How Durable is Upholstery Fabric?

23rd December, 2024

Martindale Rub Score Explained.

When shopping for fabrics, whether for upholstery, curtains, or other home furnishings, one of the most important factors to consider is durability. A fabric’s ability to withstand wear and tear is a key indicator of how well it will perform over time, especially in high-traffic areas.

One of the industry-standard tests to measure this durability is the Martindale Rub Test, which provides a numerical value called the Martindale Rub Score. This score is essential in helping consumers, interior designers, and manufacturers understand how resistant a fabric is to abrasion and everyday use.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Martindale Rub Test is, how the Martindale Rub Score is determined, and why it matters when selecting fabrics for various applications.

What Is the Martindale Rub Test?

The Martindale Rub Test is a standard method used to evaluate the abrasion resistance of textiles, particularly upholstery fabrics. Named after the Martindale testing machine, this test simulates the rubbing action that fabrics undergo during normal use. This abrasion test is crucial in determining the fabric’s longevity, making it a staple in the textile and upholstery industries.

The process works as follows:

– A small, circular sample of the fabric is mounted on a flat surface.

– A standardized abrasive material (often a wool felt pad) is then pressed against the fabric.

– The machine moves the abrasive pad in a back-and-forth motion, rubbing the fabric as it rotates.

– The fabric is subjected to a set number of cycles (typically 10,000, 20,000, or more) to simulate years of wear.

– The number of cycles the fabric can endure before showing visible signs of damage—such as pilling, threadbare areas, or other forms of wear and tear—determines its Martindale Rub Score.

Martindale Rub Scores

The Martindale Rub Score is represented by a number, which indicates how many times the fabric can be rubbed before showing significant signs of abrasion. The score is typically categorized as follows:

– 1,000 – 5,000 rubs: This score indicates poor durability, suitable for lightweight or decorative fabrics, such as curtains; which are unlikely to be touched or handled regularly. But these fabrics would not ideal for upholstery or high-use items.

– 5,000 – 10,000 rubs: Fabrics in this range are considered moderately durable and may be appropriate for light-use upholstery, cushions, or non-high-traffic areas. Fabrics in this range may be suitable for curtains or decorative cushions.

– 10,000 – 20,000 rubs: Fabrics with this score are generally well-suited for residential furniture, with reasonable durability for moderate to heavy use. Fabrics in this range should be suitable for domestic use – chairs, seat covers, sofas and other home upholstery projects.

Examples:

Avondale Collection Jacquard Curtain Fabric – 10,000+ Rubs

Jasmine Collection Eco-Linen Mix Curtain Fabric – 18,000+ Rubs

 

– 20,000 – 30,000 rubs: This range is considered high durability, ideal for commercial settings or heavy-use residential furniture.

Examples:

Textured Chenille – 20,000+ Rubs

– 30,000 rubs and above: Fabrics in this category are extremely durable, often used in high-traffic environments like public seating, healthcare settings, or other areas where the fabric will undergo constant wear.

Examples:

Tropical Digital Printed Velvet – 50,000+ Rubs 

Hazelwood Linen Mix Soft Curtain and Upholstery Fabric – 50,000+ Rubs

Luxury Plush Velvet Fire Retardant Upholstery Fabric – 45,000+ Rubs

Chunky Basketweave Fire Retardant Upholstery Fabric – 45,000+ Rubs

Super Soft Jumbo Corduroy Fire Retardant Upholstery Fabric – 45,000+ Rubs

Plush Velvet Upholstery and Curtain Fabric – 45,000+ Rubs

Soft Herringbone Fire Retardant Tweed Upholstery Fabric – 35,000+ Rubs

Linen Look Fire Retardant Upholstery Fabric – 35,000+ Rubs

 

The higher the number, the more durable the fabric is in terms of its resistance to abrasion. Therefore, a fabric with a higher Martindale Rub Score is expected to last longer before showing signs of wear.

 

 

Why Martindale Rub Score Matters

The Martindale Rub Score provides a quantifiable measure of a fabric’s durability. Most people expect furniture and furnishings to last for many years; so durability is a key consideration when selecting a fabric.

Ensuring Long-Lasting Furniture

For furniture, durability is crucial, especially if the piece will be used regularly or in a high-traffic area. A low Martindale Rub Score may indicate that the fabric is not suitable for everyday use, and it may begin to show wear much earlier than expected. For homes with pets, children, or frequent guests, fabrics with a higher rub score are recommended to ensure that the upholstery maintains its appearance over time. For most home use a rub score above 10,000 should be suitable.

Commercial Applications

In commercial settings, where furniture is subjected to continuous use, the Martindale Rub Score helps ensure that fabrics can withstand the rigors of high-traffic environments. Hotels, offices, hospitals, and other public spaces have furniture which is more likely to be in constant use; so a higher rub score is desirable to ensure that the fabric lasts and maintains it’s appearance for longer. 30,000+ rubs is generally recommended.

Cost

While fabrics with higher Martindale Rub Scores are generally more expensive, they offer better value in the long run. Fabrics with a higher Martindale Rub Score will likely maintain their appearance for much longer than fabrics with a lower score.

Consumer Confidence

Fabrics which have a higher Martindale rub score have typically been manufactured to higher standards. Either using more durable materials for the base cloth; or with a higher quality construction method. Hospitality consumers rightly have quite exacting standards for their upholstery needs; a fabric manufactured to these needs is likely to be better quality than a fabric targeting a cheap sale price.

 

Conclusion

The Martindale Rub Score is a valuable tool for assessing the durability and performance of fabrics, helping consumers and businesses make informed choices about textile materials. Whether you are selecting upholstery fabric for your home or specifying materials for a commercial space, understanding the Martindale Rub Score can help you select the right fabric to ensure long-lasting quality and comfort. Keep in mind that while the Martindale Rub Score provides insight into a fabric’s ability to resist abrasion, it should be considered alongside other factors such as fibre content, care requirements, and aesthetic preferences to make the best fabric selection for your needs.

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