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:

• Microfiber
• Leather
• Tweed
• Vinyl
• Chenille
• Alcantara

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.

Cars have always been a daily part of our lives. We judge people on what they drive, and how they take care of it. When witnessing the effort put into restoring or maintaining classic vehicles, we can’t help but be impressed by their outward appearance and functionality. The exterior isn’t the only factor either. Well-maintained classic interior upholstery is the cherry on top. If you’re looking to add another classic car to your collection or looking to restore one you already own, here is our list of must-have classic cars.

1953-1962 Chevy Corvette
Perhaps the most collected classic car in the USA, a Chevrolet Corvette is anything but a rare sight. These stylish cars are perfect for anyone looking to make a statement. They also open the door for clubs, car shows, and conversations where car enthusiasts can share their affection for the vehicle together. Because of its popularity, many people opt for modern upholstery to better maintain their vehicle’s interior and add an element of uniqueness.

1961 Jaguar E-Type
Another iconic vehicle among enthusiasts. With its long front exterior and a convertible roof, this vehicle screams a long drive into the sunset with your lover. The fluid design of this car has caught the eye of many car design aficionados wanting to reupholster and restore it to its glory days. The Jaguar E-type is a perfect mix of masculinity and femininity with its sleek bullet design and sports car horsepower.

1935 Ford Pickup
Notably an antique vehicle, the 1935 Ford Pickup is the most popular classic car in Idaho. A well-maintained one will surely cause your head to turn. Like many classic or antique cars, they will need to be reupholstered and customized. The great thing about this truck is that there is so much history behind it. Farmers and construction workers would commonly use this vehicle since pickups were not very popular for everyday commute in 1935. You may see owners of these vehicles holding onto this history by keeping the mechanical brakes and or replicating the original color scheme of the exterior body and interior upholstery.

1969 Ford Mustang
How could we not mention a Ford Mustang? With rumors of being the “ultimate classic car," the Ford Mustang has its fair share of movie highlights and continues to be a popular ride among collectors. This muscle car is a piece of American history that has a timeless look and sound. You have to appreciate the people that work hard to maintain these cars. More so, these have surged in popularity among younger people for being the featured car in the movie John Wick. With proper classic auto upholstery and detailing, the 1969 ford mustang is sure to make anyone jealous.

1970 Chevy Camaro
More comfortable than its predecessors, the 1970 Chevrolet Camaro is another muscle car in our list of must-haves. In the 1970s, Strato bucket seats were the new hot thing to grace car interiors. Most having an all-black interior with vinyl upholstery and optional console materials, these beauties were a sight for sore eyes. The 1970s saw a redesign mimicking European muscle cars, instead of the classic “coke-bottle” design of the 60s. Across the board, Camaros are still an attractive car for many. Some enthusiasts wouldn’t choose to purchase any later versions of the Camaro due to the Environmental Protection Agency cracking down on emission standards, thus causing performance changes in later versions.

Picked One?
You could say this list was quite diverse but any one of these vehicles would be quite the collection piece. Nothing sticking out to you yet? Regardless of your own personal taste and style, there is a classic car out there that suits you. The look and sound of a classic vehicle that has been restored would make anyone want to reverse the clock so they can buy one too. With the proper detailing and upholstery, you’ll be reliving your best days in a classic car of your own.