Tambotie Upholstery Leather
Tambotie is a premium semi-aniline, semi-corrected buffalo leather that combines natural character with refined durability. Hand-buffed for a suede-like softness, it delivers exceptional strength and a consistently even surface – ideal for high-quality furniture and automotive interiors.
PREMIUM SEMI-ANILINE UPHOLSTERY LEATHER
Tambotie is a premium semi-corrected buffalo leather with a refined, consistent appearance. The semi-aniline finish delivers a natural two-tone effect while ensuring excellent colour consistency and durability across each hide.
Hand-buffed for a subtle, soft texture, Tambotie offers a luxurious suede-like feel without compromising on strength. The buffing process enhances the surface while preserving the natural character of the hide.
With exceptional rub fastness, flexing endurance, and finishing adhesion, Tambotie is equally suited to residential and contract furniture – sofas, armchairs, and bespoke upholstered pieces where quality and longevity matter.
Check Tambotie StockFast response via WhatsAppAvailable Colours
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Premium upholstery for residential and commercial lounge seating where leather character and comfort matter.
Durable and elegant for high-contact seating surfaces in homes and contract environments.
Luxury vehicle interiors where semi-aniline leather quality is specified for a refined, durable finish.
Bedroom and hotel feature pieces with a distinguished leather finish and natural character.
Interior design applications where texture, warmth, and natural character are desired.
Hotels, lounges, offices, and restaurants requiring long-lasting, high-end leather upholstery.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Tambotie leather supplied direct to upholsterers, interior designers, and trade buyers across South Africa.
Individual hides and bulk orders for furniture workshops and custom studios requiring premium aniline leather.
Specify Tambotie for feature furniture, headboards, wall panels, and bespoke contract installations.
Semi-aniline leather for luxury car seats, door panels, and interior trim in high-end vehicle refurbishments.
Hotels, restaurants, and offices requiring durable, full-grain leather upholstery with long service life.
LEATHER PROCESSING & STORAGE
- Maintain internal humidity of 10-12% and process temperatures ≤60°C to preserve mechanical properties.
- Do not stack hides or finished furniture under heavy weight.
- Store hides in dry ambient conditions (15-40°C).
- Avoid solvents, lotions, heat guns, shrink wrapping, or any materials that could react with the leather.
- Natural growth features, colour variations, scars, and insect bites are normal and indicate authenticity.
- Initial leather smell is typical. Colour and structure may vary slightly from samples.
LEATHER CARE
- Keep leather away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Use only recommended leather cleaners and protectors.
- Test cleaning products on a hidden area first.
- Treat spills quickly: blot, gently wipe, then dry and polish with a soft cloth.
- For domestic furniture, clean and re-protect at least every six months.
- For contract furniture, follow a regular maintenance programme as needed.
HOW TO ORDER
Choose from Burgundy, Grey, Olive, Sand, Sea Blue, Tobacco, or Wood. Confirm availability with Lizl before placing your order.
Local courier available throughout South Africa. Exports: Client to arrange collection (Ex Works Midrand).
Stock reserved on quote. Release triggered immediately on cleared EFT. No minimum order on individual hides.
WHY CHOOSE TAMBOTIE LEATHER
The semi-aniline finish delivers a consistent, elegant appearance with a natural two-tone effect – refined durability without masking the leather’s natural character.
The hand-buffing process creates a luxurious suede-like surface feel while preserving the leather’s strength and natural character.
Chrome tanning delivers consistent mechanical properties – excellent rub fastness, flexing endurance, tear strength, and long-term resistance to wear.
Ideal for both domestic and contract furniture – sofas, armchairs, and bespoke upholstered pieces where consistent appearance and durability matter.
Burgundy, Grey, Olive, Sand, Sea Blue, Tobacco, and Wood – a versatile palette of warm and cool tones for diverse design schemes.
Supplied directly from our Midrand warehouse in all 7 colours. Request a sample swatch before committing to a larger order.
QUALITY ASSURED HIDESNATIONWIDE DELIVERYSAMPLE SWATCHES AVAILABLE
READY TO ORDER TAMBOTIE LEATHER?
Individual hides or bulk orders. Contact Lizl directly for stock availability and pricing. We deliver anywhere in South Africa.
TAMBOTIE LEATHER FAQ
What is Tambotie leather?
Tambotie is a premium semi-corrected buffalo leather made from bovine hides using a chrome tanning process. Hand-buffed for a subtle, soft texture, it delivers a luxurious suede-like feel with exceptional durability – ideal for high-quality furniture and interiors.
What is semi-aniline leather?
Semi-aniline leather is finished with a light protective coating over the aniline dye layer. This gives it a consistent, refined appearance and better resistance to staining compared to full aniline leather, while still retaining a natural feel and character.
What colours is Tambotie available in?
Tambotie is available in seven colours: Burgundy, Grey, Olive, Sand, Sea Blue, Tobacco, and Wood – a rich and versatile palette that suit both classic and contemporary interior styles.
What is the average hide size?
The average hide size is approximately 5.5 square metres. As a natural product, individual hide sizes will vary.
What thickness is Tambotie leather?
Tambotie leather has an average thickness of 0.9 to 1.1 mm, suitable for furniture upholstery and automotive interior applications.
Is Tambotie suitable for sofas and furniture?
Yes. Tambotie is ideal for premium furniture upholstery including sofas, armchairs, recliners, dining chairs, and headboards in both residential and commercial environments.
Can Tambotie be used for car seat upholstery?
Yes. Tambotie is suitable for luxury vehicle interior applications including car seats, door panels, and trim in high-end vehicle refurbishments.
Will the colour change over time?
Tambotie has excellent colour fastness as a semi-aniline leather. While the leather will soften and develop character over time, it is more resistant to colour change than full aniline leather. Keep away from prolonged direct sunlight to maintain colour stability.
Are natural marks and variations normal?
Yes. Natural growth marks, insect bites, scars, and colour variation are characteristics of genuine leather and confirm its authenticity. These are not defects.
How do I clean Tambotie leather?
Use only recommended leather cleaners and protectors. For spills, blot immediately, wipe gently, then dry and polish with a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and excessive water. Re-protect at least every six months.
Tambotie Upholstery Leather – Product Reference
| Product name | Tambotie Upholstery Leather |
|---|---|
| Brand | leerSMART by Smart Ikhaya |
| Also known as | semi-aniline leather, buffalo leather, semi-corrected leather, upholstery leather South Africa, furniture leather |
| Raw material | Bovine hides |
| Origin | Exotic |
| Tanning | Chrome tanning |
| Finish | Semi-aniline |
| Effect | Hand-buffed |
| Average hide size | 5.5 square metres |
| Thickness | 0.9 – 1.1 mm |
| Colours | Burgundy, Grey, Olive, Sand, Sea Blue, Tobacco, Wood |
| Applications | Sofas, armchairs, dining chairs, recliners, car seats, door panels, headboards, wall panels, contract furniture, hotel upholstery |
| Supplier | Smart Ikhaya, Midrand, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Delivery | Nationwide delivery throughout South Africa |
| Stock & orders | WhatsApp Lizl: +27 68 601 3155 | lizl@smartikhaya.co.za |
| Technical & pricing | Hugo: +27 68 604 8255 |
