Martindale score

The Martindale score shows how abrasion-resistant an upholstery fabric is. It is determined by testing how long a fabric can withstand repeated friction. In general, the higher the score, the better suited the fabric is to intensive use. For a sofa or chair in your living room or dining room, that makes it a useful indication. Martindale is therefore a practical way to compare fabrics. The higher the score, the longer the fabric is expected to last, helping you make a more durable choice.

During the Martindale test, a fabric is exposed to repeated friction by machine. A standard material rubs against the fabric in circular movements, recreating what happens in everyday use when a piece of furniture is used intensively. The test measures how many rubs the fabric can withstand before visible wear appears. That point ultimately determines the Martindale score of the fabric. The higher the number of movements, the more abrasion-resistant the fabric is in principle. The test therefore gives a practical indication of how suitable a fabric is for daily use.

For daily use, a Martindale score of around 25,000 and above is often seen as a suitable starting point. For a sofa or chair that is used intensively, a higher score is usually the better choice. In that case, look more towards 30,000 to 50,000 Martindale, or higher. This means choosing a fabric that is better able to withstand regular sitting, shifting and movement. The table below gives a clear overview of which score is suitable for each level of use.

Table du Sud has its own fabric collection. Each fabric has been carefully selected by our interior specialists to ensure the right level of quality for our seating furniture. What makes this collection stand out is that every fabric has a high Martindale score. The minimum Martindale score you should look for depends largely on how the piece will be used. The more intensively you use your seating furniture, the higher the score should be. For a footstool, for example, a slightly lower score may be sufficient than for a sofa used every day. So before choosing a fabric, it is worth considering how much use the piece will need to withstand.

Would you like to see and feel the fabric in person? You can do so in our furniture stores, where all our fabric samples are ready for you. You can also view the fabrics in your own home. Order your favourites as samples and we will send them to you.