Market Corner Blog

Updated regularly, the Trivantage Market Corner Blog spotlights new products, industry updates, and growth opportunities for you and your business.

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All About GREENGUARD: Products Certified to Support Healthier Living Spaces

Indoor air quality is more important than ever, especially as people spend more time inside. Backed by tried-and-true test methods conducted by experienced scientists, GREENGUARD certification from UL (Underwriters Laboratories) helps identify products that meet strict chemical emissions limits, supporting healthier indoor environments.


The Birth and Growth of GREENGUARD

The GREENGUARD Environmental Institute was founded in 2001 with a mission to improve public health by helping reduce indoor air pollution. It became part of UL in 2011, expanding its reach and credibility.

UL, short for Underwriters Laboratories, is a global safety science company with roots dating back to 1894. Founded in Chicago by electrical engineer William Henry Merrill who recognized the need for independent product safety testing following the rise of electrical infrastructure.

His work led to the first UL certification mark on fire extinguishers in the early 1900s - a label still seen on millions of products. Today, GREENGUARD is also recognized globally as a trusted certification in both commercial and residential spaces.


What Does the GREENGUARD Mark Represent?

The GREENGUARD label on a product indicates that it has been tested for thousands of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and complies with rigorous third-party chemical emissions standards. These standards are designed to ensure that certified products won’t contribute to unsafe levels of pollutants indoors.


How Products Qualify

To earn GREENGUARD Certification, a product must undergo:

  • Comprehensive lab testing in environmental chambers that simulate typical indoor environments
  • Evaluation against established emissions limits for VOCs, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals
  • Ongoing monitoring to maintain certification status over time

There are two main tiers:

  • GREENGUARD Certification: Meets basic indoor air quality criteria.
  • GREENGUARD Gold Certification: Holds products to even stricter standards—ideal for use in schools, healthcare facilities, and homes with sensitive individuals.

Why GREENGUARD Certification Matters

Choosing GREENGUARD Certified products, from upholstery fabrics, paints, flooring, or furniture, helps contribute to cleaner indoor air and a safer space for everyone. Trivantage carries a wide range of GREENGUARD certified products you can confidently offer to your customers including, but not limited to…
Upholstery Fabric


Marine Fabric
Awning, Shade, & Sun Control Fabrics

Find the perfect supplies to meet your specifications. Backed by industry-leading warranties and expert support, Trivantage helps you deliver superior results every time.

Choosing the Right Fabric for High-Traffic Seating

When it comes to outfitting high-traffic spaces, not just any upholstery fabric will do. You need materials that can stand up to staining, daily wear, frequent cleaning, and maintain a polished appearance over time. That’s where Sunbrella® Commercial Fabrics come in. Engineered for busy environments with public seating, these high-performance textiles combine lasting durability with sophisticated style, making them the top choice for professional fabricators and commercial designers.

Trivantage offers a wide selection of these fabrics, providing easy access to the trusted quality, performance, and style professionals rely on. Trivantage makes it simple to find the perfect fit for your next contract project.

What Are Contract or Commercial Fabrics?


Commercial-grade, non-residential upholstery fabric is commonly referred to as “contract fabric”, a term that gained popularity in the mid-20th century as large-scale public and corporate interiors became more common. “Contract”, in this case, refers to the contractual agreement fabricators and businesses enter into, ensuring all specialized performance features, legal codes, and standards are being met.

What Sets Sunbrella Contract Fabrics Apart?


Sunbrella Contract Fabrics are part of the broader Sunbrella family, known for creating some of the world’s most trusted performance fabrics. Specifically engineered for commercial spaces, these fabrics are designed to withstand the demands of daily use while maintaining comfort, style, and long-lasting beauty.

What truly sets Sunbrella Contract Fabrics apart is their advanced performance features: enhanced abrasion resistance, antimicrobial finishes, UV resistance, and easy cleanability, even with tough stains like ink or coffee spills. These fabrics deliver peace of mind in environments that require both durability and hygiene, such as healthcare facilities, hospitality venues, corporate offices, and public seating areas.

