Classic Leather is also handmade in NC. Classic uses a mixture of hardwoods not all of their frames are solid and not all of their frames are true 8-way hand-tied, it depends on the style. Bradington Young is more economical because they use a multiply laminated hardwood frame in place of the solid knot free kiln dried hardwood frames used by Leathercraft. Bradington Young is now a division of Hooker Furniture rather than a family owned business like both Classic and Leathercraft are. Both Classic and leathercraft cater to a higher end customer, they are both willing to make custom changes on all their products within reason. Bradington Young is more main stream they cater more to the masses, they do not like to change up patterns and such but are willing to make subtle changes to their frames like adding or deleting nail trim and they do offer seating or cushion options like both Leathercraft and Classic. All three of these manufactures are based in North Carolina and build outstanding products and yes we do sell all three brands at our store that is why I can comment on this topic as an expert because we are a leather specialty company and my experience comes from years of working with these exceptional leather furniture manufactures.

Regarding Thomasville... They have two groups of leather construction - Leather Choices (made in China) and the Custom Leather Group (made in USA). Thomasville's 8-way hand-tied springs (a dying art only as good as the person tying) have been replace on many sofas with individual pocketed coils. Most Thomasville stores should have a sample. Flexsteel Manufacturing makes quality reclining furniture. Their blue-steel spring system has a lifetime warranty. Flexsteel also has two versions: American made and their "Latitudes" (China made) versions. The American made versions have a lifetime warranty on their frame, spring system & cushions. I speak from experience... My mother has her Flexsteel leather recliner since 1989 and it's still in fine working order and no problems. Check out the "Chicago" series. Just bought the "Chicago" recliner last year for my father's 80th birthday. The "Oslo" is great if you want to configure two recliners next to each other. Can be configured without the "home theater" look. I know many other people that own the Flexsteel reclining sets and stationary furniture. Some have had them for over 15 years with no problems. Only regret is they didn't purchase leather. Hope this info helps :-) Here is a link that might be useful: Flexsteel American-Made Reclining Sectionals

If you are looking for quality leather furniture, take a look at Leathercraft, Classic or Mckinley. All three of these are American made and 100% top grain everywhere. They are all of Heirloom quality. I think but not certain that Flexsteel does not meet that criteria.

Their are high performance fabrics available that has the durability of leather in your budget. And when you dont buy real leather, your getting a substitute that will not hold up or be very comfortable. Meaning leather needs to breath to be comfortable or its just like a vinyl thats sticky and hot in summer and cold and stiff in winter. You want to spend your budget wisely and bonded leather isnt it, so dont get sold by the sales people at Natuzzi or Macys. Their are corners that will be cut when a manufacturer trys to build a leather sofa sectional at that retail price point. The cushions will not hold up and the frame wont either.