{"id":7167,"date":"2024-12-23T14:22:01","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T14:22:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/?p=7167"},"modified":"2025-07-28T12:49:22","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T12:49:22","slug":"how-durable-is-upholstery-fabric","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/how-durable-is-upholstery-fabric\/","title":{"rendered":"How Durable is Upholstery Fabric?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"7167\" class=\"elementor elementor-7167\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-9a647ad elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"9a647ad\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c9552fd\" data-id=\"c9552fd\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c8f4115 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c8f4115\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.18.0 - 20-12-2023 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Martindale Rub Score Explained.<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-365ab9c elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"365ab9c\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b03847e\" data-id=\"b03847e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f52290f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f52290f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.18.0 - 20-12-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>When shopping for fabrics, whether for upholstery, <a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/upholstery-fabric\/upholstery-curtain\">curtains<\/a>, or other home furnishings, one of the most important factors to consider is durability. A fabric\u2019s ability to withstand wear and tear is a key indicator of how well it will perform over time, especially in high-traffic areas.<\/p><p>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.<\/p><p>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.<\/p><p><u>What Is the Martindale Rub Test?<\/u><\/p><p>The Martindale Rub Test is a standard method used to evaluate the abrasion resistance of textiles, particularly <a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/upholstery-fabric\">upholstery fabrics<\/a>. 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\u2019s longevity, making it a staple in the textile and upholstery industries.<\/p><p>The process works as follows:<\/p><p>&#8211; A small, circular sample of the fabric is mounted on a flat surface.<\/p><p>&#8211; A standardized abrasive material (often a wool felt pad) is then pressed against the fabric.<\/p><p>&#8211; The machine moves the abrasive pad in a back-and-forth motion, rubbing the fabric as it rotates.<\/p><p>&#8211; The fabric is subjected to a set number of cycles (typically 10,000, 20,000, or more) to simulate years of wear.<\/p><p>&#8211; The number of cycles the fabric can endure before showing visible signs of damage\u2014such as pilling, threadbare areas, or other forms of wear and tear\u2014determines its Martindale Rub Score.<\/p><p><u>Martindale Rub Scores<\/u><\/p><p>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:<\/p><p><b>&#8211; 1,000 &#8211; 5,000 rubs: <\/b>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.<\/p><p><b>&#8211; 5,000 &#8211; 10,000 rubs: <\/b>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.<\/p><p><b>&#8211; 10,000 &#8211; 20,000 rubs:<\/b> 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 &#8211; chairs, seat covers, sofas and other home upholstery projects.<\/p><p><u>Examples:<\/u><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/avondale-collection-jacquard-curtain-fabric\">Avondale Collection Jacquard Curtain Fabric &#8211; <b>10,000+ Rubs<\/b><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/jasmine-collection-eco-linen-mix-curtain-fabric\">Jasmine Collection Eco-Linen Mix Curtain Fabric &#8211; <b>18,000+ Rubs<\/b><\/a><\/p><p><b>&#8211; 20,000 &#8211; 30,000 rubs: <\/b>This range is considered high durability, ideal for commercial settings or heavy-use residential furniture.<\/p><p><u>Examples:<\/u><\/p><p><a style=\"transition-property: all;\" href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/distressed-chenille-fire-retardant-upholstery-fabric\">Textured Chenille &#8211; 20,000+ Rubs<\/a><\/p><p><b>&#8211; 30,000 rubs and above: <\/b>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.<\/p><p><u>Examples:<\/u><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/tropical-digital-printed-plush-velvet-fabric\">Tropical Digital Printed Velvet &#8211; <b>50,000+ Rubs\u00a0<\/b><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/hazelwood-linen-mix-soft-curtain-upholstery-fabric\">Hazelwood Linen Mix Soft Curtain and Upholstery Fabric &#8211; <b>50,000+ Rubs<\/b><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/luxury-plush-velvet-fire-retardant-upholstery-fabric\">Luxury Plush Velvet Fire Retardant Upholstery Fabric &#8211; <b>45,000+ Rubs<\/b><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/chunky-basketweave-fire-retardant-upholstery-fabric\">Chunky Basketweave Fire Retardant Upholstery Fabric &#8211; <b>45,000+ Rubs<\/b><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/super-soft-fire-retardant-jumbo-corduroy-upholstery-fabric\">Super Soft Jumbo Corduroy Fire Retardant Upholstery Fabric &#8211; <b>45,000+ Rubs<\/b><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/plush-velvet-upholstery-curtain-fabric\">Plush Velvet Upholstery and Curtain Fabric &#8211; <b>45,000+ Rubs<\/b><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/soft-herringbone-tweed-fire-retardant-upholstery-fabric\">Soft Herringbone Fire Retardant Tweed Upholstery Fabric &#8211; <b>35,000+ Rubs<\/b><\/a><\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/linen-look-fire-retardant-upholstery-fabric\">Linen Look Fire Retardant Upholstery Fabric &#8211; <b>35,000+ Rubs<\/b><\/a><\/p><p>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.<\/p><p><u><b>Why Martindale Rub Score Matters<\/b><\/u><\/p><p>The Martindale Rub Score provides a quantifiable measure of a fabric&#8217;s durability. Most people expect furniture and furnishings to last for many years; so durability is a key consideration when selecting a fabric.<\/p><p><u>Ensuring Long-Lasting Furniture<\/u><\/p><p>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.<\/p><p><u>Commercial Applications<\/u><\/p><p>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\u2019s appearance for longer. 30,000+ rubs is generally recommended.<\/p><p><u>Cost<\/u><\/p><p>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.<\/p><p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Consumer Confidence<\/span><\/p><p>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.<\/p><p><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/span><\/p><p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Durablity in upholstery fabrics is measured with the Martindale Rub Score. Find out all about the Martindale Rub Score and which fabrics you should use for which purposes. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7026,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,8],"tags":[54,161,36],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7167"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7167"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7167\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7213,"href":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7167\/revisions\/7213"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7026"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7167"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7167"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ukfabricsonline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7167"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}