What On Earth Is A “Double Rub”?

Your Two Chums have been enjoying working with the beauty of interior design for many, many years but had never heard of the term “double rubs”!

Recently, whilst helping someone choose fabric for their family room, we were told by the shop keeper, “This one has 25,000 double-rubs so would be great for a much-used piece of furniture in a family room”.  On asking what that term meant, the story was explained to us.  Here’s what we found out:

The double–rub rating given to fabric tells its durability.  This test simulates a person getting into and out of a chair and how well the fabric wears when another fabric is continuously rubbed against it. For general household use, a rating of 15,000 double rubs is good. Heavy duty fabrics have ratings of around 25,000 double rubs, and contract upholstery requires at least 30,000 -40,000.  Fabric content and weave are also factors in durability.  With so many different upholstery options available today, you are sure to find numerous options of high wearing fabrics with a comfortable feel and great look.

Now, we feel we must point out that there are two methods of “double-rubbing”.  One is called the Martindale method and the other, the Wyzenbeek.  The way of testing varies in each one and if the Martindale method has been used, you need more double-rubs.  We suggest you do some research yourselves on the difference between the two.

So, when you are next looking for a fabric to recover a sofa or chair, don’t forget to ask, “How many double-rubs does this one have?”