The Martindale rub test measures how resistant a fabric is to abrasion. In practical terms, it helps show whether an upholstery fabric is suitable for decorative use, light domestic seating, everyday chairs and sofas, or heavier contract upholstery.
If you are buying upholstery fabric by the metre, the Martindale rub count is one of the most useful durability details to check. It should not be the only factor you consider, but it gives a helpful guide to how well a fabric may cope with repeated sitting, movement and wear.
What is the Martindale rub test?
The Martindale test is an abrasion test. A sample of fabric is rubbed in a controlled way until visible wear appears. The result is given as a number of rubs, often shown in thousands. A higher number usually indicates better abrasion resistance.
For example, a fabric with a low rub count may be suitable for cushions or decorative use, while a fabric with a high rub count may be better for dining chairs, sofas, footstools or commercial seating.
What rub count do you need?
There is no single perfect number for every project, but the intended use matters. Occasional furniture does not need to work as hard as a family sofa or a set of dining chairs. Contract upholstery usually needs stronger performance than ordinary decorative fabric.
- Decorative use: best for cushions, light accessories or furniture that is rarely used.
- Light domestic use: suitable for occasional chairs or bedroom furniture.
- General domestic use: a stronger choice for chairs, footstools and everyday home seating.
- Heavy domestic or contract use: useful for busy homes, hospitality, offices and public spaces.
For demanding projects, browse heavy duty upholstery fabric and woven upholstery fabric with stronger construction and clearer durability guidance.
Is a high Martindale rub count always better?
Not always. A high rub count is useful, but the best fabric also needs the right handle, weave, colour, pattern, cleaning advice and suitability for the furniture shape. A very durable fabric may still be too stiff for some projects, while a softer fabric may be perfect for occasional use.
For dining chairs and sofas, durability is important because the fabric is touched and moved against repeatedly. For cushions or decorative panels, design, colour and texture may matter more than the highest possible rub count.
What else affects upholstery durability?
Fabric construction plays a major role. Tightly woven fabrics, textured plains, herringbone, chenille, velvet and patterned upholstery fabrics all behave differently. Colour and pattern can also affect practicality. Mid tones, stripes, florals and multicoloured designs can be more forgiving in busy rooms than very pale plains.
If fire safety is also part of the brief, compare durability with fire retardant fabric suitability. Contract upholstery often needs both a suitable rub count and the right FR performance.
Quick buying checklist
- Check the Martindale rub count where listed.
- Match the fabric to the furniture use.
- Order a sample to test handle and colour.
- Consider weave, cleaning guidance and sunlight exposure.
- Choose heavier duty fabric for busy seating.
The Martindale rub test is a useful guide, not a complete answer on its own. The best upholstery fabric is the one that combines durability, comfort, colour and style for the way your furniture will actually be used.
