Est. Reading Time: 7 Mins
Choosing the right fabric upholstery is one of the most important steps when investing in new furniture. Your choice affects not only how your sofa or sectional looks but also how it feels, how long it lasts, and how easy it is to care for.
As Mary Lee Smyth, Interior Designer at La-Z-Boy Kingston, explains: “People are often surprised by how much fabric selection impacts comfort and longevity. A beautiful sofa in the wrong fabric can feel impractical within months, while the right performance fabric can last for years without losing its appeal.”
This guide is designed as your all-in-one resource on La-Z-Boy fabrics, helping you understand grades, specialty options, care tips, and the differences between cloth and leather.
In This Article...
When people first learn that La-Z-Boy fabrics are assigned letter grades, they often assume the grading system works like a school report card. In reality, every grade from B through Q represents a different balance of price, durability, weave, and texture. A B-grade fabric may be more affordable, but it still meets La-Z-Boy’s standards for quality and comfort. A Q-grade fabric is often made with premium materials and complex weaves, which is why it carries a higher price.
As Mary Lee explains, “Grading isn’t about good or bad. It’s about options. A higher grade might offer more intricate texture or advanced durability, but even entry-level fabrics are crafted to last and to look great in your home.”
La-Z-Boy considers several factors when assigning fabric grades:
Beyond grades, La-Z-Boy categorizes fabrics into three wearability levels to make selection easier:
Understanding the grading system helps you set realistic expectations for cost, style, and durability. For example, a C-grade fabric may be ideal for a loveseat in a quiet sitting room, while a G-grade performance fabric is more suitable for a sectional that receives daily use from kids and pets.
This system allows Ottawa, Gatineau and Kingston customers to match fabrics to both lifestyle and budget without worrying that a lower grade means poor quality. Every option still meets La-Z-Boy’s high standards, but the range provides flexibility for different homes and lifestyles.
To learn more about Which Fabric is Most Durable, take a look at this article.
Select Fabrics are “married” to specific furniture frames. This means that when you purchase a sofa or recliner with a Select Fabric, the fabric comes at no extra charge. The catch is that Select Fabrics are limited to certain pieces. If you fall in love with a Select Fabric but want to use it on a different model, it won’t be available.
As Mary Lee explains, “Select Fabrics are perfect for customers who want great value without getting overwhelmed by too many choices. The quality is still excellent, but the options are tied to specific frames to keep costs lower.”
Custom Fabrics represent the full range of La-Z-Boy upholstery. These fabrics are not tied to a single frame, which means you can apply them to almost any sofa, sectional, loveseat, or recliner. Custom Fabrics do add to the price, but they open up hundreds of possibilities for colour, texture, and performance.
Mary adds, “Custom Fabrics are about personalization. If you want your furniture to be uniquely yours, Custom Fabrics give you the flexibility to choose the exact look and performance features that fit your lifestyle.”
Both options uphold La-Z-Boy’s quality standards, so you can feel confident no matter which path you take. The decision often comes down to whether you prioritize value and convenience or personalization and flexibility.
To learn more about the Quality of La-Z-Boy Furniture, take a look at this article.
La-Z-Boy is well known for offering performance fabrics that are designed to withstand the challenges of real life while still looking stylish. These fabrics are engineered for households with kids, pets, frequent guests, or anyone who wants furniture that looks good without requiring constant upkeep.
As Mary Lee often says, “When you’re investing in furniture that will see daily use, choosing the right performance fabric is just as important as choosing the right frame. It protects your comfort and your investment long term.”
Here are the specialty performance fabrics available at La-Z-Boy today.
Innovative iClean Technology surrounds each fibre, creating a barrier that repels spills before they turn into stains. These fabrics are perfect for families and those who entertain frequently.
Tested and formulated to withstand the scratches and wear that pets can cause, ensuring a durable and easily washable fabric.
These fabrics have antimicrobial properties that protect against mould, mildew, and odour-causing bacteria, ensuring a healthier living environment.
Conserve Sustainable Fabrics are soft, durable, and made from recycled water bottles, offering an environmentally friendly option without sacrificing quality.
Restore by Nanobionic® features a mineral-based fabric coating that transforms natural body heat into energy using infrared technology, providing added comfort and health benefits.
These comfortable and resilient fabrics can withstand diluted bleach products for the toughest stains.
