Whether it’s a couch, car, or boat, the durability of upholstery plays a big role in retaining its value. If any of your upholstery has become worn from everyday wear and tear, consider reupholstering it with new or upgraded material. Our list will be going over the most durable upholstery materials, and what makes them so special.
Most Durable Upholstery:
Durability Test The double-rub test is a way to test a fabric’s abrasion resistance. It involves frequent rubbing back and forth, to mimic someone repeatedly sitting and getting up. The higher the number of “double rubs” the more durable the fabric is. Your fabric’s wearability rating can help you determine which upholstery material to use in your application. As a general rule, over 15,000+ double-rubs is considered “heavy-duty” for residential applications. However, for commercial upholstery 15,000+ is the minimum you’d want. The double-rub rating is only one factor when determining durability. Keep in mind that weave and thread count are also an integral part of your upholstery fabric’s longevity. Microfiber Microfiber’s popularity is due to its softness and durability. This material is specifically designed to be stain resistant. It is an ideal choice for homeowners who have pets or children due to its ability to withstand repeated use. Microfiber is tightly woven, which makes it hard for dirt and liquid to soak into the fabric. Leather While faux leather has seen great advancements in recent years, it does not compare to genuine leather from animal hides. This is because real leather is made from organic materials not man-made materials. The natural collagen fibers are densely intertwined, making it much more durable than faux. Leather also becomes more valuable as it patinas with age. Tweed You will often find tweed in heavyweight clothing and suit jackets. It was popular among 19th century British royalty. Many hunters appreciated it’s warmth and moisture-resistance. Tweed is made to withstand harsh climates, and repeated usage. It’s a very textured fabric, so it can can hide stains easily. If you’re worried about pilling consider a tweed fabric with a high double-rub rating. Vinyl As with a lot of upholstery, vinyl comes in a variety of grades. Marine vinyl is a very high-quality option for frequent outdoor usage like upholstery on boats, yachts, and other recreational vehicles. This is because it is 100% waterproof, and is resistant to weather and sun damage. For indoor commercial furniture, contract-grade vinyl is an optimal choice. Contract-grade is made to withstand repeated wear and tear like restaurant upholstery or massage tables. It is also very easy to clean, all you need is soap and water. Chenille Chenille is a very durable and reliable material for furniture. It has more of a woven texture, the more tightly woven, the more durable. It also retains heat very well. Chenille is a good choice for families who want to add a little bit of luxury to their homes. Do be cautious because is woven into loops, it can snag easily. Thus, pet nails need to be kept short and child hands watched. Alcantara Some of the more upscale cars can be found using this material on their upholstery. Alcantara feels a lot like microsuede, but is also flame-retardant. It’s made to endure harsher environments than suede and brush off scuffs and other marks with ease. Alcantara was made in the 70s as an alternative to animal products. So if you’re looking to upgrade your car, consider having this material installed. Modern Upholstery If you’re interested in upholstering your vehicle or work space, contact Modern Upholstery Solutions. You can find specialists who can recommend materials for your project. You will also receive a variety of unique upholstery options in Boise. |