A rating of 18,000 for the rub count typically does indicate a more heavy use fabric, but that's not always the only indicator I look at when determining the right one that a client will be happy with for many years. With a dog, you want to think about if the fabric is woven tightly or loosely (like a big chunky tweed)? Some dogs like to dig at the sofa and "nest", so you have to be careful with woven and linen look. Is the fabric also odor and stain resistant? Cleanable with water soluable cleaner? These properties along with a heavy wear rating will help long term with pets as well. Also, make sure you like the surface feel of the fabric. Some heavy wear can have a bit of a tough feel to them, so you may want to make sure you are happy with that as well (you can find heavy use fabrics in a softer hand feel).

@User, @Diana Bier Interiors, LLC

Thank you Diana and Melissa. The fabric is actually a performance fabric and it is 100 percent Olefin which I believe is pretty durable. It doesnt feel as "scratchy" as some of the tweed blends I have looked at. Would you recommend this combination?

I am confused regarding the 18K count.I did also look at a fabric that was around 30K rub count that was a little bit softer to the touch. (wouldnt this typically be heavier than the 18K one?)

Not necessarily. You should take all factors into account when deciding on upholstery fabrics.

@Diana Bier Interiors, LLC thank you! I am going through a very reputable furniture store. It is for a Taylor King couch. I got nervous with the rub count. But from what I am hearing it should be ok? (yes, I have lost sleep on this!). Thanks again.

You might want to contact Taylor King for more information about the fabric. I'm sure they can help you.

As a 20-year dealer in Taylor King (now retired), I would encourage high-use pieces to be leather first of all (it will last 4x longer than any fabric), or rub counts above 30,000 if you want to stay with fabric, The issue with a sectional is you have a several pieces, and the primary wear area will be on one or two seating areas. Stay with the 18,000 fabric is you enjoy it, however buy additional yardage that you can store in your home, I would want at least 6 yards which is enough to recover two seat areas and repair an arm, that sort of thing.