Martindale scale – Your key to durable furniture
What is the Martindale scale?
When you buy furniture, there is more to consider than just design and price. The quality and durability of the materials used play a crucial role. And this is where the Martindale scale comes into play.
The Martindale scale is an internationally recognized testing method for measuring the durability of textiles. It is used to test and classify the resistance of textiles to abrasion. So when you are about to purchase new furniture, the Martindale scale is your best friend.
How is Martindale measured?
The Martindale test works by placing a piece of fabric in a machine known as a Martindale Abrasion Tester. A sample of the fabric is then subjected to constant rubbing against another surface. The rubbing simulates the natural wear that the fabric will experience over its lifetime.
The number of rubbing cycles it takes before the fabric shows signs of wear (such as threads breaking or color fading) is then recorded. This number is called the fabric’s Martindale value. The higher the Martindale value, the more durable the fabric is.
You can watch a short video on how the test is conducted here:
Understanding Martindale values
But what does it really mean when a fabric sample has a Martindale value of 20,000, 30,000, or 90,000? The higher the Martindale value, the more durable the fabric is.
Our selection of furniture with high Martindale values
Let’s take a look at some of the products available at Zederkof, one of the leading suppliers of furniture and equipment for professionals.
Economy Cushion Stacking Chair is an example of a product that highlights the importance of the Martindale scale. This chair has a Martindale value of a full 90,000 and over 30,000 for THE OBAN variant with connection, which indicates high abrasion resistance. This makes them ideal for use at larger events, conferences, parties, or rentals.
Banquet Steel is another example. This chair has a Martindale value of 20,000, making it suitable for lighter use. This chair is designed with extra padding for comfort and comes in several variants with elegant stripe patterns.
Finally, we have this office chair, which has a Martindale value of 50,000. This chair is both flexible and simple, making it perfect as both an office and meeting chair. It is upholstered with German mesh, which creates a comfortable fit and is of high quality.
What the Martindale test does not tell you
Although the Martindale test is an effective method for measuring a fabric’s resistance to abrasion, there are certain aspects it does not cover.
Here are some of the elements that Martindale does not tell you:
1) Color fastness: The Martindale test does not measure how well a fabric’s color holds over time. This means that a fabric with a high Martindale value can still fade if exposed to sunlight or frequent washing.
2) Stain resistance: The test also provides no indication of how well the fabric can resist stains. Some fabrics may be very durable but still be susceptible to stains.
3) Brand resistance: The Martindale test does not measure a fabric’s flame resistance. This is an important factor to consider, especially for furniture in public spaces where there are strict fire code requirements.
4) Comfort: Although a fabric can be very durable, the Martindale test does not indicate how pleasant it is to touch or sit on. The softness and flexibility of the texture are also important factors to consider when choosing upholstery fabric.
5) Aesthetics: The Martindale test says nothing about the fabric’s aesthetic appeal. Color, pattern, and texture are all important factors that contribute to a fabric’s visual attractiveness, but these are not quantified by the Martindale test.
Therefore, it is important to consider these factors in addition to the Martindale value when choosing fabric for furniture.
Choose Zederkof for professional quality
At Zederkof, we value quality and durability in our products. The products are always of professional quality. By providing the Martindale values in our product descriptions, we help you make informed decisions about your purchase. So next time you need to buy furniture and fixtures, remember to check the Martindale value.
At Zederkof A/S, due to our strict quality assurance, we can vouch for the quality and durability of our products, and therefore we offer a whole 3 years warranty on all of our products.
If you have any doubts about the durability or longevity of any of our products, you are always welcome to contact us. We are ready to assist you, feel free to send an email to info@zederkof.com or give us a call at tel. 89 12 12 00.