. Thinner leathers are more adaptable but may require lining or reinforcement depending on the item being made.
Should I buy extra leather for prototypes or backups?
Absolutely. Especially when you’re learning or refining skills or design, having extra leather lets you make mistakes, test different techniques, or create backups without impacting your final product.
Can J Wood Leathers help me choose the right amount and type?
Yes! Our experienced team is always happy to provide advice on leather selection, sizing, and thicknesses to suit your project. Whether you’re a hobbyist or professional, we’re here to help so don’t hesitate to contact us.
What type of leather is best for beginners in leathercraft?
Natural vegetable-tanned leather is an excellent choice for beginners as it is so versatile. It’s easy to carve, emboss, and dye, allowing you to learn core techniques while creating unique, personalised items.
I’m working on soft accessories like bag linings and keychains. What should I use?
We recommend suede splits or pigskin splits. These offer a soft, flexible feel and come in a wide range of colours, making them ideal for layering, linings, and soft detailing.
What’s the difference between vegetable-tanned and chrome-tanned leather?
Vegetable-tanned leather uses natural plant extracts in its tanning process and is ideal for tooling and patina development. Veg tan is often considered the more sustainable and environmentally friendly method. Chrome-tanned leather uses modern tanning agents for a softer, and water-resistant finish.
Which leather is best for rugged or vintage-style projects?
Our Rio Waxy Smooth Sides are ideal for rustic, heritage-style work. They’re wax-infused, water-resistant, and develop a beautifully rich patina over time, making them a top choice for workwear, aprons, and vintage accessories.
Do you offer affordable options for practice or small-scale crafting?
Yes – our offcuts and remnants are perfect for budget-conscious crafters or beginners looking to test tools or techniques. They come in a variety of types, colours, and thicknesses. We also offer Eco grade natural veg tan, ideal for beginners.
What’s the highest-quality leather you stock?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! At J. Wood Leathers, we stock a huge amount of top-quality premium leathers. A few of our staff favourites include: our full-grain Chrome Tanned Montana Sides, our Premium Grade Natural Veg Tanned Shoulders, our Aniline Cape Shoulders and our Classic Charger Distressed Upholstery Hides.
Can I order samples before buying a full hide?
Yes! Infact, we encourage it: It’s the best way to ensure you’ve selected the right material for your project. If you want to see full colour ranges, we offer sample packs so you can see and feel the leather before committing to a full-size piece. If you want to request a specific cutting of a colour or article, we can send a limited number free of charge, just get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help.
How do I know which thickness or finish is best for my craft?
Whether you’re working on belts, bags, bookbinding or anything else, our team can help recommend suitable leathers. We’re happy to advise in person, over the phone, or online.
Where can I browse or buy your craft leather?
You can browse our full leather range online or visit our warehouse in person. We highly recommend coming in to see and feel the leather – nothing beats a hands-on experience.
Do you sell to the public, or just to trade customers?
We supply both trade and retail customers. Whether you’re a business, artisan, or first-time crafter, we’re happy to help you find the right leather.
Can I visit your warehouse in person?
Yes – we love to welcome visitors! When it comes to leather, you can’t beat a hands-on approach. Please contact us ahead of time to arrange your visit so we can ensure someone is available to help you. For more info on visiting our warehouse, see here.
What types of leather do you stock?
Our range includes vegetable-tanned, chrome-tanned, suede, pigskin, full-grain, waxy, embossed, and upholstery leathers. We also offer offcuts, clearance stock, and special lots for budget-friendly crafting.
Do you have any special offers or clearance stock?
We regularly update our clearance and special lots section with discounted leathers. Check out our current offerings here. Follow us on social media and sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest offers.
What if I need help after purchasing?
Customer service is important to us. If you have any questions or concerns about your order, don’t hesitate to get in touch – we’re always here to assist.
Are all your leathers listed online?
No! Try as we might, we’re working on it, but we’re constantly getting in new ranges and stock lots, so not all our leathers are listed online. If you’re struggling to find the leather you need, then please get in touch and we’ll check stocks to find something suitable for your needs.
Do you sell leatherworking tools?
Not yet but watch this space August 2025!
Do you sell leather dyes and liquids?
Yes! We stock a large selection of high quality Fiebing’s Leather products including pro-dye, leather colours, vintage gels, antique finish, edge kote and many more.
Do you sell fixtures and fittings for leathercraft?
Not yet but coming very soon.
Who is behind J. Wood Leathers?
J. Wood leathers is a family run, Yorkshire based business, originally established by husband & wife team: Julian & Margaret Wood back in the 80’s. Since 2024, the company has been led by their son Jack and his enthusiastic, hardworking team – you can meet them here.
Do you offer discounts for bulk purchases?
Depends on what it is! We already price our leather and hides to be as affordable and cost effective as possible. However, if you require a bulk amount of a specific article, please contact our team with details and we will see if any discount is available.