With Sunbrella Commercial Fabrics, you can be sure to find a style to suit virtually any design scheme, including sleek modern weaves, classic solids, bold jacquard geometrics, or soothing earth tones. Collections include chenille-style textures, linen-look wovens, heathered blends, and richly layered patterns, all curated to meet the aesthetic needs of today’s commercial interiors.

Unlike residential-grade options, these textiles meet or exceed industry standards for durability, including high double-rub counts (exceeding 100,000 in many cases) and GREENGUARD® Gold certification for low chemical emissions.

Who Uses Sunbrella Contract Fabrics?


Sunbrella Contract Fabrics are trusted by industries where both performance and appearance matter. Common users include:

  • Hospitality designers creating seating for hotels, resorts, and restaurants

  • Marine fabricators outfitting boat interiors and commercial vessels

  • Healthcare designers specifying fabrics for clinics, hospitals, and senior living facilities

  • Corporate space planners furnishing office lobbies, conference rooms, and break areas

  • Upholstery shops and custom fabricators working on everything from high-end retail seating to university lounges


Anyone responsible for sourcing upholstery fabrics for public-facing, high-use areas will appreciate the resilience and easy maintenance of Sunbrella Contract materials.

Where Are Commercial and Contract Fabrics Used?


Sunbrella has been a trusted name in performance fabrics since the 1960s, originally developing solution-dyed acrylic fabrics for marine and awning applications. Over the decades, the brand expanded into the contract market, offering contract-grade fabrics that meet the demanding needs of high-traffic environments, without compromising aesthetics.

In terms of fabrication, contract fabrics are used during the upholstery phase. After being selected during the project's planning phase — often with architects, designers, or procurement teams — they are patterned, cut, sewn, and finished using the same techniques applied to other upholstery textiles.

For high-traffic areas, choosing a contract-grade fabric early in the design phase ensures the seating will hold up long after installation. From boutique hotels to upscale office spaces, their combination of style and resilience makes them a go-to option for professional designers, fabricators, and planners.

Why Pros Rely on Sunbrella Contract Fabrics


Not all fabrics are built to withstand the demands of commercial settings. Here's why Sunbrella Contract Fabrics are a smart investment:

  • Superior Durability: Tested to rigorous abrasion standards, many options offer over 100,000 double rubs.

  • Stain and Mildew Resistance: Sunbrella’s solution-dyed fibers and built-in performance features resist staining, mold, and mildew. That makes them particularly valuable in high-moisture or spill-prone areas like restaurants, medical offices, and boats.

  • UV Protection: Sunbrella fabrics are designed to resist UV degradation, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor high-traffic seating.

  • Bleach Cleanable: In environments where sanitation is critical, Sunbrella fabrics can be cleaned with a bleach mixture without losing color or texture.

  • Design Versatility: With rich textures, vibrant solids, and sophisticated patterns, you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for performance.

When durability, easy maintenance, and a high-end look are non-negotiable, Sunbrella Contract Fabrics consistently outperform standard upholstery options.

Working with Sunbrella Contract Fabrics


Sunbrella fabrics are designed for professional use and are easy to work with using standard upholstery techniques.

Best Practices: Using Sunbrella Commercial Fabrics


While Sunbrella Contract Fabrics are designed for ease of use, following these best practices during fabrication can help extend the fabric’s life and maintain its clean, professional finish over time:

  • Pattern and Cut Carefully: Always pattern the fabric, considering the stretch properties of woven acrylics. Use sharp shears or rotary cutters for clean edges.

  • Use the Right Thread and Needles: For commercial upholstery, use UV-resistant thread (like PTFE or polyester) and heavy-duty needles to handle the dense weave.

  • Sew with Proper Tension: Maintain proper machine tension to avoid puckering and ensure strong seams. Double-stitch seams for areas with heavy use.

