Many of us have outdoor furniture that we would like to keep clean, stain free and well maintained. This can be a little challenging, especially with the many different kinds of fabrics on the market today. Outdoor fabrics have similar requirements as indoor upholstery fabric. They need to be soft, durable, and able to withstand washing. Here are some tips for choosing the right outdoor fabric for you.
If shopping for outdoor fabric, there are a few things to keep in mind. All fabrics will be affected by UV light, but some fabrics hold up better than others. Look for fabrics that have been tested by the manufacturer and certified to withstand the UV rays of your region.
Moisture is another factor when choosing outdoor fabric. If you live in a rainy climate or area with high humidity, it’s important to choose a material that is waterproof but breathable so air can circulate through it a prevent mold from forming on the surface of your cushion. Outdoor upholstery fabric should also be able to withstand frequent washing without fading or shrinking.
There are several ways to make outdoor fabric, from laminating two layers of different fabrics to adding a waterproofing treatment. The process of laminating involves two layers of fabric together with a layer of plastic between them. This results in the surface becoming smooth and durable and will resist wear better than an untreated fabric. However, this process can make the fabric more tough to clean if it gets dirty.
Outdoor fabrics are giving a flame-retardancy rating. The higher the rating, the more fire resistant the fabric. Flame retardant fabrics are made of synthetic fibers, which have a higher resistance to heat than natural fibers. Fabrics are given a flame-retardancy rating based on the type of fabric and its weight (more specifically, its average density). The higher the rating, the more fire resistant it is- so while your outdoor cushions might be safe from burning at first glance, they’ll be even safer if you spend some time considering their material properties before purchasing them!
We hope that this article has given you a good understanding of how to choose the right fabric for your outdoor cushions. If you still have questions about the care of your cushions, give us a call or email us and we would be happy to help!
