Over half of Americans say they need more outdoor time. Considering that it’s relaxing and helps improve your mood, outdoor R&R is just what the doctor ordered.
You don’t have to be Mr. Moneybags to make outdoor plans either. Go ahead and slide open that patio door, and there’s an oasis waiting for you.
Of course, you should invest in protecting your patio furniture so you don’t have to keep shelling out money for new pieces. One way is to pick durable yet comfortable fabrics.
Read on for a Sunbrella vs. Sunbrella Rain comparison so you can make a wise decision.
What is Sunbrella fabric?
Sunbrella fabric is a line of fabrics made specifically for outdoor use. So you can use Sunbrella fabric for your furniture, sun shade canopies, and even boating upholstery.
Sunbrella is a huge name in the outdoor furniture industry, so you can count on getting high-quality products. In fact, most of their products have been tested by independent laboratories to ensure there are no harmful substances.
Sunbrella fabric is soft, comfortable and highly breathable.
What Is Sunbrella fabric made of?
All Sunbrella fabrics are made of solution-dyed acrylic, which has many wonderful benefits.
For one, they’re stain-resistant, thanks to their protective coating that endures the tests of time. And even if you spill anything on Subrella fabric, all you have to do is blot with a dry cloth, then clean with mild dish soap and warm water.
And because these fabrics are designed for outdoor use, you can expect them to be weather and water-resistant. This means they’re resistant to mold and mildew growth too. Simply clean the fabrics occasionally with a mild bleach solution to keep them looking brand new and free of dirt and debris.
On top of that, Sunbrella fabrics won’t fade quickly since they’re stabilized UV and color pigments in the fabrics with their Color to the Core technology. When guests come over years later, they’ll still think you’ve only just bought your Sunbrella products! You can expect Sunbrella fabric to last you five to 10 or more years.
Is Sunbrella fabric waterproof?
Only some Sunbrella fabrics are waterproof (more on this later).
As we’ve pointed out above, in general, these fabrics are “water resistant,” which isn’t the same as “waterproof.” This means that while the materials won’t get instantly ruined by water and moisture, they’ll eventually suffer damage (it won’t be for a while though, especially if you take good care of your things!).
Are there different grades of Sunbrella?
Yes, there are four grades: A, B, C, and D. These grades sort the fabrics into different construction characteristics.
Generally speaking, the lower the grade, the more expensive the fabric. For example, a Grade-A Sunbrella fabric will be less expensive than a Grade-D one. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the former has lesser quality materials than the latter.
Here are the general characteristics of each fabric grade:
- A – Basic, solid colors, budget-friendly; usually for cushions and pillows
- B – Mid-range, more variety in colors and patterns; usually for outdoor furniture
- C – High-end, sophisticated designs and textures; usually for awnings, marine use, and commercial spaces
- D – Premium, exclusive designs; usually for awnings, marine use, and commercial spaces
Are there different weights of Sunbrella?
Yes, there are different weights of Sunbrella fabric. Because there are different grades, this means there are different weaves and thicknesses of threads used. This, in turn, affects the grams or ounces per square yard of each product.
The higher the weight, the heavier, denser, and durable the fabric will be.
What is Sunbrella Rain?
Sunbrella Rain is one of the only two waterproof fabrics made by Sunbrella (FYI, the other is Sunbrella Seamark).
This fabric is amazing because it has a special 100% waterproof coating on the back of the fabric. This makes it the ideal fabric if you’re using outdoor furniture in areas with high rainfall, or if you need your pieces to dry off fast. The cushions can dry off completely within minutes.
It’s just as easy to take care of Sunbrella Rain fabric as it is with all other Sunbrella offerings. It’s resistant to mold, mildew, and fading, and to clean it, just blot with a clean dry cloth and warm soapy water.
Sunbrella Rain vs regular Sunbrella fabric
When you compare the fabrics side by side, they’re pretty similar. So if you’re wondering, “What is good quality outdoor fabric,” both are excellent!
However, there’s a noticeable difference in texture; Sunbrella Rain is not as soft. This is because of the waterproof coating, which also makes it less breathable. For some, it might feel less comfortable for seating.
With that said, if you live somewhere that’s constantly raining, and you don’t like having a wet behind, you’ll want to go with Sunbrella Rain. The fact that the fabric dries up within minutes makes it worth every penny spent, as you won’t have to worry about soggy jeans when hanging out on the patio.
Otherwise, if you want something that’s versatile and breathable for general outdoor use, and rain isn’t too much of an issue, regular Sunbrella fabric will do.
No matter which one you opt for, you’ll enjoy the high-quality standards of Sunbrella. The fabrics will be durable, easy to maintain, and resistant to environmental elements.
Sunbrella vs Sunbrella Rain – Make the right choice
When looking at outdoor furniture fabrics, you might run into the Sunbrella vs. Sunbrella Rain dilemma. We’re not here to tell you which one to pick, since everyone has their own needs and preferences.
But Sunbrella Rain is a clear winner if you live in a rainy area and want cushions that are almost always dry. It’s also a great material for patio umbrellas since you won’t have to put them away while they’re sopping wet.
If you’re curious, then learn more about Sunbrella fabrics now! Otherwise, browse the extensive Decor Outdoor products that can beautify your home and yard.
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