Martindale scale – your key to sustainable 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 abrasion resistance of textiles. So when you are looking for 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 called the 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 be exposed to during its lifetime.
Subsequently, the number of abrasion cycles required for the fabric to show signs of wear (e.g., threads breaking or color fading) is recorded. This number is referred to as the fabric’s “Martindale value.” The higher the Martindale value, the more durable the fabric is.
Here you can see a short video on how to perform the test:
Understand 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 from Zederkof, one of the leading suppliers of furniture and decor for professional users.
Stacking Chair Economy Upholstery is an example of a product that emphasizes the importance of the Martindale scale. This chair has a Martindale value of 90,000 and over 30,000 for The OBAN variant with coupling, which indicates high durability. 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 upholstery for comfort and is available in several variants with elegant interior patterns.
Finally, we have this office chair which has a Martindale value of 50,000. The chair is both flexible and simple, making it perfect as both an office and meeting chair. It is upholstered with German mesh for a comfortable fit and high quality.
What the Martindale test does not tell you
The Martindale test is an effective way to measure a fabric’s resistance to wear, but there are certain aspects that it does not cover.
Here are some of the things 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 it is exposed to sunlight or washed frequently.
2) Stain resistance: Tested does not provide any indication of how well the fabric resists stains. Some fabrics can be very durable but still sensitive to stains.
3) Brand resistance: The Martindale test does not measure a fabric’s fire resistance. This is an important factor to consider, especially for furniture in public environments where there are strict fire requirements.
4) Comfort: Even though a fabric can be very durable, the Martindale test does not show how comfortable 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 how aesthetically pleasing the fabric is. Color, pattern, and texture are all important factors that contribute to a fabric’s visual appeal, 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 sustainability in our products. The products are always of professional quality. By providing Martindale values in our product descriptions, we help you make informed decisions about your purchase. So next time you shop for furniture and fixtures, remember to check the Martindale value.
At Zederkof A/S, we can guarantee the quality and durability of our products thanks to our strict quality assurance, which is why we offer 3 years warranty on all our products.
If you are unsure about the durability or strength of any of our products, you are welcome to contact us. We are ready to help you, send an email to info@zederkof.com or call us at 89 12 12 00.