Why fabric matters on commercial chairs
A café or restaurant chair is used dozens of times a day. Denim, belt buckles, spilled coffee and constant wiping wear fabric out far faster than at home. That is why choosing upholstery fabric for commercial chairs is not only about colour and pattern: it is a technical decision that shapes maintenance costs and the life of the chair. The right fabric still looks fresh after years of heavy use; the wrong one can pill, fade or tear within months.
Before choosing, answer four questions: how intensively will the chair be used, how high is the risk of stains, will it stay indoors or on a terrace, and what texture and colour does the interior concept call for?
Martindale rub counts explained
The Martindale test is the most widely used measure of abrasion resistance. A fabric sample is rubbed against a standard abrasive surface, and the number of cycles it survives before visible wear is recorded. The higher the figure, the tougher the fabric. The ranges below are general industry guidance:
| Martindale (rubs) | Use level | Typical setting |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000–15,000 | Light, decorative | Home, occasional use |
| 15,000–25,000 | General domestic | Home dining room |
| 25,000–40,000 | Contract / commercial | Offices, hotel rooms, meeting rooms |
| 40,000+ | Heavy commercial | Cafés, restaurants, bars, event venues |
For café and restaurant seating, the usual recommendation is 40,000 rubs or more. In the US you may see Wyzenbeek “double rubs” instead; the two tests are not directly convertible, so compare like with like and ask the fabric supplier for the technical data sheet.
Fabric types: stain-resistant, velvet, faux leather and outdoor
- Stain-resistant fabrics: a protective finish stops liquids soaking in straight away, so spills can be blotted off. A practical choice for busy restaurants and family venues.
- Velvet: warm, elegant and premium, popular in hotel lobbies, fine dining and lounges. For commercial use choose polyester performance velvets with a high rub count.
- Faux leather: one of the easiest materials to wipe clean, waterproof and hygienic, common in fast casual, canteens and on bar stools. Good quality faux leather resists cracking.
- Outdoor fabrics: terrace and garden chairs need UV-resistant, quick-drying, mould-resistant textiles. Solution-dyed acrylic and olefin keep their colour longer in the sun.
Choosing the right colour
Colour sets the mood but also affects maintenance. Mid-to-dark tones such as charcoal, navy, brown, mustard and olive hide stains and wear marks well. Light shades like cream and pale grey feel airy but need more frequent cleaning in busy areas. Textured or melange fabrics disguise soiling better than flat solids. Planning the fabric together with the powder-coat colour of the metal frame gives a coherent, finished look.
Cleaning and care tips
- Blot spills immediately with an absorbent cloth; never rub.
- Vacuum weekly with a soft brush attachment, as grit slowly abrades the fibres.
- Follow the fabric maker’s cleaning code: some fabrics take water-based cleaners, others solvent-based or dry cleaning only.
- Wipe faux leather with lukewarm water and mild soap; avoid alcohol and solvents.
- Removable seat pads make future re-upholstery much easier.
ASF Sandalye manufactures upholstered chairs and lounge chairs in its own facility in Sancaktepe, Istanbul, with custom fabrics and frame colours for projects. For fabric advice and a wholesale quote, contact us via WhatsApp or phone.
Common questions
What Martindale rating do restaurant chairs need?
For busy cafés and restaurants the general recommendation is 40,000 rubs or more. Offices and hotel rooms can often use 25,000–40,000.
Is velvet practical for restaurant chairs?
Yes, if you choose a polyester performance velvet with a high rub count and stain-resistant finish, and vacuum it regularly.
Which fabric is best for outdoor chairs?
UV-resistant, quick-drying, mould-resistant fabrics such as solution-dyed acrylic or olefin are the best choice for terraces and gardens.