  • Finish Edges Appropriately: Depending on the project, use seam sealants, fabric tape, or serging to prevent fraying, especially for seating exposed to moisture or heavy cleaning.

  • Professional Tips & Tricks


    To get the most out of Sunbrella Contract Fabrics, it’s important to follow a few tried-and-true practices. These tips help ensure smooth fabrication, maintain long-term durability, and support best results in high-traffic environments:

  • Use a Walking Foot Sewing Machine: For thicker or multi-layer projects, a walking foot helps feed the fabric evenly and prevents shifting.

  • Match with Bleach-Cleanable Foam and Materials: For healthcare or hospitality projects where sanitation standards are critical, Sunbrella Contract Fabrics can be safely cleaned with a bleach solution (1:10 ratio) without damaging the fabric’s integrity or color.

  • Regular Cleaning: Although Sunbrella fabrics are stain-resistant, regular brushing off dirt and occasional light cleaning with mild soap and water will keep them looking their best.

  • Order Swatches in Advance: Before committing, order samples from Trivantage to confirm color, texture, pattern scale, and suitability for your project.

  • Finding the Right Contract Fabrics at Trivantage


    With over 200 contract fabric options, you’re sure to find what you are looking for with Trivantage. We offer cut yardage or full rolls to meet the demands of projects both large and small. With fast nationwide shipping, a knowledgeable customer service team, and a deep inventory of upholstery tools and accessories, Trivantage is the one-stop shop for your commercial fabric needs.

    Explore our full selection today and get started on your next high-traffic seating project with confidence.

    NEW: GORE® TENARA® Thread Revamped for High-Speed Sewing

    For over 30 years, GORE® has been a leader in the manufacturing of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fibers, with a proven reputation for quality. We’re excited to introduce a new version of GORE® TENARA® sewing thread for marine applications, which is optimized for high-speed sewing.


    This exceptional, 3-ply ePTFE thread offers a simple switch from polyester or competitive PTFE threads, requiring little to no machine adjustments. Simply put it on your machine, and you’re ready to roll! High-elongation gives this thread better stretch characteristics that make sewing easy. Soft and flexible, it sews like polyester.


    Designed for durability and made with strong thermoplastic polymers, TENARA offers the break strength of 2000 denier threads while yielding 7% more thread per spool. TENARA seams are guaranteed to outlast the fabric they’re sewn into; with excellent UV and weather resistance, this thread doesn’t deteriorate in sun, salt water, wind, or water, making it a great option for sails, covers, cushions, upholstery, awnings, and more.


    And if you’re looking to get the best bang for your buck, you’ve come to the right product. While many threads are sold by the pound, TENARA is sold by the spool, and it can take 1.2-1.3 pounds of other threads to achieve the same yield as a 1-pound spool of TENARA.


    1⁄2-pound and 1-pound spools are available in black, natural white, and clear and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty which covers labor. If you’d like to try a sample, please contact your local sales representative, visit trivantage.com, or call us at 800.786.1876.

    Enhance Building Facades with this Printable Mesh Fabric: Frontside TXM-50

    Serge Ferrari meshes are known for their dimensional stability, durability, and long term aesthetics, and Frontside TXM-50 is no exception. This high-performance, lightweight facade fabric is designed to elevate both the look and function of new or existing structures.


    With 50% openness, it meets U.S. ventilation codes for parking structures while improving occupant comfort and energy efficiency, therefore reducing costs. It’s a great choice for flexible composite facades, shade structures, parking garages, and building cladding, and its printability opens the door for unlimited branding and design possibilities.


    Frontside TXM-50’s uniform woven pattern delivers consistent strength in both warp and weft directions, while fewer fabric flaws help reduce waste and save time during fabrication. Plus, its compatibility with standard awning tools and techniques makes it simple to install and a smart way to expand your offerings. Other benefits include:


    • Excellent light and UV stability
    • Extreme temperature and mold-resistant
    • Weldable without pre-treatment
    • Easy to clean and maintain
    • PFAS free
    • 10-year warranty

    To place your order or to learn more about Frontside TXM-50, please contact your local sales representative, visit trivantage.com, or call us at 800.786.1876.

