Best Fabric For Outdoor Furniture 【Buying Guide】

When it comes to outdoor furniture, it's important to choose a fabric that can withstand the elements and maintain its appearance over time. The best fabrics for outdoor furniture are those that are durable, water-resistant, and UV resistant. Some popular options include Sunbrella, Outdura, and solution-dyed acrylic fabrics. These fabrics are specifically designed to withstand the elements and resist fading, mildew, and mold. They are also easy to clean and maintain. Each synthetic fabric has its own set of benefits, drawbacks and ideal usage. It's always recommended to check the care instructions and warranty of the fabric before making a decision.

Let's introduce the 3 fabrics for outdoor furniture.

1. Acrylic Fabric

Acrylic fabric is a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its durability, water-resistance and UV resistance. Acrylic fibers are synthetic and have properties similar to wool, but they are more resistant to the elements. They are also mold and mildew resistant, and can withstand rubbing and tearing, making them ideal for high-use outdoor applications. Additionally, acrylic fabrics are solution-dyed, which means that the threads are colored before they are woven, leading to a longer-lasting color even when exposed to sunlight. Although it is water-resistant, acrylic fabric is also breathable, making it cooler to sit on in hot weather. Cleaning is also a breeze, as it can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water. All things considered, acrylic fabric is a versatile and all-purpose textile suitable for outdoor furniture cushions, throw pillows, and patio umbrellas.

Pros:

Durable: Acrylic fabric is a strong and durable material that can withstand the elements and maintain its appearance over time.
Water-resistant: Acrylic fabric is water-resistant, which means it can withstand rain, snow, and other forms of precipitation without becoming damaged.
UV resistant: Acrylic fabric is UV resistant, which means it can withstand the sun's rays without fading or becoming damaged.
Low maintenance: Acrylic fabric is easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for outdoor furniture. It can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water, and it dries quickly.
Affordable: Acrylic fabric is less expensive than some other outdoor fabric options.

Cons:

Not as breathable as natural fibers: Acrylic fibers are synthetic and not as breathable as natural fibers, which may make it less comfortable to sit on during hot weather.
Not as soft as natural fibers: Acrylic fibers are synthetic, and not as soft as natural fibers such as cotton or linen.
Not flame-resistant: Acrylic fibers are synthetic and not flame-resistant, so it's not suitable for direct heat source such as fire pits, outdoor heaters, and similar.
Not biodegradable: Acrylic fibers are synthetic and not biodegradable, which may not be an environmentally friendly choice.

【Brand】: Sunbrella

Sunbrella is one of the most popular choices for outdoor furniture fabric. This brand is known for its high-performance fabrics that are specifically designed to withstand the elements. Sunbrella fabrics are made from solution-dyed acrylic fibers, which means the color is added during the manufacturing process rather than after. This makes the fabric more resistant to fading, mildew, and mold. Sunbrella fabrics are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a great choice for outdoor furniture.

Pros:

Durable: Sunbrella® fabrics are made from solution-dyed acrylic fibers, which makes them resistant to fading, mildew, and mold. They are also water-resistant and UV resistant, which makes them a great option for outdoor furniture.
Fade Resistant: Sunbrella® fabrics are made with solution-dyed acrylic fibers, which means that the color is added during the manufacturing process. This makes the fabric more resistant to fading, ensuring that your outdoor furniture will maintain its color for a longer period of time.
Easy to Clean: Sunbrella® fabrics are easy to clean and maintain, making them a great choice for outdoor furniture. They can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water, and they dry quickly.
Wide range of options: Sunbrella® offers a wide range of fabrics and colors, so you can choose the perfect fabric to match your outdoor decor.

Cons:

Cost: Sunbrella® fabrics tend to be more expensive than other outdoor fabric options.
Not suitable for direct heat: Sunbrella® fabrics are not suitable for direct heat source such as fire pits, outdoor heaters, and similar.
Not suitable for heavy use: Sunbrella® fabrics are not as heavy-duty as some other outdoor fabrics, so they may not be the best choice for furniture that will see heavy use.
Care instructions: Sunbrella® fabrics require specific care instructions, such as avoiding bleach and harsh detergents. Failure to follow the instructions may result in damage to the fabric.

2. Olefin Fabric

Olefin fabric, also known as polypropylene fabric, is a popular choice for outdoor furniture due to its durability, water-resistance, and UV resistance. It is made from synthetic fibers and is known for its strength and durability. Olefin fabric is also resistant to stains, mildew, and fading, making it a great option for outdoor furniture that will be exposed to the elements. Additionally, olefin fabric is also lightweight and easy to clean, making it a great option for outdoor furniture that will be exposed to the elements. It resists stains and abrasions and is easy to clean. It’s a great choice when acrylics are outside of your budget.

