What is Martindale?

What is Martindale?

Martindale refers to an internationally recognised test method and unit that measures the abrasion resistance of textiles and upholstery fabrics, expressed as a score. This abrasion resistance is measured using a specially designed machine, which repeatedly rubs the fabric under a specific pressure until visible wear occurs, such as broken threads. The higher the Martindale score, the more resistant a fabric is to wear and tear, and the longer a piece of furniture is likely to last.

The following groups of Martindale scores are recognised:

Light domestic use (6,000 – 15,000 Martindale):

Upholstery fabric suitable for furniture that is not used intensively daily and is treated with care. 

1TP723 Residential use (15,000 – 40,000 Martindale):

Upholstery fabric that is resistant to daily use, such as in an average living room. 

Intensive residential use (40,000 – 75,000 Martindale):

Upholstery fabric suitable for intensive use, such as in a TV lounge area, and also for canteens or meeting rooms. 

Very intensive residential use (75,000+ Martindale):

Upholstery fabric, very durable, suitable for intensive home use. Also suitable for contract applications and work environments. 

It is generally accepted that fabrics with a Martindale rating of 20,000 or above are suitable for use as upholstery fabric.

In addition to the Martindale test, there is also the Wyzenbeek test, which serves the same purpose but is used almost exclusively in the United States. These scores are therefore mainly found on upholstery fabrics manufactured in the United States.

Wyzenbeek and Martindale are therefore both textile wear tests, but the Wyzenbeek test involves a back-and-back-and-forth motion along the warp and weft of the fabric, whilst the Martindale test uses a figure-of-eight friction pattern. Both tests use an abrasive such as cotton, wool or metal mesh.