For many customers, the real question isn’t whether to choose fabric, but whether fabric or leather upholstery will better fit their needs. Both options offer unique benefits.
As Mary Lee explains, “It’s not about fabric versus leather as competitors. It’s about understanding which option supports your lifestyle. Families often lean toward performance fabrics, while those who want timeless elegance and easy maintenance are drawn to leather.”
|
Fabric Upholstery |
Leather Upholstery |
|
|
Pros |
- Wide range of colours, textures, and patterns - Softer and cozier feel - Generally more affordable - Highly customizable with many options |
- Luxurious and sophisticated look - Extremely durable with proper care - Easy to clean with a damp cloth - Naturally hypoallergenic, resists dust and dander |
|
Cons |
- Requires more maintenance (vacuuming, spot cleaning) - May wear faster than leather in high-traffic areas, depending on fabric grade |
- Higher upfront cost - Sensitive to temperature (can feel cold in winter, warm in summer) - Fewer colour and pattern choices compared to fabric |
Fabric is ideal for those who value variety, comfort, and affordability, while leather appeals to those who want timeless elegance, durability, and easier upkeep.
Mary often recommends a blend: “A fabric sectional in the living room paired with a leather accent chair in the study gives you the best of both worlds.”
To learn more about the Difference Between Fabric vs. Leather, take a look at this article.
No matter which fabric you choose, proper care and maintenance will keep your furniture looking fresh for years.
As Mary Lee explains, “The right fabric can handle daily life beautifully, but every fabric lasts longer when it’s cared for. A few simple habits can make a big difference in how your sofa looks five or ten years from now.”
To learn about More Furniture Care Tips, take a look at this article.
Every La-Z-Boy fabric comes with a cleaning code that tells you how to treat spills or stains safely. Fabrics labelled with a W code can be cleaned with water-based solutions such as mild soap and water.
Fabrics with an S code require solvent-based cleaners, since water can cause damage. Fabrics with an X code should not be cleaned with liquids at all; instead, they should only be vacuumed or brushed lightly. Knowing these codes before purchasing ensures you choose a fabric that aligns with your preferred level of upkeep.
To learn more about How to Clean La-Z-Boy Fabrics, take a look at this article.
To keep fabric looking fresh, regular maintenance is key. Vacuuming with an upholstery attachment removes dust, crumbs, and pet hair that naturally accumulate.
Rotating and flipping cushions, when possible, helps ensure even wear across the piece. Brushing fabrics occasionally with a soft brush also prevents dirt buildup and keeps fibres looking neat. These small steps, when done consistently, make upholstery last longer.
Performance fabrics like iClean are designed to resist stains, but even they benefit from prompt attention. Mary emphasizes, “Even with stain-resistant technology, the longer a spill sits, the harder it is to remove. Blotting immediately is always the safest approach.”
Over time, all fabrics benefit from professional cleaning. This helps lift deep-set dirt, refreshes the appearance, and extends the overall lifespan of the upholstery.
Pilling occurs when small fibre balls form on the surface due to friction. Regular vacuuming helps reduce the chance of pilling, and a fabric shaver can safely remove any that appear. For households especially concerned about this, La-Z-Boy’s performance fabrics are engineered to resist pilling altogether.
To learn more about Fabric Pilling, take a look at this article.
Even though many La-Z-Boy fabrics already feature protective coatings, applying an additional fabric protector can add peace of mind. For families with kids or pets, this extra step offers added insurance against spills and daily wear.
La-Z-Boy values furniture customization, offering numerous fabric upholstery covers to choose from. This wide variety allows customers to personalize their furniture and create unique pieces for their stylish homes.
If you’re still having a hard time making your decision, consult with a design consultant or an interior designer. Our designers are always eager to lend a helping hand, especially when helping you choose the right fabric or leather cover for your furniture.
To speak to one of our consultants or designers today, visit us at any of our local Ottawa, Gatineau & Kingston locations. You can also book an appointment online before coming in.
For more information on La-Z-Boy products, check out these helpful articles:
By exploring these resources and visiting our stores, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed decision and find the perfect fabric that combines comfort, style, and functionality. Thank you for considering La-Z-Boy, where we strive to provide the best in-home comfort and design.
Related Articles:
How to Choose the Right Sofa Colour
How to Mix Fabric & Leather Furniture
Scotchgard vs iClean: Which Fabric is Best For You