Pros:

Durability: Olefin fabric is known for its strength and durability, making it a great option for outdoor furniture that will be exposed to the elements.
Water-resistance: Olefin fabric is water-resistant, making it a great option for outdoor furniture that will be exposed to precipitation.
UV resistance: Olefin fabric is UV resistant, making it a great option for outdoor furniture that will be exposed to direct sunlight.
Stain resistance: Olefin fabric is resistant to stains, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Mildew resistance: Olefin fabric is resistant to mildew, making it a great option for outdoor furniture that will be exposed to damp conditions.
Fading resistance: Olefin fabric is resistant to fading, making it a great option for outdoor furniture that will be exposed to the elements.
Lightweight: Olefin fabric is lightweight, making it easy to handle and move around.
Affordable: Olefin fabric is an affordable option compared to some other outdoor fabric options.

Cons:

Not as soft as natural fibers: Olefin fabric is not as soft as natural fibers like cotton or linen, which may make it less comfortable to sit on.
Not as breathable: Olefin fabric is not as breathable as natural fibers, which may make it less comfortable to sit on during hot weather.
Not flame-resistant: Olefin fabric is not flame-resistant, so it's not suitable for direct heat source such as fire pits, outdoor heaters, and similar.
Not environmentally friendly: Olefin fabric is synthetic and not biodegradable, which may not be an environmentally friendly choice.

5pcs Outdoor Conversation Set Wicker Patio Furniture Set | Orange-Casual

Patio Furniture Set with Beige Olefin Fabric Cushions

【Brand】: Glen Raven

Glen Raven is a reputable brand that produces Olefin fabrics for outdoor furniture. They have been in business for over 145 years and have a reputation for producing high-quality, durable, and long-lasting outdoor fabrics. Glen Raven's Olefin fabrics are solution-dyed, UV resistant, and water-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor furniture that will be exposed to the elements. They also have a wide range of colors and patterns available, making it easy to find a style that suits your needs.

【Brand】: Dickson

Dickson is a French textile company that specializes in the production of high-quality outdoor fabrics. They have been in business for over 50 years and have built a reputation for producing durable and long-lasting outdoor fabrics. Their Olefin fabric is UV resistant and water-repellent, making it an ideal option for outdoor furniture that will be exposed to the elements. They also have a wide range of colors and patterns available, making it easy to find a style that suits your needs.

3. Polyester Fabric

Polyester fabric is a type of synthetic fabric that is commonly used for outdoor furniture. It is a popular choice due to its durability and resistance to fading, mildew, and UV rays. Polyester fabric is also water-resistant and easy to clean, making it a convenient option for outdoor furniture. Unlike solution-dyed fabrics, polyester hybrids have color added to them after the threads have been woven. This allows for a wider range of bright colors and intricate patterns to be achieved, but it also means that the color is not as resistant to fading from UV rays. Therefore, these types of fabrics perform better in shaded areas with less direct sunlight.

Pros :

Durability: Polyester fabric is known for being strong and resistant to wear and tear.
UV resistance: It is resistant to fading from UV rays, which makes it a good choice for outdoor use.
Water resistance: It is water-resistant, which makes it easy to clean and maintain.
Affordable: Polyester fabric is relatively inexpensive compared to other outdoor fabrics.
Variety of colors and patterns: It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, making it easy to find a style that suits your needs.
Fast-drying: It dries quickly, making it a good choice for outdoor furniture in damp or humid environments.

Cons :

Breathability: Polyester fabric is not as breathable as other fabrics, which can make it feel hot and sticky in warm weather.
Pilling and stretching: It tends to pill and stretch over time, which can affect the appearance and longevity of the fabric.
Color fading: Unlike solution-dyed alternatives, polyester hybrids have color added to them after the threads have been woven. So the color is not as resistant to fading from UV rays, which means that they do much better in shaded environments, when there is less direct sunlight.

How To Choose The Best Fabric For Outdoor Furniture?

Choosing the best fabric for outdoor furniture can be a daunting task, but there are a few key factors to consider that will help you make the right choice for your needs.

Durability: Consider the strength and resistance of the fabric to wear and tear, fading, mildew, and UV rays.
Water resistance: Look for fabrics that are water-resistant and easy to clean, so that they can withstand the elements and maintain their appearance.
Breathability: Consider the breathability of the fabric, especially if you live in a warm climate. Breathable fabrics will keep you cool and comfortable during hot weather.
Color and pattern: Consider the color and pattern of the fabric and choose something that complements your outdoor decor and personal style.
Brand reputation: Look for brands with a reputation for producing high-quality outdoor fabrics.
Sun exposure: Consider the amount of sun exposure the outdoor furniture will receive, if it's in a shaded area and less direct sunlight, you can choose fabrics that are not as resistant to fading.
Budget: Consider your budget and choose a fabric that fits your price range.