    Performance on Deck: A Marine Seminar for Fabricators to Learn and Connect

    Seeking continued education and networking opportunities in the world of marine fabrication? Look no further than our new, traveling seminar – Performance on Deck – where we explore emerging trends, product applications, and what it takes to run a successful business in today’s landscape.


    At this event, you’ll gain knowledge on best practices from industry experts, watch live demonstrations, connect with peers and expand your network, and discover innovative products from trusted brands at a vendor market. Past presentation topics have included: U-Zip, Why Sunbrella, Clear Vinyl 101, Tools Needed to go Digital, Knowing your Worth, and more – and they’re evolving with each seminar.


    “It’s nice to be surrounded by others in the industry and to get reenergized about what I’ve chosen to do as my profession,” Rebecca Segrest, owner of Off Season Canvas, said at the most recent seminar. “It’s fun to hear other voices, what they’re engaging in and the way the market is increasing across the board.”


    So far, Performance on Deck has been held in Baltimore, Maryland; City of Industry, California; and St. Augustine, Florida, with plans to continue in new locations.


    If you’re interested in attending a future seminar, contact your local representative.

    NEW: Infinite Shade Designs with Infinity Canopy® Slide-On Wire Components

    It’s patio-sitting season. Slide-on wire canopies are an ideal choice for incorporating shade into outdoor living spaces: they're simple, affordable, and offer a sleek aesthetic. Trivantage® is your one-stop shop for all of the items you need to install a slide-on wire canopy – including a fleet of premium-grade hardware, rope, various fabric options, and more.


    Infinity Canopy® components make it quicker and easier than ever to create the perfect shade for your customers. They give fabric panels structure and movement, allowing for completely customizable shade designs which can easily be modified to fit different designs or color schemes.


    With this innovative line, size, color, or configurations can be quickly adapted as customers’ needs and tastes change. And with summer fast approaching, Infinity Canopy components are a quick fix to creating configurations which offer cool, protective shading on pergolas, free-standing structures or between structures.


    These corrosion-resistant components are made to match, resulting in a polished, professional-looking finished product that will serve your customers well for years to come. Plus, they’re simple to use – The fabric panels clip onto the cables, and in just minutes, your customers can change the colors to suit the season or their style. The Infinity Canopy components line includes slide wire bars, end caps, snap hooks, pulleys, latches, turnbuckles, cable guides, and more.


    To place your order or to learn more about Infinity Canopy components, please contact your local sales representative, visit trivantage.com, or call us at 800.786.1876.


    NEW: Elevate Window Projects with Premium Drapery Linings

    With the warmest months of the year ahead, it’s the perfect time to focus on window treatment projects that keep the warm sun out. And now that Trivantage® carries premium drapery linings, you can add quality and style to every window project.


    Hanes Fabrics drapery linings add luxury to a foundational element of custom window treatments, enhancing the structure and fullness of Roman shades and drapery. These high-quality linings protect face fabrics from fading, moisture, and staining. Available in both cut yardage and full roll options, you can buy only what you need, in styles to suit any project.


    Classic Sateen and Imperial Sateen are both heavyweight options which offer a softened luster finish for an elegant look. While Classic is a cotton sateen lining ideal for residential applications, Imperial is a polyester and cotton blend with a subtle glow. Both linings are available in white and pale ivory.


    Flannel interlining insulates against heat and cold and provides a barrier to outside noise, making it a great choice for more extreme climates or bustling city environments. Eclipse blackout lining, a brushed polyester fabric, offers superior blackout capabilities, as well as sound dampening and thermal insulation. Both linings are available in white.


