Re: Rayon/Viscose Upholstery Help
What I would suggest you do is contact the dealer selling the piece (or the fabric) and have them give you the "rub rating". That will tell you the durability factor over time, it's far, far better than trying to determine durability by fabric content, and content doesn't take into account the tightness and thickness of the weave. Now, don't make the rub value your only criteria - you use this as one more tool in selection. You want a fabric that is relatively soft, had a nice hand and drape to it (not too stiff) and is pleasing. As you go up in rub ratings, you tend to get into more costly materials AND can lose the hand on many.
Double Rub Scale for Residential Use:
Heavy Duty: 15,000+ double rubs. Materials are good for busy homes that have pets and children.
Medium Duty: 9,000-15,000 double rubs. This fabric grade is still considered fairly durable and may offer a more cost effective option for families on a budget. It is still strong enough to be recommended for use in family rooms.
Light Duty: 3,000-9,000. According to wearability standards, this fabric will only last 1-3 years before showing noticeable signs of wear. For this reason, light duty upholstery is best for formal living rooms that aren’t used on a daily basis.
Delicate Duty: Less than 3,000 double rubs. Because this grade of fabric easily wears, it is typically used for decorative details such as pillows and curtains.
Double Rub Ratings for Commercial Use
Contract Upholstery Minimum: The absolute lowest double rub rating you want for office grade furniture is 15,000. This is considered the best for the average office.
Heavy Duty: 15,000-30,000 double rubs. This heavy-duty upholstery offer increased durability, making it ideal for offices that operate around 40 hours per week, hotel rooms and dining areas that see moderate traffic.
Extra Heavy Duty: 30,000+ double rub. You will find this super durable grade fabric in high traffic waiting rooms, theaters, stadiums, airport terminals and restaurants. It is designed to offer maximum durability without showing signs of wear.
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
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