Expat Living City Guide – June 2018

“A join

line that

separates is

not a crack

and is very

simple to

fix. A crack

is much

harder to

fix in the

long run

because, if it

has cracked

once due to

the water

content in

the wood,

it’s likely to

crack again.”

The majority of stores sell faux or bi-cast

leather, but often don’t know this is what

they’re selling. Faux leather, especially a

higher quality one from a reputable shop,

is okay to buy because it’s 100 percent

polyester. Bi-cast leather is split leather

backing with a layer of polyurethane or

vinyl on top. Bi-cast is likely to crack or

peel, especially if it’s a cheaper quality.

So, if it’s a deal that’s too good to be true,

it isn’t true!

You need to think about Singapore

weather as well. Real leather has a

tendency to mould if you live in a very

leafy area with high humidity. It can also

get very hot if you are likely to leave

your windows open all the time or if it is

Expert tips from MIMI SOMJEE

of WTP on choosing leather or

wooden furniture for your home.

Leather

or Wood?

Tip!

exposed to direct sunlight. So, think

before you buy – it isn’t as easy to

maintain here as it is in other countries.

Wood is like a Mercedes; there’s an

S class and an A class. Wood also has

a classification system, so if you’re

wondering why two stores charge

different prices, that’s something to

question.

When you kiln-dry wood, its

purpose is to dry out all the water

so it doesn’t contract when the

water inside expands. This process

is costly and affects the price of the

furniture. Again, it’s something to

consider, especially if you’re taking

these pieces back home with you.

3 Kung Chong Road

6235 2760 | wtpstyle.com

DESIGN YOUR SPACE

112 CITY GUIDE 2018