    Members of Trivantage Plus can enjoy 5% off drapery linings year-round. To place your order or to learn more, please contact your local sales representative, visit trivantage.com, or call us at 800.786.1876.

    Batyline® Sling Evolves: Introducing Eden & Elios

    For over 30 years, Batyline by Serge Ferrari has been a leading performance fabric option within the furniture industry. Now, with two distinct additions to the collection, there have never been more options for fabricating long-lasting yet stylish sling chairs and outdoor furniture.


    Batyline Eden and Elios both offer exceptional strength, dimensional stability, and weather resistance. Made from a high-performance blend of PVC, polyester, and synthetic yarns, these fabrics incorporate a flocked yarn for a soft, comfortable feel. Their open weave design creates exceptional breathability and promotes quick drying, ensuring a comfortable and cool experience in any climate. 100% waterproof and easy to clean, Batyline Eden and Elios are also phthalate-free, mildew-resistant, and backed by a 5-year warranty.


    Batyline Eden is ideal for sling, cushion, and upholstery projects, featuring 23 standard colors plus five waterproof colors. Compared to other acrylic options, Batyline Eden fabrics are five times more resistant to abrasion and feature double the tensile strength. Batyline Elios fabrics are available in 10 colors which fit with any design.


    To place an order or to learn more, please contact your local sales representative, visit trivantage.com, or call us at 800.786.1876.

    Drapery Liners for Fashion and Function

    Drapery liners are specialized fabrics sewn to the back of decorative drapery to enhance structure, improve light control, and extend the life of the finished window treatment. Often used interchangeably with “curtain liner” – a lighter, less structured, value-priced liner fabric – drapery liners are made from thicker materials designed to offer advanced light blocking, room darkening, thermal insulation, and shape retention.


    At Trivantage, we offer professional-grade drapery lining fabrics from Hanes, including Classic Sateen, Imperial Sateen, Blackout Liner, and drapery interlining for projects that demand both style and substance. These liners are engineered to meet the high standards of decorative fabricators, designers, and workrooms across the country.


    Top Drapery Liner Options for Any Project


    At Trivantage, our curated selection of Hanes drapery liner fabric supports a wide range of applications. Here’s how each option performs in the field:


    Hanes Classic Sateen


    A dependable workroom staple, Classic Sateen provides moderate light control, UV resistance, and a soft, smooth hand. It’s ideal for everyday window curtains where privacy and protection matter, but full blackout isn’t required. As a true drapery liner, it offers better structure and performance than a typical curtain liner.


    Hanes Imperial Sateen


    Heavier and more tightly woven than Classic Sateen, Imperial Sateen is preferred for projects requiring enhanced insulation and durability. It can reduce heat gain and helps protect curtain fabrics from harsh sunlight. This drapery lining is frequently specified in hospitality and commercial environments.


    Hanes Blackout Drapery Lining


    For total light blocking and privacy, Hanes Eclipse Blackout liner fabric delivers. Its multi-layer construction eliminates light penetration while offering noise reduction and thermal insulation. Use it in media rooms, bedrooms, or anywhere complete darkness is required. This is not a basic curtain lining, it’s a high-performance drapery liner for demanding environments.


    Who Uses Drapery Liners?


    Interior designers, upholstery shops, window treatment workrooms, and commercial installers rely on drapery liners to meet a range of client needs, from managing solar glare in office settings to achieving full blackout conditions in hospitality or healthcare environments.


    Drapery liners differ from curtain liners, which are more commonly used in residential spaces as a separate, detachable layer for lightweight curtains. Drapery liners, on the other hand, are built into the window treatment during fabrication to add weight, durability, and enhanced performance.


    Most draperies are designed with 1.5 to 2.5 times the fabric width to achieve a full, tailored look, whereas curtain liners are made from lightweight materials or lack substantial lining and require 3 to 4 times the fabric width to provide comparable coverage and visual impact.


    Professionals working on contract projects depend on high-quality drapery lining fabrics to ensure both technical reliability and aesthetic appeal.


