Commercial seating · Guides · Upholstery materials
Upholstery for booths,
built for Florida
Commercial-grade vinyl is the most common cover for restaurant booths: it resists spills, wipes clean and tolerates frequent disinfection, and it is commonly specified at 100,000 double rubs or more on the Wyzenbeek abrasion test. Performance fabrics suit quieter, more formal rooms and leather suits upscale spaces. In Florida, add two checks that many guides skip: mildew resistance for the humidity, and UV resistance for seats near windows or outdoors, where marine-grade vinyl is the usual choice.
Updated September 2026 · by the Sheep & Sleep commercial team, Kissimmee, Florida
Vinyl, fabric or leather
| Criteria | Commercial vinyl | Performance fabric | Leather |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spills and cleaning | Best: wipes clean, tolerates disinfection | Good with stain-resistant finishes | Needs conditioning and care |
| Durability | High in commercial grades | High in contract grades | High, ages with patina |
| Look and feel | Clean, wide color range | Warm, textured, residential feel | Upscale, classic |
| Humidity and sun | Marine grades built for it | Check mildew and UV ratings | Sensitive to sun and moisture |
| Best for | Busy dining rooms, family, fast casual, patios | Hotels, lounges, fine dining | Steakhouses, bars, upscale rooms |
Double rubs, explained
Double rubs measure abrasion resistance: a machine rubs the fabric back and forth until it shows wear, and each back-and-forth counts as one double rub. Residential fabrics often sit well below commercial requirements; commercial seating is commonly specified at 100,000 double rubs or more, and busy dining rooms often go higher.
Wyzenbeek vs Martindale. The US mostly uses the Wyzenbeek test (double rubs). Europe and South America mostly use Martindale (cycles). The two use different motions and are not directly convertible, so compare fabrics on the same test and ask the supplier for the Wyzenbeek rating when you specify for a US project.
Humidity, sun and salt air
Mildew resistance
Choose covers and fillings rated for mildew resistance, and backings that do not trap moisture against the foam.
UV resistance
Seats by windows and on patios fade and harden in Florida sun. Look for UV-resistance data on the spec sheet.
Marine-grade vinyl
Built for moisture, sun and salt air: the usual choice for patios, pool bars and waterfront dining.
Cleaning routine
Some disinfectants dry vinyl if left on the surface. Follow the manufacturer's guide, rinse and dry.
Crumb rail
A small gap between seat and back keeps crumbs and moisture from collecting in the seam.
Flammability documents
Ask for the flammability documentation of the cover and filling. See our guide →
Not sure which cover fits your room?
Tell us about your traffic, cleaning routine and look. We guide the choice and build the seating in Kissimmee, Florida.
Request a commercial quoteBooth upholstery, answered
What is the best material for restaurant booths?
Commercial-grade vinyl is the most common choice for restaurant booths because it resists spills, wipes clean and tolerates frequent disinfection. Performance fabrics suit quieter, more formal rooms, and leather suits upscale spaces willing to maintain it. The right choice depends on traffic, cleaning routine and the look you want.
How many double rubs do restaurant booths need?
Commercial seating is commonly specified at 100,000 double rubs or more on the Wyzenbeek test, with heavy-traffic dining rooms often going well above that. Always check the rating on the manufacturer's data sheet for the exact cover you choose.
What is the difference between Wyzenbeek and Martindale?
Both measure abrasion resistance, but with different machines and motions: Wyzenbeek (common in the US) counts double rubs, while Martindale (common in Europe and South America) counts cycles. The numbers are not directly convertible, so compare fabrics using the same test.
What upholstery holds up in Florida humidity?
In humid climates look for covers and fillings rated for mildew resistance, backings that do not trap moisture, and UV resistance for seats near windows or outdoors. Marine-grade vinyl is designed for moisture and sun and is a common choice for patios and waterfront dining.
Which cleaners damage vinyl booths?
Harsh solvents and some disinfectants can dry out and crack vinyl over time, especially when residue is left on the surface. Follow the vinyl manufacturer's cleaning guide and rinse and dry after disinfecting.
Can we use our own fabric?
Yes. We accept customer-supplied fabric (COM). Send the specification first so we can confirm yardage and that it suits commercial seating.