One of the most common questions we get at Novik Upholstery is: "How durable is this fabric?" That’s where something called a rub count comes in. It’s a lab test that mimics the wear and tear your furniture goes through over time. The higher the number, the more resistant the fabric is to everyday use.

Here’s a quick guide:

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• Light Use (9,000–11,000 rubs)
  Ideal for furniture that’s more decorative than functional—like bedroom chairs or pieces in a formal sitting room. At Novik Upholstery, we recommend these for those elegant accents that don’t get daily traffic.
   

• Medium Use (12,000–15,000 rubs)
  A great choice for dining chairs or that stylish side chair
  in the living room. These are everyday fabrics that offer
  both comfort and strength.
   

• Heavy Use (15,000+ rubs)
  Our go-to at Novik Upholstery for family room sofas,
  kitchen chairs, and anywhere life really happens.
  These fabrics are made to keep up with kids, pets,
  and movie marathons.
   

• Heavy Commercial (35,000+ rubs)
  Think public transit levels of traffic. While most of our clients won’t need this kind of toughness, we love knowing it’s out there—just in case your furniture lives in a train station.
   

Want some perspective? A 15,000-rub fabric can withstand someone sitting down and standing up four times a day, every day, for over 10 years before showing visible wear. That’s the kind of longevity Novik Upholstery loves to bring into your home.

 

Why Durability Is Trending (And How Novik Upholstery Has You Covered)

More and more of our clients at Novik Upholstery are asking for durable, easy-care fabrics—and honestly, we love that. If you're investing in custom upholstery, it's only natural to want materials that will hold up beautifully over time.

But here’s the thing: not every piece needs to survive heavy-duty commercial use. Most homes just need fabrics that can handle the occasional spill, snuggle, and shuffle without sacrificing style. And that’s where Novik Upholstery comes in—we help you find that perfect sweet spot.

Thanks to advances in fabric technology, today’s textiles are not only durable, but soft, stylish, and anything but scratchy. (Goodbye stiff old-school Herculon. Hello cozy and tough!)
 

So… What’s the Rub?

At Novik Upholstery, we often say: "Durability starts with the double rub." It’s an abrasion test that simulates the motion of someone sitting down and getting back up—one back-and-forth equals one rub. This helps us gauge how a fabric will hold up to real-life use (jeans, pets, kids and all).

Whenever you’re choosing fabrics with us at Novik Upholstery, we’ll talk you through the rub ratings and what makes sense for your lifestyle and space. Whether you’re reupholstering a treasured family piece or creating something totally custom, we’re here to make sure it’s built to last—and look gorgeous doing it.