Rub Counts, Double Rubs, Cycles, and Abrasion Tests
What is the difference between 50,000 double rub counts versus 100,000? My friend showed me the couch she was looking at, the Timber Sofa from Article, which mentions a “50,000 double rub count against the industry standard of 20,000,” highlighting its abrasion resistance and durability. This is clearly a selling point that Article is gesturing at, but what does 20,000 double rubs really mean? More importantly, does it matter? By the end of this article, we’ll answer that question.
When my friend asked me about fabric rub counts (being that I’m a self-proclaimed “couch expert” and all), I wasn’t able to deliver my usual super-impressive couch expert answer. But can you blame me? It occurred to me that many brands simply leave this number unexplained in their product descriptions. When it comes to upholstery material, I know that higher rub counts translate to sturdier fabrics, which seems to make sense. After all, more friction means more wear. But the phrases surrounding furniture upholstery can still pose a lot of confusion. To clear things up, let’s dive in to fabric testing methods and the history behind these tests.
Rub Count’s Humble Beginnings: Two Tests and The Titanic
The textile industry follows two main modes of fabric testing: the Martindale abrasion method and the Wyzenbeek method, and both have a surprisingly rich history. These tests provide a useful indicator as to whether a particular fabric sofa is a good fit for your space. They started because of some mid-20th-century war efforts to produce textiles with high durability. Fast forward a bit and they were used for testing carpet from the Titanic (spoiler: Leo and Kate were not involved, but I won’t stop you from drawing your couch like one of those French couches). These methods and machines have impacted the ways fabrics and textiles are produced and used for nearly a century.
These tests are essential for determining which fabrics can withstand high rub counts, ensuring they are suitable for heavy use.
When it comes to our modern era of furniture production, both the Martindale and the Wyzenbeek machines are still used within the industry to test all types of textiles, including upholstery fabric. Whether you are looking for a decorative addition to your home office, or are in need of a family-size sectional for movie nights with the kids, the range of rub counts and cycles can help determine what couch best fits your lifestyle.
I’ve laid out this whole guide to explain how these tests work and what results to look for when couch hunting. But before I get into what rub ratings are and how we should understand them, I want to take a look at how we received these terms in the first place.
What the heck is a Martindale?
The Martindale abrasion test was developed in the mid-20th century during World War 2 by Dr. James Graham Martindale, who was tasked with examining the durability of fabrics for the Wool Industries Research Association (WIRA). Nerd alert! Martindale tested carbon-impregnated fabrics for WIRA crafted to protect soldiers from gas attacks. The WIRA head of the workshop, Stanley Dilworth, worked with Martindale to produce a machine that could test fabrics by “rubbing” them. This would be known as the Martindale abrasion tester.
Around 1950, James Heal developed a line of Martindale testers that could determine wear by issuing pre-set rub counts. The James Heal company that exists today continues to produce these machines, along with updated variations. Some of these variations include the AquaAbrasion tester which measures abrasion in conjunction with wetness. Think swimsuit materials and couches in submarines…
The Martindale test can be applied to any fabric type, from delicate silks to heavy-duty upholstery fabrics, to assess their durability.
This is a current Martindale Tester from James Heal. Both the tested fabric and an abrasive fabric are placed on the circular discs and the corresponding metal units to assess durability. The units move in a circular motion until abrasions are formed.
By the 1930’s, textiles were evolving rapidly as production methods and modern technologies introduced innovative fabrics. The Shirley Institute, which would later merge with WIRA, created the first breathable fabric called Ventile for the Royal [British] Air Force. Which basically means that The British were the first soldiers in history to ever smell kinda good. While the WIRA would eventually merge with Shirley to form the British Textile Technology Group, the institution still used these testing methods developed during the old days.
Put to the test: The Martindale gets its own Hollywood moment
Outside of being used to ventilate British solider armpits and to tell us how many times our kids can jump on our new couches before they get ruined, The Martindale test has had some big time moments. This includes a request in 1995 by the Titanic Society to test a piece of carpet thought to be from the Titanic (yes, that Titanic). While I do not suggest tossing your couch into the bottom of the ocean to let it soak in order to repeat this test, I do spill my red wine on my fabric sofa a little easier knowing my couch’s upholstery material received similar treatment and survived.
Although the Martindale test is mostly used in Europe and the UK, it remains an industry standard in determining fabric durability and resistance to wear. Repeated sitting, laying, shifting positions, rubbing, all cause small frictions. These frictions, which appear tiny, can lead to abrasions over time. Many modern upholstery fabrics are also treated as stain-resistant, adding another layer of durability and ease of maintenance. Many companies working with textiles and fabrics use some form of Martindale’s machine to understand the longevity of their products.
Each revolution on the Martindale tester is referred to as a “cycle” which then becomes a measurable unit. This is not unlike the “double rub count” we see with the Wyzenbeek method. Let’s cover Dr. Wyzenbeek’s contribution to the world of fabric testing. Double nerd alert!
Wyzenbeek machines 101
Like the Martindale test, the Wyzenbeek method assesses wear and abrasion thresholds for textiles and fabrics. The Wyzenbeek machine was invented by Andrew Wyzenbeek and is used mostly in North America, although it is still seen across the globe alongside the Martindale test. Unlike the Martindale machine, the Wyzenbeek method rubs fabrics in an oscillating motion using an abrasive fabric, usually cotton duck (think Carhartt jeans), and the fabric being tested. The cotton duck is laid out along a cylinder.
The Wyzenbeek method is particularly effective for testing heavy weight fabric, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of daily use.
The cylinder then moves back and forth to produce friction between the abrading material and fabric. This is referred to either as a cycle or a “double rub” as the fabric is rubbed twice per cycle.
