Chieftain Universal Contract Vinyl Universal Stratos

Chieftain Universal Heavy-Duty Contract Upholstery Vinyl

Chieftain Universal is a heavy-duty contract upholstery vinyl developed for demanding seating environments where durability, hygiene and straightforward maintenance are essential.

Part of Chieftain's established Heritage collection, Universal combines a traditional leather-grain appearance with a substantial, hard-wearing construction. It is particularly suitable for healthcare furniture, commercial seating, education, hospitality and busy public environments.

Available in six practical colours, this contract-grade faux leather provides a durable alternative to genuine leather and many conventional upholstery fabrics.

Select your preferred colour from the variations above to view its corresponding image and order the required length.

Product Specifications

• Manufacturer: Chieftain Fabrics
• Collection: Universal, Heritage
• Surface: PVC
• Backing: Recycled polyester and organic cotton
• Width: Approximately 137cm (54")
• Weight: Approximately 915gsm
• Thickness: Approximately 1.35mm
• Bursting strength: Over 1,200kPa
• Abrasion resistance: 1,000,000 Martindale rubs
• Fire performance: BS 5852 Ignition Source 5 (Crib 5)
• Additional fire testing: EN 1021 Parts 1 and 2
• Antimicrobial testing: ISO 22196
• Finish: Traditional leather-grain texture
• Colours: Six
• Supply: Sold by the linear metre

These specifications reflect Chieftain's published Heritage technical information. Current certification should be checked where a particular contract specification must be satisfied.

Six Universal Vinyl Colours

The Universal collection offers a compact selection of neutral, traditional and accent colours.

Bamboo

A warm, light neutral suited to healthcare seating, reception furniture and understated interiors.

Black

A classic black leather-grain vinyl suitable for office chairs, bar stools, commercial benches and everyday contract upholstery.

Capsicum

A distinctive warm accent shade for hospitality furniture, reception seating and upholstered feature pieces.

Caramel

A rich tan leather-inspired colour that complements traditional timber furniture, restaurants and hotel interiors.

Logan Red

A deep red upholstery vinyl suited to restaurant booths, waiting-room seating and furniture requiring a stronger colour statement.

Stratos Blue

A practical blue shade suitable for healthcare, educational furniture, offices and commercial seating.

Choose your colour variation above to display the corresponding fabric image.

Screen colours may differ from the actual material. Where accurate colour matching is essential, inspect a physical sample before ordering.

Extreme Durability for High-Traffic Furniture

Universal has been tested to 1,000,000 Martindale abrasion rubs, making it relevant to furniture subjected to frequent use and handling.

This heavy-duty commercial upholstery vinyl is particularly suitable for:

• Hospital and healthcare seating
• Care-home and assisted-living furniture
• Waiting-room and reception chairs
• Restaurant booths and banquette seating
• Hotel and hospitality furniture
• Schools, colleges and educational seating
• Office chairs and communal furniture
• Bar stools and upholstered benches

Its construction and wipe-clean surface are practical where upholstered furniture must withstand repeated use and regular cleaning.

For seating manufacture or refurbishment,

Antimicrobial Upholstery for Healthcare

Chieftain Universal incorporates antimicrobial performance tested to ISO 22196.

Combined with its non-absorbent PVC surface, this makes it a practical material for healthcare, care-home and public-building upholstery where cleaning and hygiene are important.

Its easy-clean finish can simplify the removal of everyday spills and surface contamination compared with many absorbent woven fabrics.

Antimicrobial performance does not replace regular cleaning, disinfection or appropriate infection-control procedures.

For specialist healthcare installations, confirm the material's compatibility with the required cleaning products and procurement specification.

Crib 5 Fire-Retardant Contract Vinyl

Universal is tested to BS 5852 Ignition Source 5, commonly known as Crib 5, and EN 1021 Parts 1 and 2.

These standards make the material relevant to commercial upholstery projects requiring documented fire performance.

However, the vinyl's fire-test results do not automatically establish compliance for completed furniture.

The covering, Upholstery Foam, fillings, interliners and full furniture construction must meet the applicable requirements.

Where a specific contract standard is required, obtain the latest manufacturer certification before production.

Traditional Leather-Grain Appearance

Unlike smooth plain-colour vinyl, Universal features a leather-grain texture that gives upholstered furniture a more traditional appearance.

This makes it suitable for both commercial environments and refurbishment projects where a familiar leather-look finish is preferred.

The colour range includes practical shades for matching existing furniture, coordinating reception areas and producing consistent seating across multiple locations.

For alternative styling, explore Chieftain Traditional or Chieftain Marquis.

Cutting, Sewing and Upholstery Preparation

Universal measures approximately 137cm wide and is supplied by the linear metre.

Before ordering, measure every seat, back, arm and border panel, allowing additional material for seams, piping, fixing and cutting waste.

Keep the leather-grain direction consistent across adjoining panels and order the full quantity together where possible to minimise batch-related shade differences.

Use suitable sewing methods and avoid unnecessary needle holes or excessive tension when fitting the material.

For new cushions, Polyester Wadding may help soften foam edges and improve the upholstery profile.

Secure wadding to foam using compatible Upholstery Spray Adhesive to prevent movement and bunching during cover fitting.

Cleaning and Care

Clean Universal upholstery regularly using mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth, following the manufacturer's current care instructions.

Remove oil, ink and other potentially staining substances promptly.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents and unsuitable chemical products that could damage the vinyl surface.

Where stronger cleaning or disinfection is required, confirm compatibility with Chieftain's approved cleaning guidance.

Universal or Another Chieftain Vinyl?

Universal is particularly suitable when durability, hygiene, Crib 5 performance and a traditional leather appearance are the main priorities.

For a much larger selection of plain colours, explore Chieftain Just Colour.

For accent colours, consider Chieftain Riviera.

For a softer, leather-like appearance, browse the Chieftain Lionella Range.

The complete Chieftain Contract Vinyl Collection offers additional colours, textures and performance characteristics.

Chieftain Universal is a heavy-duty Crib 5 contract upholstery vinyl with a traditional leather-grain finish. Available in six colours, it is durable, has antimicrobial properties and a practical wipe-clean surface for healthcare, hospitality and commercial seating.

Width: 137cm | Sold by the metre

Choose a colour to see its image. Colours may vary due to screen resolutions and settings. Samples available on request.