Sofa Fabric Durability

Leather

• The durability of leather depends on the grade; lower grades are thinner and more prone to tears and wear than higher grades. However, good leather is one of the most durable sofa materials. It stretches and doesn't rip easily; stains wipe right off; and leather softens and becomes more comfortable with age. Choose genuine leather, or a high-grade leather substitute, to minimize wear and tear and lengthen the life of the fabric.

Woven Fabrics

• Carefully examine woven sofa fabrics such as chenille, cotton, denim and linen when determining sofa fabric. A high thread count means that the fibers are tightly woven, and a tighter weave indicates higher durability. Well-fitting, smooth fabrics are more durable than loosely woven or soft fabrics. For example, chenille fibers become less fluffy and lose shape more quickly than denim or linen -- but a tightly woven, high-quality chenille will be more durable than a loosely woven, low-quality linen.

Microfiber

• In a class by itself, microfiber is finely woven to produce a suede-like texture. Because it is so tightly woven, microfiber is strong and stain resistant. Liquids can actually pool on the top of microfiber fabric, giving owners time to wipe away stains before they have a chance to set. Microfiber can't be torn easily, making it one of the most durable sofa fabrics available.

Other Considerations

• The way the fabric is attached to the sofa affects durability. Cushion covers should be well fitted, and back cushions should be attached firmly at the seams to avoid ripping after prolonged use. Form and function need to correspond when choosing a sofa fabric; a beautiful, delicate chenille might go with your decor, but if you have pets or children, you might want to consider microfiber for increased durability. Also, always consider thread counts -- and if the information is not available, you may want to rethink your choices.