You’ll likely notice the term “double rub count” used as often as “rub count” interchangeably. Both refer to the same type of fabric-on-fabric testing. And it kinda makes more sense too if you think about it because usually you’re wearing fabric pants when you’re sitting on your fabric sofa, right? RIGHT? This video, from Australian textile and fabric producer Materialised, shows how the Wyzenbeek machine operates.
What You Need to Know About Rub Counts When Buying a Sofa
“So, what’s my number?!” Your ideal range of cycles and rub counts for upholstery fabric depends on a few different factors including lifestyle, pets, settings, and so on. If you have kids, dogs, or cats, chances are there will be higher amounts of friction on your couch. Because they’re messy and scratchy, of course. In this case, a higher rub rating in the 20k-50k range is worth considering. For dining room chairs, which experience frequent use, a higher rub count in the 20k-50k range is advisable to ensure durability and longevity. Even higher counts are preferred for heavily-used furniture in commercial locations. This includes furniture in waiting rooms, hotel lobbies, cafes, conference rooms, and any other setting that would yield a high volume of tushies.
But when it comes to decorative couches or sofas that will see little to no usage, you will generally see much lower counts. Think fancy rooms where furniture is just for show. Delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, and certain linens, will have a lower tolerance. A lot of antique furniture also falls in this category. In any case, looking at the rub count or cycles can be a good indicator as to whether a couch will be a good fit for your home or space.
When it comes to furniture upholstery and rub ratings, these are the important points to keep in mind:
How long should the average sofa last?
Roughly 3,000 rubs a year occur on a typical piece of upholstered furniture, which means that most couches in the standard range should last anywhere between 5-15 years.
What does a 10,000 rub count mean?
Rub counts in the low range (10k or below) typically fall into the category of delicate upholstery, indicating that these fabrics are more suitable for decorative or lightly used furniture. Consider these couches or sofas as more or less decorative or lightly usable.
What is a standard rub count rating?
A rub rating around the 20k-50k range starts to move into the territory of moderate to high use and is usually ideal for most families and/or homes with pets.
While standard rub counts are suitable for most homes, delicate materials like silk and chiffon require special consideration due to their lower durability.
Is a 100k rub count good for large families?
The short answer is… uhm YEAH. 100k is a lot! Rub counts with high range, around 75k-100k are sturdy enough for a high volume of friction. Large families, or families with a handful of pets can mean a lot of usage, so longevity becomes much more crucial. High rub counts are also beneficial for accent chairs, which often serve as focal points in a room and need to withstand frequent use. These are usually going to be a bit pricier as they start getting up towards commercial grade.
Should I consider commercial grade?
Anything in the range of a 100k rub count or higher will be using fabric at commercial strength. While you can buy something in this range for your living room couch, you might end up paying too much for something you don’t really need. But, hey, maybe you are planning on some serious couch sitting. Many commercial-grade fabrics are also UV resistant, making them suitable for spaces with high exposure to sunlight. Most households will not need this high of a number. Chances are that unless you are looking for a couch for your kids to practice their gymnastics routine on, you will not need to worry about this range of rub counts and, say, a 30k rub count or 40k fabric rating will do well.
Is there anything to help the longevity of my couch?
Yeah, cover it up! While upholstery fabric may have a fixed range, choosing a durable fabric and using slipcovers, pillow covers, and other customizable couch fabrics can help extend the life of your sofa. This also means that you can get funky with your couch style with some fun toss pillows or a psychadelic throw blanket (you’re welcome).
There is no rub count on the product description! What should I do?
When you see rub counts displayed within a product description, this makes it easy to make an overall assessment of the fabric type and durability of the couch you have in mind. However, sometimes companies will not have these counts listed immediately. If rub counts are a concern, you should ask! Most retailers are able to provide that information after a short search if it isn’t readily available.
Couch.com also provides a thorough review on each of the following brands. I have spoken to a whole lot of fantastic brand reps and customer service folks in order to provide as much information as I possibly can when it comes to rub ratings. While not every company hands out this information for one reason or another, these reviews should give you a better picture when it comes to selecting a new couch. Check out our full couch brand reviews for more!
So, Do Rub Counts Matter?
Back to the question of the day: do these counts really matter? My couch expert opinion is that almost all couches you find in any furniture store should be suitable for 90%+ of homes. However, these measurements ultimately help gauge how to get the most out of your couch- a higher rub rating can absolutely indicate a longer life for your new couch and a lower rub rating might tell you not to put a given couch in your kids’ room. Rub counts are important but they shouldn’t hold the weight of the couch-buying decision. Fabric ratings should be stacked alongside other components such as foam materials used, couch dimensions, warranty options, and sofa return policy.
Understanding rub counts can help you make informed decisions for your upholstery projects, ensuring you choose the right fabric for your needs.
There are also the lifestyle elements to account for. Bigger families and bigger pets will result in a lot more wear on your upholstered sofa. If you have four kids and three golden retrievers, maybe look for a higher rub count. When it comes to living rooms or home offices, rub counts can give a good picture of expected fabric durability. Sticking to the 20k-50k rub count range should work well with general day-to-day usage, but avoid ultra-delicate low rub count fabrics like silk unless you are purchasing a couch purely for decoration. Maybe you have a fancy room full of furniture to not sit on! If you are looking for a couch to add to a commercial office, waiting room, or lobby, consider the amount of traffic that happens in these spaces.
All in all, most household fabric sofas or upholstered couches will likely fall within an average rub count range for general use and will be very easy to find in a furniture store. But rub counts are definitely useful for so many of the reasons we’ve explored above. So thank you, Dr. Martindale and Dr. Wyzenbeek! You created some pretty cool testing methods that have been in the background of our daily life for a very long time. When I go scuba diving to the Titanic one day, I’ll poor one out for you on the carpet.
