FAQs
Olefin / Polyproylene:
It's highly resistant to stains, mildew, abrasion, and sunlight, so it's great for both indoor and outdoor use! It's also made from an up-cycled material so it's a great choice for the eco-conscious buyer. Some polypropylene upholstery fabrics are even bleach cleanable!
What is the best fabric to reupholster a couch? ›
Olefin / Polyproylene:
It's highly resistant to stains, mildew, abrasion, and sunlight, so it's great for both indoor and outdoor use! It's also made from an up-cycled material so it's a great choice for the eco-conscious buyer. Some polypropylene upholstery fabrics are even bleach cleanable!
What is the best grade of fabric for a sofa? ›
Performance fabrics, like Sunbrella, are the most durable fabrics of any sofa. Performance fabrics are tested to withstand at least 40,000 rubs, meaning this sofa will be in your life for a long time. Performance fabrics are also resistant to stains, abrasions, and fading.
What is most upholstery fabric made of? ›
The main types of fabric used in upholstery are linen, hemp, cotton, viscose, polyester and wool. We'll go into a bit more detail about each of these below. Linen and Hemp have very comparable qualities when used for upholstery fabrics.
Is 50,000 rub count good? ›
Nowadays, many commercial settings are specifying fabrics with a minimum of 50,000 double rubs, and some are even requiring over 100,000 for enhanced longevity. This change underscores the industry's evolving demands for more durable and long-lasting upholstery fabrics.
What type of couch fabric lasts the longest? ›
Structured fabrics, microfiber, chenille, and velvet, which are considered to be very durable, will work especially well in the family living room. One of the most durable materials is natural leather, but it is both luxurious and expensive.
How can you tell if a couch is high quality? ›
If you want to buy a good sofa, look closely at the frame. Cheaper sofas may have particleboard, plastic, or metal frames, but a good-quality couch will have a solid hardwood frame—preferably a "kiln-dried" hardwood frame made of oak, beech, or ash.
What is the most comfortable fabric for a sofa? ›
Cotton is a very popular couch fabric choice since it's comfortable to sit on, resistant to pilling and wear, and easy to clean. Cotton is also quite breathable, making it a good choice in warm climates. Cotton is not resistant to staining, however, so you will need to have this fabric treated to resist stains.
What sofa fabric is on trend? ›
Texture is king when it comes to upholstery fabric trends in 2024. From plush velvets and sumptuous chenilles to intricate weaves and embossed patterns, designers are embracing fabrics that add depth and dimension to furniture pieces.
What is the best upholstery fabric that doesn't pill? ›
Leather. A natural textile made from animal hides and skins, leather is both classic and durable and the only couch fabric that truly doesn't pill. Leather sofas are great for hot weather in homes that have A/C since the material absorbs the cool air and makes for refreshing summertime dozing.
Microfiber: Made from polyester, this popular upholstery fabric has a velvet-like texture but is much more durable. It resists water, stains, and fading, so it's great for high-use furnishings. Nylon: Rarely used alone, nylon is usually blended with other fibers to make it one of the strongest upholstery fabrics.
How can you tell the quality of upholstery fabric? ›
How to check upholstery fabric performance before you buy
- MARTINDALE & WYZENBEEK WEAR RESISTANCE.
- PILLING & BRUSH PILLING (ISO 12945-2, ASTM D 3511)
- COLOUR FASTNESS TO LIGHT (ISO 105-B02)
- WASHABILITY (ISO 3759)
How many double rubs should upholstery fabric have? ›
To make things even simpler, think of residential upholstery fabric as being between 10,000 and 25,000 rubs while commercial fabric ranges from 35,000 double rubs up to 250,000 double rubs!
What does cleaning code S mean on fabric? ›
Cleaning Code S – “S” stands for “Solvent”. Use mild, water-free solvents and cleaning agents. This is the upholstery equivalent of a “dry clean only” garment. Cleaning Code WS – These fabrics are very versatile as they can be cleaned with both water-based and water-free cleaning agents.
What is a good rub test for upholstery fabric? ›
Based on the intended use you can use the Martindale rub test scale to determine the best fabric for your upholstery project. A Martindale rub test, in layman's terms, is the process of finding out the durability of fabric by testing for abrasion resistance.
What type of fabrics tend to wear the best with upholstery? ›
Choosing Between Synthetic Or Natural Fibres
Synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon tend to be durable and easy to clean. Natural fibres, on the other hand, such as cotton or silk, provide a more luxurious look and feel but may require more maintenance.
Is it cheaper to buy new couch or reupholster? ›
Though the cost to reupholster a couch varies, quality sofa upholstery could cost 50-60% less than replacement when all things are considered. Before calling upholsterers for quotes, measure your sofa and research fabrics. While pricier upfront, replacement sofas start cheaper but don't last as long.
Can you reupholster a couch over existing fabric? ›
to reupholster a sofa in this way you will need: a staple gun and staples (7/16" and smaller will work for most). basically all you need to do is cut, tuck, stretch pull and staple the fabric over the existing stuffing and cushions with the goal being to hide all the staples and smooth out all the wrinkles.