Martindale and Abrasion Resistance: How to Read It
A practical explanation of Martindale cycles, what abrasion numbers mean, and how to align results with expected upholstery use.
Abrasion resistance describes how long a fabric keeps functional surface integrity under a standardized lab method, commonly EN ISO 12947 family testing.
What does the cycle count mean?
Higher Martindale cycles generally indicate better resistance to repeated friction in controlled conditions. It is a comparative laboratory metric, not a direct forecast of years in a specific household.
How to connect numbers with real use
Choose values according to use intensity: private living room, rental apartment, office lounge, and hospitality zones require different safety margins and often additional maintenance or flame criteria.