You’re finally investing in a quality patio furniture set. You expect it to look great and be comfortable for many seasons to come (unlike cheap sets bought in the past from the big box stores) so it’s important that you know what to look for in a quality outdoor fabric. The furniture frames may look fabulous, but if the cushions aren’t comfortable and the fabric stains and fades, you’re going to be unhappy with your outdoor furniture. Here are five features of a quality outdoor fabric:
- One of the main reasons you can’t use a regular cushion outside is because of moisture from rain or wet swimsuits. A quality outdoor fabric is designed to let water pass through instead of trapping it. This not only ensures that cushions dry quickly but also don’t develop mildew.
- The sun’s rays are very intense and can quickly fade and degrade fabrics with prolonged exposure. A quality outdoor fabric will retain its colors longer and the threads will not break down as quickly (causing rips and tears).
- Accidents happen to outdoor furniture, from spilled wine to grubby kids to unwanted gifts from birds above. Replacement cushions are expensive, so you need an outdoor fabric that is stain-resistant and easy to clean.
- Due to their rugged nature, outdoor fabrics generally aren’t going to be as soft as what you would expect from an indoor fabric, but a quality outdoor fabric will tend to be less scratchy and burlap-like than a lesser quality fabric and some will soften over time.
- Advances in materials and manufacturing techniques have given way to a rainbow of colors and patterns available in quality outdoor fabrics. The only limit to your color palette is your imagination (and the approval of family and friends).
There are a few quality outdoor fabric manufacturers, but the gold standard is genuine Sunbrella fabric, which you can find on most Frontera furniture and shade products.
Whether you’re shopping for outdoor cushions, pillows, curtains, or shade from awnings or umbrella canopies, look for fabrics that will last. Invest in a quality outdoor fabric today and you’ll be thanking yourself for years to come.
