December 5, 2025

Martindale Rub Test: Your Guide to Choosing Durable Upholstery Fabric

Q: What is the minimum Martindale score for a family sofa?

For daily use with kids or pets, choose 25,000+ rubs in the Heavy Domestic Use category.

Q: Does a high score protect against cat claws?

No. Martindale measures abrasion, not claw penetration. Tight-weave, high-score fabrics offer better resilience.

Q: Can low-score fabrics still be premium?

Yes. Luxury fabrics like silk may have low scores but are not suitable for upholstery.

Q: Is the Martindale Test used for leather?

It is mainly used for textile upholstery. Faux leather is often tested using Martindale, but genuine leather durability is measured via different methods.

Q: Does weave density affect durability?

Yes. A tight, dense weave improves abrasion resistance and typically increases Martindale scores.

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Jump to Fabric Durability Go to FAQs

The Importance of Fabric Durability
Key Features of the Martindale Rub Test
Usage Classifications & Score Breakdown
Martindale vs. Wyzenbeek Abrasion Tests
Choosing the Right Martindale Score
Top UK Suppliers for High-Scoring Fabrics
Maintenance & Care for Durable Upholstery
Frequently Asked Questions

Have you ever purchased a beautifully upholstered sofa, only for the fabric to look threadbare or start pilling within a couple of years? It’s a common issue in busy UK homes where the living room is the centre of everyday life.

The Martindale Rub Test often called the “rub test” is the globally recognised standard used throughout the UK and Europe to measure a fabric’s resistance to abrasion. Its score tells you exactly how well a fabric will perform under real-world use. Understanding this number helps you choose upholstery that will stay looking new for much longer.

The Importance of Fabric Durability

Why Abrasion Resistance Matters
Every time someone sits, shifts, or slides on your sofa, the fabric experiences friction. Over time, this leads to thinning, pilling, and even holes especially on corners and seams. For busy homes, fabric durability is not optional.

Family Lifestyle
Children, pets, and high daily activity dramatically increase abrasion. A higher Martindale score is essential.

Motion Furniture Stress
Recliners, sofa beds, and tight upholstery corners suffer greater friction and require stronger fabrics.

Takeaway: Choosing a fabric with the right Martindale score protects both the look and lifespan of your furniture investment.

Key Features of the Martindale Rub Test

Mechanical Simulation
The test uses a specialised machine to mimic the natural friction furniture undergoes.

Figure-Eight Motion
A fabric sample is rubbed in all directions using an oscillating circular movement, replicating real-life wear.

Measured in Rubs
The score is based on how many cycles (rubs) the fabric survives before showing visible wear.

Abrasion Score
A higher number = stronger, more durable fabric.

Decoding Martindale Rub Test Results: Usage Classifications

Martindale Score (Rubs)	Usage Classification	Recommended Application
< 10,000	Decorative Use	Cushions, curtains, accents
10,000 – 15,000	Light Domestic Use	Occasional-use chairs, bedroom accent seating
15,000 – 25,000	General Domestic Use	Main sofas, everyday dining chairs
25,000 – 30,000	Heavy Domestic Use	Family sofas, motion furniture, homes with kids/pets
30,000+	Contract Grade	Hotels, offices, restaurants, high-demand homes

Martindale vs. Wyzenbeek: Understanding Abrasion Standards

Martindale (UK/EU)
✔ Circular figure-eight motion

✔ Worsted wool or wire mesh abrasive

✔ Measures “rubs”

✔ Simulates all-direction wear

Wyzenbeek (USA)
✔ Straight back-and-forth motion

✔ Cotton duck or wire mesh

✔ Measures “double rubs”

✔ Simulates linear stress

Important: These scores cannot be converted. Always rely on the test relevant to your region Martindale for the UK.

Choosing the Right Martindale Score for Your Home

High-Traffic Areas (25,000+)
Main sofas, recliners, dining benches, footstools.

Medium-Traffic Areas (15,000–25,000)
Snug armchairs, secondary living spaces.

Low-Traffic Areas (10,000–15,000)
Bedroom seating, decorative pieces.

Fabric Types:

Microfibre/Polyester: Often 40,000+ rubs, great stain resistance.
Velvet/Chenille: Choose 25,000+ for durability.
Linen/Cotton: Usually lower scores unless blended.

Checklist:
✔ Pets or children → choose 30,000+

✔ Motion furniture → 25,000+

✔ Tight, dense weave → higher durability

Top UK Suppliers for High-Scoring Fabrics

When investing in a long-term piece, quality materials are paramount. THE SOFA SHOP stands as the definitive choice for high-scoring, performance-grade fabrics and durable leather that withstand daily life (pets included).

Unrivalled Quality: We utilize fabrics rigorously tested for abrasion, stain resistance, and longevity. Our commitment to transparent, high-spec materials ensures your sofa is a true long-term investment.
Conversion Focus: Upgrade to superior durability and style today. Secure your premium, high-performance fabric sofa with our market-leading 0% APR finance options.

Maintenance & Care Tips for Durable Upholstery

Routine Vacuuming
Dust and grit act like sandpaper vacuum weekly to prevent abrasion.

Address Spills Immediately
Blot, don’t rub. Follow the fabric’s cleaning code (W, S, or WS).

Cushion Rotation
Rotate cushions frequently for even wear.

Do & Don’t:

DO use fabric protection spray (if approved).
DON’T use harsh chemicals unless recommended.
DO protect furniture from direct UV exposure.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Investment

The Martindale Rub Test is a vital measure of durability and long-term value. It helps you avoid weak fabrics and choose materials that genuinely stand up to the demands of UK family life. A high rub count ensures your sofa remains comfortable, attractive, and structurally sound for years.

Call to Action: Explore durable, high-Martindale fabrics from trusted UK suppliers such as sofa-shop.co.uk, select upholstery built to last.