As more people want to spend their time in spaces outside their homes, the demand for outdoor furniture continues to rise. Deciding on what fabric to use for your outdoor furniture can be overwhelming as there are several choices available. Having said this, understanding the kind of fabrics that are suitable for the outdoors will give you an advantage.
Here at Yorkshire Fabric Shop we have 1000’s of fabrics, but now we are looking at the outdoor market.
Outdoor furniture is exposed to several elements like rain, moisture, mould, rust, warping, UV rays, and a lot more. Considering these factors are necessary for choosing the right fabric for your furniture.
Best Outdoor Furniture Fabrics
Furniture placed outdoors will be left outside all the time so they should have durable fabrics. These pieces require fabrics that can hold out against the harsh conditions brought by the elements we mentioned above.
If you want to know your options in choosing the right fabric for your piece, you are in the right place. Let us discuss the best fabrics for your outdoor furniture.
1. Acrylic fabric
Acrylic is resistant to mould and mildew and can withstand rubbing and tearing. The threads of acrylic fabrics are dyed first before woven which enables it to retain its colour even if exposed to direct sunlight. Also, the acrylic fabric can bear 1,000 hours of UV ray exposure!
Acrylic is a great choice if you are living in places that receive lots of rain. It has the softness of wool and can wick moisture away. Acrylic also stays cool in hot weather making it an excellent fabric choice for outdoor furniture.
2. Olefin fabric
Olefin or known as polypropylene is a synthetic fibre. Since the colour of olefin is dyed into the yarn, it is highly resistant to staining and fading.
If you are living in rainy areas, olefin is a great choice. It is quick-drying and can withstand mildew. You can also use this for cushions placed by the pool.
Cleaning olefin is easy. Any household cleaner including bleach can be used. It is also less expensive than acrylics.
3. Polyester fabric
This synthetic material is durable and resists water damage and staining. It’s a tear-resistant and quick-drying too.
Having brighter colours and winding patterns is possible with polyester fabric. However it won’t be able to stand long when exposed to direct sunlight. This fabric is best suited for shaded areas where there are barely UV rays.
4. Textilene fabric
Textilene fabric comes from woven polyester covered in PVC. Commonly used for sunshades and outdoor furniture, textilene is waterproof, flame retardant, and mould-resistant.
However, textilene has a plastic-y feel. Testing this fabric before purchasing is recommended if comfort is a priority for you.
Remember that there are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best fabric for your outdoor furniture. Choosing the right fabric depends on your preference and priorities. When it comes to fabrics like most things, you get what you pay for.
The fabrics we mentioned are all suitable for outdoor furniture. Check the quality of the fabric before buying it. Whatever option you choose, put in mind that maintaining it regularly extends the life of your furniture.
Yorkshire Fabric Shop is the perfect place to go if you want to have the best fabric for your outdoor furniture. We have a variety of fabrics to choose from. We are able to treat fabric so that they are water repellent so you can pick any indoor fabric where you have more options in terms of material and patterns and use them outdoor. Contact Yorkshire Fabric Shop for more details.