What the Martindale Rub Test Actually Is: Understanding Fabric Durability

What the Martindale Rub Test Actually Is – Understanding Fabric Durability

When selecting upholstery fabric, durability is a key factor—especially for high-traffic areas, commercial spaces, and everyday use. The Martindale Rub Test is an industry-standard measurement that determines how long a fabric will last before showing signs of wear.

At Saint & Poet, our luxury upholstery fabrics have undergone rigorous testing, achieving an exceptional 35,000+ rub count, making them contract-grade upholstery textiles. But what does that mean, and why does it matter?

 What is the Martindale Rub Test?

The Martindale Rub Test is a widely recognized durability test for upholstery fabrics. It measures a fabric’s ability to withstand abrasion and wear over time by using a mechanical rubbing motion to simulate repeated use.

During the test:
✔ A piece of fabric is placed in a Martindale testing machine.
✔ It is rubbed in a circular motion under controlled pressure.
✔ The test continues until visible wear or thread breakage occurs.
✔ The total number of rubs the fabric withstands before breaking down determines its Martindale score.

 What Do the Martindale Rub Test Scores Mean?

• 10,000–15,000 rubs: Suitable for light domestic use (e.g., occasional-use furniture).
• 15,000–25,000 rubs: Ideal for everyday residential upholstery (e.g., sofas, dining chairs).
• 25,000–35,000 rubs: Designed for high-traffic areas and frequent use.
• 35,000+ rubs (Contract Grade): Highly durable, suitable for commercial spaces, hotels, and office environments.

At Saint & Poet, our fabrics consistently achieve 35,000+ Martindale rubs, ensuring they are ideal for both luxury residential and commercial applications.

 Why Does a 35,000+ Rub Count Matter?

 Contract-Grade Quality – Our upholstery fabrics meet the highest durability standards, making them suitable for high-traffic spaces such as restaurants, hotels, and offices.
 Long-Lasting Performance – Fabrics with a high Martindale rub count maintain their beauty and structure over time.
 Ideal for Bespoke Upholstery Projects – Perfect for statement sofas, accent chairs, and commercial seating where longevity is key.

For more insights on durable textiles, explore [our fire & stain-resistant upholstery fabric treatments](INSERT LINK TO FABRIC TREATMENT PAGE).

Choosing the Right Upholstery Fabric for Your Needs

If you're looking for a fabric that combines artistic design with high durability, consider:

 Best-Selling Contract-Grade Fabrics – Our most sought-after textiles tested for high-traffic use.
 Main Upholstery Fabric Collection - Browse our full range of luxury, high-performance fabrics.
 Fabric Treatment Services – Learn about fire retardancy and stain resistance for upholstery textiles.