You'll see a number like "60,000 double rubs" on our product pages. It sounds technical, but it answers a simple question: how well will this fabric stand up to being sat on?
What a double rub is
A double rub count comes from a wear test. A machine rubs the fabric back and forth, and each back-and-forth is one double rub. The test keeps going until the fabric shows wear. A higher number means tougher fabric.
Most of the counts on our site name the test they came from, usually Wyzenbeek, for example "60,000 double rubs (Wyzenbeek)". Some fabrics are tested with a different method, Martindale, which uses a different scale. Only compare numbers that name the same test.
What number should you look for?
For everyday home seating, look for 15,000 double rubs or more. Plenty of fabrics go far beyond that, and a higher number is a sensible choice for furniture that gets used every day.
On our product pages and in the Durability filter, fabrics are grouped by rub count:
- Light use: under about 15,000 double rubs. Good for pillows and pieces that don't get sat on much.
- Everyday seating: about 15,000 to 25,000.
- Heavy duty: about 30,000 to 75,000. For example, our Olivier Sage jacquard is rated at 60,000.
- Commercial grade: 100,000 and above. For example, our Riker Flannel is rated at 115,000.
When we pick fabric for our project pages, we use these numbers. Our dining chair and bench cushion selections only include fabrics at 30,000 double rubs or more, and our sofa and armchair selection only includes 50,000 or more.
What a rub count doesn't tell you
A rub count is about wear. It doesn't tell you how easily a fabric stains or how to clean it. For that, check the cleaning code on the product page. W means water-based cleaners, S means solvent only, WS allows either, and X means vacuum or brush only. Our fabric care guide explains each code.
It also doesn't make a fabric suitable for outdoors. Only use fabrics from our Outdoor collection outside.
Where to find it
Look for the Durability line on each product page. You can also use the Durability filter on any collection page to narrow the list. If a fabric doesn't show a rub count, email us at info@thefabricshoppe.ca before you order.
Ready to look? Browse fabric for sofas and armchairs or fabric for dining chairs. Remember that all cut fabric is final sale, and a 9x9" swatch is a good way to check a fabric first. See shipping and returns for details.