Outdoor furniture cushions, slings and accent pillows require textiles that can withstand the demands of constant exposure to the elements. There are a number of outdoor upholstery fabric and mesh material options but synthetic fabrics are often the superior choice.
Natural fibers tend to lose vibrancy and break down over time. Fabrics made from synthetic thread, infused with plastic, are much better options for outdoor upholstery covers. They are more resistant to climate issues and hold their color longer.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of different types of fabric for patio furniture in more detail.
Choosing high-performance outdoor fabrics
Selecting the right fabric for your deck furniture is crucial for creating an inviting and long-lasting outdoor setting. The perfect balance between style, comfort and durability ensures that your furniture not only looks great but also stands up to the challenges of outdoor living.
- Style: Your outdoor space is an extension of your home, and the fabrics you choose for your patio furniture play a significant role in defining its aesthetic appeal. Vibrant colors, patterns and textures can transform a simple patio into a stylish oasis.
- Comfort: Comfort is key when it comes to patio furniture. After all, these are the spaces where you’ll relax, entertain and enjoy time with family and friends. The right fabric should be soft and comfortable to sit on while providing adequate support.
- Durability: Outdoor furniture faces unique challenges, including exposure to sunlight, rain, wind and varying temperatures. This is where high quality synthetic fabrics shine. These fabrics are specifically designed to resist fading, mildew and wear and tear.
Types of fabric for outdoor furniture
Each synthetic fabric has its own set of benefits, drawbacks and ideal usage. By understanding the specific benefits of different synthetic materials, you can choose the perfect fabric for your deck furniture that meets your needs for both longevity and performance.
Acrylic Fabric
Indoor and outdoor fabrics made from acrylic fibers are strong and resistant to both weather and use damage. They’re mold and mildew-resistant and can hold up against rubbing and tearing. This is especially important for outdoor upholstery fabrics in active residential and commercial applications.
Acrylic fabrics are solution-dyed, which means that the threads are dyed before they are woven. This allows the textile to retain its color longer, even when exposed to direct sunlight. While it is water-resistant, acrylic fabric is more breathable than other options, allowing it to stay cooler in hot weather. It’s also easy to clean with mild soap and water.
All things considered, acrylic fabric is widely considered to be the best all-purpose textile for patio furniture cushions, throw pillows and patio umbrellas.
Sunbrella®
Sunbrella® is generally recognized as the “gold standard” of acrylic outdoor textiles. The company has products that range from soft and suitable for urban home use to marine-grade materials that can survive the rigors of saltwater, wind and sun on yachts and catamarans.
You get what you pay for, and premium acrylic fabrics have a much higher price tag than other materials.
PROS
- Strong
- Durable
- Weather and moisture-resistant
- Doesn’t fade
- Easy-to-clean
CONS
- High cost
Olefin Fabric
Olefin is another solution-dyed synthetic fabric that is durable, quick-drying and fade-resistant. It stands up to mold, moisture and heat and is less expensive than acrylics. Olefin is lightweight and smooth, but it can lack the softness of some other textiles. It resists stains and abrasions and is easy to wash.
When it comes to Olefin vs Sunbrella®, the former is a great choice when acrylics are outside of your budget.
Etisilk – Texsilk®
Etisilk’s Texsilk® is one of the better-known brands of olefin outdoor garden and pool furniture fabric. It’s stain-resistant and strong enough to be cleaned by bleach or chlorine. Texsilk® is environmentally responsible and certified as a safe textile by OEKO-TEX.
PROS
- Durable
- Quick-drying
- Fade-resistant
- Easy maintenance
- Affordable
CONS
- Not as soft as alternative materials
Polyester Fabric
This synthetic material is typically coated with either an acrylic or vinyl (PVC mesh) to protect it from the elements. Polyester is strong, flexible, water-resistant damage and combats staining. It’s tear-resistant and dries quickly, but most outdoor polyester fabrics (at least the non-treated average-grade options) fade faster than other synthetic textiles.
Unlike, solution-dyed alternatives, polyester hybrids are dipped in color or have the color painted on after the threads are woven. You can achieve brighter colors and more intricate patterns, but it won’t last as long when exposed to UV rays. Consequently, they do much better in shaded environments, where there is less direct sunlight.
Acrylic-coated polyester works well for accents and pillows, while vinyl-coated polyester has a plastic-like feel that is better suited for self-supporting seats and back slings, screens, umbrellas and backing, where there is less skin contact.
Two of the most renowned manufacturers of high-end PVC-coated polyester textiles are Ferrari and Twitchell.
Ferrari – Batyline® Mesh
Batyline® mesh is a premium synthetic outdoor mesh fabric that is extremely strong and tear-resistant. Its open design allows airflow that helps the material stay cool, dry quickly and be resistant to mold and mildew. It is an ideal choice for self-supporting sling seating like poolside sunloungers, patio dining chairs and bar stools.
PROS
- Durable
- Easy to maintain
- Breathable
CONS
- More expensive
- May be stiff initially
Twitchell – Textilene® Mesh
Textilene® mesh is similar to Batyline® in its applications. It’s used by many luxury outdoor furniture brands like Sifas for the seat and back slings of high-end lounge chairs and sofas. Twitchell also manufactures a variety of mesh fabric grades that are appropriate for sun screens, awnings, tarps and fencing.
PROS
- Strong
- Resists tearing and water damage
- Quick drying
- Comes in bold colors & patterns
CONS
- Tends to fade faster than other fabrics
Acrylic fabric vs polyester fabric – Which is best?
As you can see, both acrylic and polyester are good fabrics for outdoor seating. Acrylic fabric is often the first choice as it’s known for its superior UV resistance, color retention and comfort. However, polyester fabric is a more affordable option that is just as durable in outdoor living spaces.
With this in mind, you are one step closer to finding the best seating for your patio. Continue reading to learn about the best cushion foam to pair with your outdoor upholstery fabric choice to create a comfortable environment.
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