About durable fabrics in upholstery
Durable fabrics are important to upholstery, all the more if your furniture is likely to see regular use. Upholstery is an investment, which is why buyers usually want fabrics that can withstand wear and tear.
Keep reading to learn about which fabrics are durable, their lifespan, how their durability is tested, and other topics.
The problem with non-durable fabrics in upholstery
When searching for fabrics for your upholstery project, knowing what to avoid is a big deal. After all, non-durable fabrics require frequent maintenance, and even potentially, early replacement!
Now, this isn’t to say that all non-durable fabrics are unsuitable for upholstery. Silk, for example, works wonderfully in specific settings, such as a formal dining room. The problem with non-durable fabrics stems not so much from the materials but rather from a lack of education on how to use them.
Two important questions to ask yourself are: Do I know which fabrics are durable, and do I know what they will be used for? If you don’t have a firm answer to these questions, you might end up choosing fabrics that look great but wear out much faster than expected.
Let’s look at some durable fabrics to help you avoid this mistake.
What upholstery fabrics are durable and how long do they last?
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fabric that resists fading, wear, and pilling. Depending on the weave, cotton fabrics can be formal, casual, or durable. For a durable cotton weave, you can make a request to Redesign Upholstery.
How long does cotton last?
Answer: High-durability cotton upholstery can last 5 to 10 years with proper care.
Leather
Leather is a strong and versatile material. Luxurious yet tough, it can be gently vacuumed, damp-wiped, or cleaned with leather conditioners or cleaners.
How long does leather last?
Answer: High-quality leather upholstery can last 25 years or more with proper care.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a practical option that is less expensive than leather. It is also durable and resistant to moisture, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or households with pets and children.
How long does vinyl last?
Answer: Vinyl upholstery can last 5 to 10 years with proper maintenance.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a versatile, durable, synthetic fabric that resists wrinkling, soiling, fading, and wear. Acrylics may pill to some extent, depending on the quality.
How long does acrylic last?
Answer: High-quality acrylic upholstery can last 10 years or more with proper care.
Wool
Wool is a natural and resilient material. This durable, sturdy fabric resists fading, wrinkling, soiling, and pilling. Blended wools can be spot-cleaned.
How long does wool last?
Answer: High-quality wool upholstery can last 15 to 20 years with proper care.
Crypton
Crypton is a high-performance fabric. It’s also an easy-to-clean indoor material that is both stain-proof and waterproof.
How long does Crypton last?
Answer: Crypton upholstery can last 5 to 10 years with proper care.
Avery Duramax
Avery Duramax is an exceptionally durable fabric. Heavy-duty and easily cleaned, Duramax fabric is ideal for commercial use.
How long does Avery Duramax last?
Answer: Avery Duramax upholstery can last 10 to 15 years (even in high-traffic environments) with proper maintenance.
Industrial fabrics
Industrial fabrics are designed for durability. These fabrics must pass a heavy-duty rating and endure thousands of “double rubs” to meet durability requirements.
How long do industrial fabrics last?
Answer: Industrial fabrics can last 10 to 20 years, depending on the level of use and the quality of upkeep.
Note: The durability of all fabrics depends on factors such as:
- The quality of the material
- Usage frequency
- Upkeep practices
- Environmental conditions
- Manufacturing quality
How to check fabrics for durability
So, you might have some ideas about which fabric to choose, but let’s say you want to confirm its durability before making a purchase.
SOLUTION: One simple way is to look at the fabric’s rub rate, that is, double rub count or cycle count, both of which measure the fabric’s ability to withstand repeated friction and wear.
If you’ve never heard of these terms, they refer to the number of times a Wyzenbeek abrasion tester (double rub count) or a Martindale abrasion tester (cycle count) can rub a piece of fabric before it shows signs of damage.
As you can guess, there are two rub standards. These tests cannot be directly correlated because of their differing testing methods.
Wyzenbeek Method:
The results are measured in “double rubs”:
- General residential use requires 15,000 to 20,000 double rubs
- Commercial applications demand at least 30,000 double rubs
- Heavy-duty or 24/7 facilities may need substantially higher ratings
Martindale Method:
Results are measured in “cycles”:
- Residential applications need at least 20,000 cycles
- Commercial settings require 40,000 cycles or more
While higher rub counts are important, extremely high counts (like 100,000+) are often unnecessary for residential use and may compromise comfort or aesthetics. You can usually find the rub rate on fabric labels or by asking the upholsterer.
Note: Durability also depends on fiber content, weave structure, finishes, and maintenance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Upholstery Fabrics
Again, perhaps the biggest mistake you want to avoid is choosing a fabric that isn’t suited to your needs. Can you imagine the disaster it would be if you used high-end silk in a living room with a bunch of kids and they spilled juice on it? Fortunately, your upholsterer can help guide you through the selection process so that you make the right choice.
Beyond choosing the right type of fabric (and working with a pro to help you), it’s also a mistake not to consider your fabric’s maintenance requirements. For example, linens, while they are great for formal adult areas, they also wrinkle and soil easily and must be professionally cleaned to avoid shrinking.
Environmental factors must also be considered, such as exposure to sunlight or moisture. Fabrics like Sunbrella can offer protection in these conditions, as they are perfect for outdoor use and come in a variety of colors, styles, and patterns for any time of the year.
Lastly, making a decision based on price alone is another mistake to avoid. You’ve probably seen low-priced fabrics that promise durability at a bargain. These are best avoided in exchange for more truly durable options. When it comes to upholstery, you get what you pay for!
Get durable fabrics for your upholstery with Redesign Upholstery
Need durable fabrics for your upholstery? Contact Redesign Upholstery, where quality and craftsmanship meet. We partner with trusted fabric manufacturers to offer a wide range of options for residential and commercial projects.
Whether you’re reupholstering a cherished piece or starting a new design, Redesign Upholstery is here to help you create something beautiful, long-lasting, and uniquely yours. We invite you to explore our fabric collection and find the choice that will bring your vision to life.
