No matter if you’re upgrading existing patio furniture or creating a brand-new set, fabric selection is of utmost importance. Achieing this feat while remaining stylish requires selecting material which stands up well to weather and environmental conditions as well as complementing your decor theme.
Outdoor fabrics come in an assortment of colors and styles. Light green hues provide a soothing balance to warm color schemes, while beachy seafoam and sage hues create the ambience for an enjoyable backyard escape.
Acrylic
Acrylic fabric is one of the most sought-after outdoor fabrics used for cushions, pillows, chairs and umbrellas. Its qualities include UV-protection, resistance to fading and being tear and wear-resistant; additionally it does not promote mildew growth and requires only minimal cleaning maintenance.
Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics like Sunbrella are popular choices for high-quality outdoor furniture because of their soft, breathable surface and excellent colorfastness. Plus, these durable materials resist mold and mildew growth as well as staining. Plus, because dye is added before fibers are spun into yarn, its hue remains stable over time even with repeated exposure to weather elements or daily use.
Polyester fabrics are a common choice for outdoor fabrics, yet aren’t as versatile or resilient as acrylic options. Polyester fades quickly when exposed to direct sunlight and can become damaged when exposed to cold temperatures; additionally, its lack of softness or breathability gives it an artificial feeling.
Polyester furniture is not sustainable due to the harsh chemicals it requires and its impact on global plastic waste, yet remains popular patio seating choice due to its resilience against fading, tears and stains, lightweight design and affordability. Polyester’s quick drying time also makes cleaning it straightforward – simply brush off or spot-clean with mild soap-and-water mixture if any spots or spills occur.
Sunbrella provides some of the highest quality polyester fabrics made with solution-dyed acrylic for an array of patterns and colors to complement any patio furniture style. While not suitable for outdoor use, others such as AquaDuck from Sunbrella may still work regardless of weather conditions.
Olefin fabrics are another great choice for outdoor fabrics. Crafted with synthetic fibers that are less costly to produce and easier to maintain than acrylics, olefin may provide a rougher feel compared to acrylic and may not resist moisture as effectively.
Olefin
Olefin, a form of polypropylene, is an increasingly popular choice for outdoor furniture fabrics due to its durability and resistance to moisture. Additionally, this fabric helps reduce environmental footprint since it can be recycled multiple times without losing performance characteristics. Furthermore, this water-resistant fabric quickly wicks away moisture before drying quickly making it perfect for areas that receive frequent rainfall; additionally it resists mildew growth as well as insects while coming in a range of colors and patterns for your convenience.
Acrylic fabric is another common material used for upholstering patio furniture, but it’s essential that buyers understand the difference between acrylic and olefin fabrics before making their purchase. The difference lies in their production. Acrylic fabrics are created by solution-dying acrylic yarns while olefin yarns are woven. While both fabrics offer various advantages, acrylic stands up well under direct sunlight while olefin may pill more frequently or cause snagging problems.
No matter if you choose acrylic or olefin fabrics, proper maintenance techniques must be implemented to keep them in top shape. Start by brushing off dirt or debris using a soft-bristled brush or vacuum cleaner before cleaning with cool to lukewarm water and mild soap solution before rinsing thoroughly before leaving it to air dry naturally.
Phifertex Olefin/PVC blend fabrics provide durable yet comfortable and stylish patio furniture fabrics. Combining vinyl-coated polyester’s tenacity with the softness and performance of olefin creates an outdoor sling fabric capable of withstanding repeated use under harsh weather conditions like UV rays and heavy rainfall, while providing fade-resistant colors that resist fading as well as Microban antimicrobial protection to help inhibit mold, mildew, and other bacteria growth – perfect for upholstering cushions and other outdoor furniture pieces! These fabrics make an excellent option when upholstering cushions and other pieces from Phifertex!
Spun Polyester
Polyester fabric is an ideal option for those who enjoy the feel of cotton, yet require something that stands up well against harsh sunlight and moisture. Spun polyester is manufactured using polymer yarn that goes through a process which includes drying, melting spinning, drawing fiber from it, winding it into fabric sheets, dyeing before weaving and eventually dyeing again for an end product with soft textures that resists sun fading over time.
Spun polyester fabric is an economical and strong material that holds up well when exposed to friction from other fabrics, making it suitable for use on sling chairs and larger upholstered pieces. Furthermore, its water repellence and stain-repellency make it suitable for resisting tough stains; yet mildew may develop without proper care taken to clean regularly with hot water and soap solution. Regular cleaning with hot water and soap solutions should help to minimize this potential problem.
Spun polyester textiles provide several distinct advantages. Not only are they less costly than many alternatives, but their material feels similar to cotton for added comfort while entertaining outdoors.
All-weather fabrics are increasingly popular with people ordering custom cushions, as they offer an abundance of colors and patterns to choose from. While designed to withstand UV rays and rain, all-weather fabrics don’t last as long as quality indoor cotton-based fabrics.
Though all-weather fabrics are designed to withstand the elements, it is still wise to protect them as much as possible from sunlight and moisture exposure. This can be accomplished by storing cushions when not in use or by covering furniture covers – both will ensure longer cushion life while looking beautiful! Additionally, regular hot water and soap solution cleaning is recommended to decrease mildew formation; doing this can extend their lifecycle.
Vinyl
Vinyl fabric offers many benefits for its durable nature such as stain, mildew and water resistance. Available in an array of colors and patterns, vinyl can be found used for furniture upholstery, shade structures and awnings – as well as being popular among boat and car seat manufacturers – plus it’s easily cleaned while offering soft comfort with easy care requirements and available in different textures for extra design options.
Patio furniture made of wicker or rattan is often covered in vinyl, but these covers may not fit perfectly over its contours. If the cover is loose, dirt and debris may accumulate under it and prevent moisture evaporating away, leading to mold growth and mildew growth as well as contributing to rust formation.
Phifertex(r) fabrics offer superior strength and dimensional stability for high-pressure sling chairs, featuring UV/fade resistance as well as Microban(r), an antimicrobial treatment infused into their fabric that will keep it looking great year after year without needing chemical cleaners to keep its look. Phifertex is certified GREENGUARD(r). Cleaning Phifertex fabric slings is easy!
Sunbrella(r) awning/marine vinyl fabric offers another great solution for sling chair fabric, offering greater durability than polyester while boasting more colors and patterns than its polyester counterpart. UV/inkjet printable capabilities make this vinyl ideal for adding company logos or personalizing patio furniture.
If you’re shopping for furniture to decorate your outdoor space, it is essential to find an acceptable balance between price and durability. Cheaper, poorly constructed patio furniture won’t last as long and won’t justify its initial purchase cost; on the other hand, more costly pieces may look better and may outlive their initial costs; usually you can find an acceptable compromise by selecting quality brands and models.
