Re: Fabric Durability for a Sofa
Jeff is absolutely correct. Price grade is no guarantee of durability or of quality, its simply the price! There is only one way to determine fabric durability and that is to request the Wyzenbeek, Martindale or 'double rub' value from the mill that makes the fabric. This will require your dealer to call Smith Bros. for the request, and they in turn will call the mill. Both Wyzenbeek and Martindale are abrasion or rub tests. Wyzenbeek involves rubbing along the warp and weft of the fabric whereas Martindale is a figure-8 rub.
A Wyzenbeek machine is used for this test allowing sample of the test fabric to be pulled tight in a frame and help stationary. Individual test specimens cut from the warp and weft direction are then rubbed back and forth using an approved fabric as the abradant. The number of double rub cycles achieved before two yarn breaks occur or noticeable wear is observed is recorded as the fabric’s abrasion rating.
Martindale is an oscillating test. Fabric samples are mounted flat and rubbed in a figure eight like motion using a piece of worsted wool cloth as the abradant. The number of cycles that the fabric can endure before fabric shows objectionable change in appearance (yarn breaks, pilling, holes) is counted. Number of cycles determines abrasion rating.
This is mostly used in commercial applications, where use is FAR heavier than in residential use. A rub value of 15,000 to 20,000 will generally be very suitable for home use. 30,000 to 40,000 is considered heavy duty commercial use.
Thats the only way you can really tell - get the rub values. Don't be surprised it the information takes a week to get back to you!
Duane Collie
Straight answers from thirty-six years in the business.
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