    When Drapery Liners are Used


    Drapery liners have been around since the early 1900s. They were first used to protect decorative fabrics from sun damage and add extra insulation. Today, they’ve become a staple in both residential and commercial window treatments, thanks to their ability to block light, add privacy, and help curtains last longer.


    In terms of fabrication, drapery liners are added after the face fabric is cut and patterned. Once the design is finalized, the liner is cut to fit and sewn to the back of the curtain. This step helps the curtain hang better and last longer.


    After sewing, the panel is finished, edges may be hemmed or serged, and weights added if needed. By the time it’s installed, the liner has already done a lot of the heavy lifting, giving the drape a clean, polished look and improving how it performs in the space.


    Why Drapery Liners Are a Smart Upgrade


    Drapery liners are used anywhere window coverings need to deliver both visual appeal and reliable performance. They’re a staple in hotels, hospitals, upscale residences, and office spaces—basically, anywhere that benefits from added privacy, room darkening, thermal insulation, or fabric protection. The right liner enhances the curtain’s performance while helping preserve the quality and appearance of the face fabric over time.


    In everyday home settings, curtain liners are a lighter option used mainly for added privacy or soft light filtering in living rooms and other places. They’re often removable and more budget-friendly, perfect for casual, residential use. But for long-lasting results in busy spaces, drapery liners offer better structure, more insulation, and longer wear over time.


    Choose a drapery liner when your window treatment needs to do more than look good. Whether your client is seeking energy efficiency, noise reduction, full light blocking, or a polished, professional drape, drapery lining adds the necessary performance layer. These liners help preserve face fabrics, prevent UV damage, and maintain the finished curtain panel’s structure over time.


    Do I Need Interlining?


    Placed between the face fabric and the drapery liner, interlining adds body, luxury, and insulation. It’s ideal for cold-weather climates and high-end interiors where fullness and softness are desired. Interlining is especially useful when working with lightweight decorative fabrics that need additional structure.


    How to Use Drapery Liners for Style and Performance


    Adding a drapery liner is an easy way to upgrade your curtains, both in how they look and how they function. With the right liner and a few careful steps, your curtains will not only look beautiful, they’ll work harder, too.


    Best Uses & Helpful Tips


    • Pick the right liner: Use blackout liners for full darkness, dimout liners for soft light filtering, and thermal liners for better temperature control.
    • Use in the right places: Great for hotels, office spaces, or custom installs needing long-term results.
    • Complement your palette: Choose liners in neutral tones that match your face fabric’s weight and color.
    • Protect your fabric: Prevents fading and fabric breakdown for a longer curtain life.

    Easy Steps to Add a Drapery Liner


    • Measure & Cut: Cut the liner 1–2 inches smaller than the curtain panel.
    • Layer & Line Up: Place liner behind the face fabric, backs facing each other.
    • Sew Together: Stitch edges; hem separately or together.
    • Attach the Header: Add header hardware like pleating tape or rod pocket.
    • Finish & Iron: Press seams and edges; add weights if needed.
    • Hang It Up: Install and adjust for smooth drape.

    Shop Premium Drapery Liners with Trivantage


    Trivantage is proud to offer Hanes Drapery Liners in both cut yardage and full roll options. Buy the yardage you need and give every custom window project enhanced structure, fullness, and longer life by helping protect face fabrics from fading, moisture, and staining. Count on Trivantage for all your custom window treatment supplies.


    Explore our full selection of quality fabrics and blackout liners available by the yard and take advantage of fast, nationwide distribution. Let’s get the job done together.

    Hammers, Mallets, & Mauls: Common Striking Tools for Fabrication

    Before air nailers, pneumatic machines, and chemical adhesives, humans had hammers. Designed to deliver force to an object by impact, striking tools have been essential for building, breaking, farming, and feeding us for over 3 million years. Century after century, innovative furniture makers, upholsterers, and fabricators developed countless variations on the hammer to meet the particular needs of delicate materials, novel applications, and discerning customers.


