[1] The hide material used in the making of bicast is usually a portion of the fibrous, lower grade of leather that remains when the higher-grade grain layer is split off.
[4] The embossing usually gives the appearance of top grain leather, although it may be smooth depending on the desired finish.
New bicast leather can have a chemical odor, but this typically dissipates about a week after the piece is exposed to air.
[7] Furniture manufacturers say that the main benefit of bicast leather is its surface appearance at a low price.
[5] With constant use, however, the polyurethane layer may crack and split free of its backing, and abrasion may cause large unsightly marks.