FAQs

The hides

What is the difference between Frontier Reserve and Frontier Select?

Frontier Reserve is the softer one. Extra Large, with a coat up to seven inches deep and a hide tanned supple enough to wear. Frontier Select is the firmer one. Large, with a dense coat up to five inches and a thicker hide that holds its shape. Both are first grade, both are vegetable tanned in the same tannery. The difference is feel. See them side by side.

Can I use these hides as a rug?

Yes. Both work on the floor. Select lies flatter and has a firmer hide, so it's the one to pick if the hide will get walked on every day. Reserve is softer underfoot and does best in a quieter spot, beside a bed or in front of a fireplace.

Can I use them as a throw or on a bed?

Yes. Reserve is the one most people choose for a sofa or bed, because of the depth and softness of the coat. Select drapes over a sofa and layers at the foot of a bed too. It just has more structure to it.

Can it be worn as a robe?

Yes. Bison hides have been worn robe-style for as long as people have had them. Reserve is tanned supple enough for it. Select is thicker and holds its shape, so it's less suited to wearing.

Will my hide look exactly like the photos?

Close, but not identical. Every hide is one of one, so tone and markings vary. The photos on each product page are representative. We hand-select your hide from current inventory to match the grade, coat, size range, and finish described.

What size are the hides?

Reserve is Extra Large, approximately 7.5 feet by 6.5 feet. Select is Large, approximately 7 feet by 6 feet. Both measurements include the tail, and every hide varies a little. The size range is listed on each product page.

How much do the hides weigh?

Reserve is approximately 16 to 18 pounds. Select is approximately 28 to 30 pounds. Both vary naturally by hide.

Are they real bison hides?

Yes. Every hide is 100 percent American bison, sourced in the United States and tanned in the United States. Read about where they come from.

Are the hides American sourced and made?

Yes. American bison, American ranches, and a tannery in the United States where one artisan works each hide by hand for 10 to 15 hours.

What does vegetable tanned mean, and why does it matter?

Vegetable tanning is the slow, traditional method. It uses plant-based tannins and time instead of chrome or other minerals. Most hides sold online are chrome tanned because it's faster. We vegetable tan because it leaves the hide softer in the hand, with a clean natural suede back and nothing sprayed on to wear off. Here's the longer answer.

Living with it

Do the hides shed?

Some shedding is normal, especially in the first few weeks and in spots that get handled or sat on. It settles down. It isn't a sign anything is wrong.

How do I care for my hide?

Shake it out now and then, vacuum with suction only, and blot spills right away with a dry cloth. Keep it away from direct heat, harsh cleaners, and steam. The full care guide is here.

Do I need a rug pad?

Yes, if it's going on the floor. A felt pad, or a felt and rubber combination, keeps the hide from sliding and protects the suede. Cut it an inch or two smaller than the hide so it stays hidden.

Are there any odors?

A new hide can carry a mild leather scent for the first week or two. It fades with airflow. There's nothing sprayed on the hide, so there's nothing chemical to it.

Shipping and returns

How much is shipping?

Free, to every US state including Alaska and Hawaii. Every hide ships fully insured