    Some hammer-like tools did not stand the test of time, like the agricultural flail, replaced by the modern combine, or a carpenter’s beetle, replaced by hydraulic tampers. Others are still used to this day and serve an important purpose within the upholstery and furniture industry.


    Differences Between Hammers, Mallets, & Mauls


    While these striking tools may seem similar at a glance, each is designed for specific tasks and materials, making it important to understand their unique features and functions.


    What Makes a Hammer?


    Unlike mallets and mauls, hammers are built for direct contact with fasteners while driving them into place. With moderate power and high portability, hammers prioritize quick, precise results but can often marr the material being hammered if it is not protected or compatible with hammer head material. Some common specialty hammers include:


    • Split-head hammers are heavy-duty striking tools with a removable face system. The hammer heads split into two sections that clamp around interchangeable striking faces like nylon replacement heads or rawhide replacement heads. Great for a variety of applications and materials, this customizable and cost-effective hand tool is popular in upholstery and furniture making.

    • Pneumatic hammers, also called air hammers or air chisels, these power tools use compressed air to rapidly drive a piston that delivers high-frequency blows to a surface, tool, chisel, or punching tool. An essential tool in automotive repair available in a wide variety of sizes and types, it’s also excellent for awning and marine fabrication.

    • Magnetic tack hammers are small, lightweight hammers used in upholstery, furniture building, and restoring to drive tacks or small nails. To save you time and hassle, this tool is engineered with one magnetized face, to hold and start the tack, and a non-magnetized face for striking.

    What Makes a Mallet?


    Different from hammers and mauls, mallets are lighter and less precise but an ideal option for use with delicate materials. Mallet heads are made with soft materials, like rubber or wood, and are not meant to drive metal fasteners or nails. Instead, mallets are designed to prevent marring while maintaining striking power in applications like upholstery trim, wood joinery, leatherworking, and other finishing tasks. A few typical mallet types include:


    • Rawhide mallets are striking tools with a head made from tightly wound and compressed rawhide, typically attached to a lighter-weight wooden or composite handle. This kind of mallet is designed for non-marring applications where other hammer head materials would damage the workpiece.

    • Rubber mallets are made with solid rubber heads, usually mounted on a wooden or fiberglass handle and are more “bouncy” than rawhide or wooden mallets. These tools deliver a softer, broader impact than a metal or rawhide hammer, great for distributing force without damaging surfaces.

    • Dead blow mallets are designed to provide a strong strike but reduce bounceback and evenly distribute striking force. Typically filled with sand, steel shot, or lead shot, the hollow head absorbs recoil and spreads impact. These kinds of tools are used in woodworking, metal working, awning fabrication, and more.

    What Makes a Maul?


    Compared to hammers and mallets, mauls prioritize power over precision or material protection. The maul’s roots are deep - with a design derived from medieval war hammers and a name rooted in Old French - the tool became essential for farmers and foresters as they cleared land, drove stakes, and split logs. Today, mauls maintain their striking power and offer alternative head materials to fit any application need, including:


    • Rawhide mauls are used in a variety of industries for many applications. Heavier than rawhide mallets, these tools are made to provide a forceful impact without marring the materials you are using. The rawhide material also resists splintering, extending the life of the tool.

    • Caulking mauls are specialized striking tools used primarily in shipbuilding. These striking tools are used to drive cotton or oakum between wooden planks creating watertight seams. Made of wood or metal with a shorter handle and large, cylindrical head, caulking mauls are still used today for antique restoration or with traditional boatbuilding techniques.

    Your One-Stop Shop for Professional Upholstery Tools


    Shop Trivantage to access an industry-leading selection of fabrication supplies, upholstery fabrics, professional tools, and so much more. Many tools are also discounted year-round for members of the Trivantage Plus Program - check out thosebenefits here.