The Martindale Test: Why 80,000 Cycles Makes a Difference

Furniture in commercial settings needs to stand up to nearly anything, from children’s bouncing feet to spilt drinks, the  and the general wear of many bodies. So how do you know that a fabric can last through whatever your guests throw at it? The Martindale Test determines what a fabric can last through. 

As most of you will know, there’s always a few elements to consider when making decisions on buying commercial furniture in New Zealand.

Yes, design, size and price are all vital criteria. However, so too is product longevity, particularly given the sustainability benefits of well-made furniture. Here substance is as important as style. Assessing the frame and cushioning quality of any given piece is always important. But how do you ensure the fabric is up to standard?

It’s simple – you rub it a few times. Or, perhaps, a few tens of thousands.

Now, nobody has the time to spend 10 or so hours rubbing a piece of fabric. Thankfully, there’s a handy machine that automates the process, putting materials through what is known as the Martindale Test.

What is a Martindale Test?

Invented during World War II in England, the test is named after Dr J.G. Martindale. The inventor devised the machine to test the wearing properties of carbon-impregnated fabrics, which they hoped would protect soldiers against gas attacks.

The machine contains rotating discs of abrasive material, which rub against the fabric sample in a circular motion. Tests are made in intervals of 5000 cycles, stopping when the fabric shows wear. The higher the number of cycles, or ‘Martindales’, the hardier the fabric.

Requirements for Commercial and Domestic Use

Thankfully, the carbon fabric was never required as the gas attacks didn’t occur on British soil. However, the test remains a benchmark for upholstery furniture to this day. It’s especially important for commercial products, where a Martindale score of over 30,000 cycles is required.

For domestic use, the Martindale value is 15,000-25,000. This is recommended for everyday use but not for dynamic furniture, such as sofa beds or recliners. At Vendella we pride ourselves on the high Martindale rating of our commercial furniture pieces, with many pieces rating up to 80,000 cycles on the industry test.

This number means the fabric won’t pill and will take many years to show wear.

The Makers Cooper Chair has an 80,000 score. The Frankfurt Lounge Furniture has a very impressive score of 160,000. You can find a Martindale score in the bullet points of the product descriptions.

As our pieces, from waiting area couches to in-room armchairs, are likely to be heavily used it’s important that these are will last as long as possible (while still looking great).

Why do we use the Martindale Test?

The peace of mind the Martindale test provides is a key factor in helping our customers make a confident decision. Shakespeare’s Hamlet provides us with the famous quote, “To sleep; perchance to dream: ay there’s the rub.” Hotel and motel owners can rest easy knowing the fabric of their furniture, like the work of the classic bard, will withstand the test of time.