Choosing fabric
Selecting the right fabric for your project can be very challenging. There are so many options it can seem overwhelming. Re-upholstery is not necessarily the cheap option so selecting the best fabric is crucial to insuring longevity and satisfaction.
My top picks for local fabric supliers
Shop Local
All of these suppliers have a fantastic range of quality upholstery fabric.
Great Places to buy fabric
What does it mean? The number on the matindale test will tell you how durable the fabric is.
Martindale Rub Count
10,000 or less - Decorative
Use on cushions or accents.
Not suitable for general domestic use or furniture upholstery.
10,000 to 15,000 - Light Domestic
Use on occasional use furniture.
Dry clean only.
Fabrics made from delicate yarns such as cotton silk.
15,000 to 25,000 - General Domestic
Use on main house furniture.
Suitable for every day use.
Not suitable for recliners or a seat/back that puts high level of stress on the fabric.
Not suitable for high use furniture.
25,000 to 30,000 - Heavy Duty
Use on heavy use domestic furniture.
Suitable for high levels of every day use.
Suitable for recliners and motion furniture.
Suitable for light commercial use.
30,000 or more - Commercial Grade
Use on heavy duty commercial/domestic furniture.
Suitable for any commercial environment.
Anything above 50,000 is regarded as the same and makes no meaningful difference in the durability of the fabric.
It is important that any fabric you select meets fire retardancy regulations.
Fire Retardancy
For upholstery that was originally made after 1950, you must abide by the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations when re-covering upholstered furniture, including nursery furniture and headboards.
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