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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
In the textile industry, cloth is the collective term for fabrics and materials used in the production of clothing. Raw fibres go through a process of being twisted together to create threads. These threads are then woven or knit to create a workable material which can then be cut, stitched and turned in to garments.
Fibres can be either synthetic or natural, with the most common natural fibre being cotton and the most popular synthetic fibres being polyester. Each type of fibre is unique and bares different properties; some are sturdy and thick while others are smooth and flexible. Fibres are often combined together into blends giving a combination of desirable qualities.
The application of the clothing determines what type of fibre is used. For example a football shirt would be better suited being made from a synthetic fibre with moisture wicking qualities, than from a material like wool which retains heat.
GSM (also known as GM/2) is an abbreviation of “Grams per Square Metre” and is the metric in which fabric is weighed. GSM is related to thickness, and generally speaking the heavier the weight, the thicker the fabric will be. With that being said however, due to varying weights of different fibres, the GSM cannot accurately determine the thickness in mm of a fabric.
No item has a “standard” GSM, however because GSM is a unit of weight, it can determine the application of a fabric.
Because heavier weight fabrics use more raw fibre and have a longer weaving time, they do cost more than lower weight equivalents. It’s also worth noting that GSM can also be measured in Imperial units – ounces (oz) in particular. You can easily convert between gsm and oz however; for example, a 6oz fabric is equivalent to 203gsm.
Traditionally some fabrics, denim for example, are weighed in ounces, but GSM is the modern standard for fabric weight measurement.
As a real world scenario, t-shirts are commonly made from fabrics weighing between 160 and 220gsm, with a 160gsm fabric being the thinner and more lightweight version than the 220gsm option. Some fashion trends require a heavier weight, whilst practical applications like gym and fitness wear would see a lighter weight fabric being more desirable.
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