When choosing fabric for your upholstered furniture or seating, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the options. From plush velvets to heavy-duty synthetics, each fabric has unique properties that affect not only how it looks and feels — but how it holds up over time.

At JD’s Upholstery, we believe our customers deserve to make informed decisions. Whether you’re outfitting a dining room chair, a church pew, or a high-traffic office waiting room, understanding the basics of thread count, weave, and durability can help you choose a fabric that lasts — and looks great doing it.

Thread Count: Not Just for Sheets

Thread count refers to the number of threads woven together in a square inch of fabric — both horizontal (weft) and vertical (warp). While most people associate this with bedding, it also applies to upholstery in subtle ways.

Higher thread count generally means a denser, more luxurious feel
However, too high a thread count can reduce breathability
For upholstery, durability matters more than a silky touch

For seating used daily — like church pews or restaurant booths — thread count matters, but isn’t the only factor. We help guide clients to fabrics that balance comfort with performance.

Weave: How It’s Put Together

Weave refers to the pattern in which threads are interlaced. The type of weave affects texture, appearance, and how a fabric wears over time.

Here are a few common types:

Plain weave – Simple, tight, durable. Great for commercial spaces.
Twill weave – Diagonal pattern, resists wrinkling and hides stains well.
Jacquard weave – More decorative, often used in high-end or formal settings like sanctuaries.
Velvet or chenille – Soft and elegant, but best in lower-traffic areas due to pile wear.

Different weaves offer different levels of resilience. We’ll walk you through how each option behaves under real-world use, whether it’s sunlight exposure, cleaning frequency, or foot traffic.

Durability: The Rub Count Test

Durability is where fabric choices make or break long-term value. In the upholstery world, we use the “double rub” test — a standard that simulates the wear a fabric can withstand.

15,000+ double rubs – Great for light use at home
30,000+ double rubs – Ideal for most commercial spaces
50,000+ double rubs – Recommended for high-traffic areas like schools, churches, waiting rooms

At JD’s Upholstery, we only offer materials that meet or exceed the durability needs of your project. And if you’re not sure what’s best — we’ll help you match your use case to the right fabric class.

Other Factors to Consider

Fade resistance – Crucial for sunlit rooms or outdoor seating
Stain repellency – Ask about performance fabrics with built-in protection
Colorfastness – Ensures dyes don’t bleed or fade over time
Fire rating – Especially important for commercial and church settings

We’ll explain how each of these fits into your fabric decision — without the confusing jargon.

Let’s Make It Easy

Choosing upholstery fabric shouldn’t feel like a guessing game. When you work with JD’s Upholstery, you get more than samples — you get straightforward guidance from a team that cares about quality and longevity.

Whether you’re refreshing a favorite recliner or planning seating for an entire sanctuary, we’ll make sure your fabric is as strong as your vision.

📞 Ready to explore your options? Contact us today or stop by our shop to feel the difference for yourself.

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