When selecting fabric for outdoor furniture, several factors should be taken into consideration including durability, abrasion resistance and appearance. An ideal fabric would withstand harsh elements like sunlight, rain and mold while still looking appealing aesthetically.
Acrylic fabrics, particularly solution dyed varieties, are among the most widely chosen options due to their extreme resistance against stains, mildew growth and UV radiation.
Acrylic
Acrylic outdoor fabric is an increasingly popular choice for patio furniture due to its durability and ease of cleaning. Mold and mildew resistance is another bonus; high temperatures won’t harm this fabric either! Available both solid and patterned styles to fit in seamlessly with your decor, it still manages to wick away moisture quickly while holding up well against weather elements.
Acrylic upholstery fabrics are typically crafted using solution dyed yarns. This technique of coloring ensures the hue goes all the way through, without fading over time. Sunbrella and Outdura, two top fabric brands, use solution dyed yarns in their performance fabrics, offering an extensive variety of colors and patterns that complement any style.
Olefin is another great synthetic fiber option, being quick-drying and resistant to mildew growth. Furthermore, it is more economical than acrylics while being easier to clean with most household cleaners and unaffected by sunlight exposure.
Olefin fabric is ideal for areas that experience frequent rain as it wicks moisture away and remains cool during hot conditions. While not as soft as acrylics, olefin won’t wrinkle easily either and remains flexible under pressure – however it shouldn’t be exposed to very cold climates, as olefin will become brittle with age and become unusable in such extreme temperatures.
Before purchasing outdoor fabric – such as olefin or acrylic – for your patio furniture, it is vitally important that you conduct an inconspicuous test in an inconspicuous area in order to prevent spending money on an option which does not suit the climate where you live. Doing this will allow you to avoid spending your hard-earned cash on something which won’t perform optimally in terms of climate considerations.
Apart from selecting the appropriate fabric, it is also crucial that furniture be properly maintained on an ongoing basis. Wiping down upholstery with a mild soap and water mixture regularly will keep it looking new for as long as possible, while covering outdoor pieces with an awning or cover protect them from weather damage and UV rays that could otherwise harm them.
Olefin
When you see “olefin” on an outdoor furniture fabric label, it indicates that its synthetic fibers consist of polypropylene and/or polyethylene material that’s solution dyed – often polypropylene and/or polyethylene – used to weave it. Common applications for these olefin-woven materials are for awnings, umbrellas and umbrella covers as well as cushions or bean bag manufacturing. Olefin fabric stands up well against water damage, mildew growth and stain resistance while quickly drying to help speeding things along compared to natural fiber fabrics which tend to absorb moisture by not absorbing liquid into their fibers so liquids tend to pool rather than penetrate the fibers.
Olefin’s other great advantage is its ease of care – it can be cleaned easily with soap and water or machine washed, making it an excellent choice for outdoor chairs, sofas and other pieces that require frequent maintenance. Olefin can even tolerate bleach cleaning solutions for deeper cleans. Olefin also resists fading well – which explains its popularity among sunbrella fabric brands such as Outdura and Sunbrella chair fabrics.
Woven olefin fabrics feature excellent tensile strength, which allows them to flex and conform to user shapes without becoming unruly or out of shape. Not as stiff as polyester but more than cotton, woven olefin fabrics tend to be relatively soft against the touch and drape more smoothly than other synthetic materials.
Olefin may not be as luxurious as high-end fabrics, but it still delivers great performance for an economical option. Olefin can hold up well against wear and tear better than many outdoor fabrics and its colorfastness is ideal. Additionally, its increased resistance against abrasion makes this an excellent option.
Phifertex PVC/Olefin blend fabrics provide durable yet cost-effective outdoor fabric solutions without fading; these sling fabrics combine the strength of PVC with softness of Olefin to produce fabric that stands up well against rainy environments yet feels smooth and comfortable against your touch.
Spun Polyester
Spun polyester has long been an outdoor fabric choice since the 1970s, popular among manufacturers and used widely by consumers alike. Boasting both durability and ease of maintenance, spun polyester makes a fantastic material choice for outdoor pillows, seat pads and other upholstered pieces such as cushions. With an open weave construction keeping you cool while sitting, as well as being treated for soil and stain resistance; unlike acrylic fabrics which fade with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight; spun polyester tends to be preferred more in areas not frequently exposed to direct sunlight.
Printed spun polyester fabrics come in an impressive array of colors and patterns, so there’s sure to be something perfect for every space or design scheme. Starting as white rolls of polyester that undergo a printing process to add solid colors, stripes, and designs; the end result being an array of fabric patterns perfect for colorful accent pillows and sofa cushions.
Due to their low absorbency, spun polyester fabrics require regular cleaning in order to remain as attractive as possible. A combination of 1 part water and 1 part soap should be used when washing; rinse after each cycle and allow the fabric to air dry before use of bleach or fabric spot remover for stubborn stains.
All-weather fabric replacement cushions are an economical and practical choice, due to its broad selection of patterns. However, prolonged sunlight exposure may fade the material over time – to minimize this risk, we advise covering and storing replacement cushions away from direct sunlight when not in use.
If you want your cushion covers to stand the test of time, look for solution-dyed acrylic fabric like Sunbrella. This canvas-like cloth made with dyed fibers resists abrasions, soil, mildew and up to 1,000 hours of UV rays while remaining pilling- and fade-proof from harsh chemicals – although more costly than other all-weather fabrics it remains your best bet when it comes to durability.
Vinyl
Vinyl (faux leather upholstery fabric) looks fantastic on patio furniture and gives it a high-end aesthetic, as it is durable, easy to maintain, abrasion resistant and very cost effective compared to its leather counterparts. Furthermore, its availability ranges from neutral hues through dramatic darks allowing customers to purchase sets of outdoor vinyl furniture under $150!
Selecting the proper foam type for your patio furniture is of utmost importance. The right material must withstand elements like heat, moisture and extreme cold. Foam that is too hard will crack or break; additionally it could become hot and uncomfortable during warm temperatures.
Foam with a higher density should be chosen for patio furniture as this will offer greater support and last longer than soft foam options. Furthermore, outdoor-grade foam should be chosen which has been treated against mildew and mold growth.
Fabric selection for patio chairs is equally as crucial to their frame. The material should withstand moisture and mildew build-up while remaining cold weather resistant. Woven mesh materials allow water to drain off easily for easier cleaning as well as keeping chairs cooler in summer heatwaves.
Woven mesh fabrics come in various forms, such as sling chair fabric, woven vinyl mesh and polyester mesh. Woven vinyl mesh is an economical and breathable material ideal for replacement of patio sling fabric; indoor roller shades; umbrellas; water drainage mats & bags in the kitchen as well as tablecloths placemats & craft projects.
Woven polyurethane fabric makes an excellent option for replacing sling chair fabric, and can even be used on patio chairs constructed with wrought iron, aluminum, or wicker frames. Furthermore, polyurethane has an extremely low cold crack rating allowing it to remain outdoors all year round.