What Is the Martindale Rub Test? Upholstery Fabric Durability Guide
The Martindale rub test is a fabric durability test used to measure how well upholstery fabric resists wear from repeated use. If you are choosing fabric for a sofa, armchair, dining chair, hotel, restaurant or commercial interior, the Martindale score helps you understand whether a fabric is suitable for light use, everyday domestic upholstery or heavier contract use.
At Saint & Poet, our upholstery fabrics are tested to 35,000+ rubs, making them suitable for demanding residential interiors and many commercial upholstery projects. This guide explains what the test means, how to read the score, and how to use rub count alongside design, texture, composition and fabric treatment when choosing the right upholstery fabric.
What is the Martindale rub test?
The Martindale rub test measures abrasion resistance. During the test, a sample of fabric is placed in a machine and rubbed in a controlled circular motion. The test continues until visible wear, thread breakage or noticeable surface change appears. The number of rubs completed before that point becomes the fabric's Martindale score.
In simple terms, a higher Martindale rub count usually means the fabric can withstand more repeated contact before showing signs of wear. It is one of the most useful durability measures for upholstery fabrics because chairs, sofas and cushions are constantly exposed to friction from sitting, moving and everyday living.
What do Martindale rub count scores mean?
| Martindale score | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 10,000-15,000 rubs | Light domestic use, occasional chairs or decorative furniture. |
| 15,000-25,000 rubs | Everyday domestic upholstery, including many sofas and dining chairs. |
| 25,000-35,000 rubs | High-use domestic seating and busier interior spaces. |
| 35,000+ rubs | Heavy domestic and contract-grade use, including hotels, offices, restaurants and commercial seating. |
These ranges are a practical guide rather than the only thing that matters. A good upholstery choice also depends on fabric construction, fibre content, finish, cleaning requirements, pattern scale and how the furniture will be used.
Is 35,000 Martindale good for upholstery fabric?
Yes. A Martindale score of 35,000+ is a strong durability rating for upholstery fabric. It means the fabric has been tested for substantial abrasion resistance and is suitable for many high-use furniture projects. For homeowners, it gives extra confidence for everyday seating. For interior designers and commercial projects, it helps confirm that a fabric has been tested for more demanding use.
Saint & Poet fabrics combine this tested performance with artistic pattern, colour and texture, so you do not have to choose between durability and design-led upholstery fabric.
Does a higher rub count always mean a better fabric?
Not always. A higher rub count is useful, but the best fabric is the one that suits the furniture, room and project. A quiet reading chair, a family sofa, a boutique hotel banquette and a decorative cushion all place different demands on fabric.
For most upholstery projects, look at the Martindale rub count alongside:
- Fabric composition and texture.
- Whether the fabric is suitable for chairs, sofas or commercial seating.
- Cleaning and care requirements.
- Pattern repeat and scale.
- Whether fire retardant or stain-resistant treatment is needed.
Choosing durable upholstery fabric from Saint & Poet
If durability is a priority, start with our luxury designer upholstery fabric collection. You can also explore best-selling upholstery fabrics or learn about fabric treatment options for fire retardancy and stain resistance.
For larger or more technical projects, order samples first so you can check colour, texture, handle and pattern scale in the space where the fabric will be used.
Martindale rub test FAQs
What is a good Martindale rub count for a sofa?
For everyday sofa use, 25,000-35,000 rubs is generally strong. A fabric with 35,000+ rubs gives additional durability for busy homes and higher-use seating.
What is a good Martindale score for commercial upholstery?
Commercial projects often look for higher durability ratings, commonly around 35,000+ rubs, depending on the setting, use level and project specification.
What does rub test mean for upholstery fabrics?
A rub test measures how well a fabric resists abrasion. It helps show whether the fabric is likely to cope with repeated sitting, movement and everyday wear.
Is Martindale the only fabric durability test?
No. Martindale is one important measure, but upholstery suitability can also depend on fire testing, fabric composition, pilling resistance, colour fastness, stain protection and care instructions.
