Choosing the Right Fabric Based on Double Rub Ratings and Application
When you buy upholstery fabric, look for a balance between durability and price. It helps to know a little about how upholstery fabric is graded. Knowledge could save you from spending money on the wrong upholstery.
When you shop for upholstery, you may see some strange terminology. One number you see again and again is the fabric double rub rating.
What Does Double Rub Count Mean?
“Double rub count” may sound strange, but it’s a standard measure of fabric durability. Manufacturers use a test called the Wyzenbeek Method to measure the double rub count. In the double rub test, a mechanical arm moves a heavy canvas back and forth over the fabric. The double rub count is the number of times the arm moves back and forth before the material fails.
The rubbing motion simulates the effects of normal wear and tear. The experts say that 3000 double rubs are the equivalent of a year of use.
Behind the Numbers
The abrasion rating is expressed in numbers. Here’s what the different ranges mean:
• < 3,000
This fabric is best for minimal contact applications such as curtains, drapes, and decorative pillows.
• 3,000 - 9,000
If you have a formal dining room that doesn’t see much use, this grade of fabric is the right choice.
• 9,000 - 15,000
This is an excellent choice for residential furniture that will see regular use. It’s the right choice for furniture in a living or family room.
• 15,000 - 30,000
This is the minimum number of double rubs for commercial upholstery. This fabric will stand up to years of hard use in a residential setting.
• > 30,000
This is the suitable fabric for furniture in an airport, movie theater, restaurant, or commercial facility that will see heavy traffic.
What’s the Application?
When you choose the fabric for your project, think about how you will use it. Spending extra money on durable material on a piece that will see the light used is not wise. On the other hand, if you buy cheap fabric, you could replace it a few months later.
The suitable fabric makes all the difference to your upholstery project. Next time you look at furniture, consider the double rub rating.
Is Double Rub Important in Fabric?
Double rub is a way to measure the durability of a fabric. It determines how well a fabric can withstand wear and tear, such as rubbing or abrasion. Double rub is expressed in the number of times a fabric can be rubbed back and forth before it shows signs of wear. The higher the double rub rating, the more durable and longer-lasting the fabric is likely to be. Generally, fabrics with higher double rub ratings are more suitable for high-traffic areas or for upholstery that will be used frequently.
What Happens if a Fabric Does Not Pass The Double Rub Test?
If a fabric does not pass the double rub test, it is unsuitable for use in high-traffic areas or for upholstery that will be subjected to frequent wear and tear. The double rub test is a standardized method for measuring the durability of a fabric, and fabrics that do not pass the test are not considered durable enough for use in these types of applications. If a fabric fails to pass the double rub test, it may still be suitable for use in low-traffic areas or decorative purposes. Still, it is not recommended for use in upholstery or other applications where it will be subjected to frequent wear and tear.