Discussing the Types of Outdoor Upholstery Fabric
When it comes to outdoor upholstery fabric, you might be a bit confused about what sort of fabric you are looking for. Selecting an outdoor upholstery fabric might be difficult with so many choices nowadays. You might source synthetics or natural fabrics, but selecting a fabric for the appropriate condition will ensure a longer life for your furniture. Now let’s explore some of the popular types of outdoor upholstery fabric options!
1-Natural Fabrics
Natural fabrics are mostly favored by people looking for the softest, less performance-based feel to their outdoor furniture. Wool, cotton, & leather are some of the popular types of natural outdoor upholstery fabrics.
- Cotton
Cotton is the most popular natural fabric & is the cheapest. With comfort & stability, this fabric is known to provide a soft feel to your outdoor furniture. Moreover, cotton is great for durability & resistance to fading, yet it is susceptible to stains.
- Wool
Wool is very sturdy & durable when put to the test. Moreover, it is very resistant to pilling & staining, making it a perfect choice for heavy traffic areas. However, the drawback of wool is when it gets wet. It might have an odor to it that is hard to eliminate.
- Leather
Leather is probably one of the most durable outdoor upholstery fabrics.
Leather is a great choice for heavy traffic areas while looking cushy. Leather is also recommended for people who have pets & it lasts for a longer period as well.
2-Synthetic Fabrics
These fabrics were made for superior longevity & cleanability with lower manufacturing costs compared to natural fabrics. Here are some best synthetic fabrics to choose from for your outdoor furniture.
- Polyester
Polyester is durable & resists staining & water damage. It is tear-resistant & quick-drying as well.
Having brighter colors& winding patterns are likely with polyester fabric. However, this outdoor upholstery fabric won’t be able to abide long when exposed to
full sunlight. Polyester is best suited for shadowed areas where there are
hardly any UV rays.
- Acrylic
Acrylic is resistant to mold & mildew & might withstand rubbing & tearing. The threads of this fabric are dyed first before being weaved, which ensures it retains its color even if exposed to direct sun rays. Moreover, the acrylic fabric can withstand 1,000 hours of sunlight exposure!
If you are living in rainy areas, acrylic can be a great choice. It has the softness of wool & can wick dampness away. During hot weather, acrylic stays cool, making it an excellent fabric option for outdoor upholstery.
- Olefin
Olefin is also known as polypropylene, is a type of synthetic fabric. Since the color of olefin is dyed into the thread, it is highly resistant to fading & staining.
Olefin is a great choice for those living in wet areas. It is quick-drying & can withstand mold. You might also use this synthetic outdoor upholstery fabric for furniture placed by the pool. Moreover, cleaning olefin is very simple & is also less expensive compared to acrylics.
- Textilene
Textilene fabric comes from weaved polyester covered in polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Textilene is commonly used for sunshades & outdoor upholstery. Moreover, it is waterproof, mold-resistant, & flame retardant.
However, this outdoor upholstery fabric has a plastic-y feel. Therefore, testing Textilene before buying is advisable if comfort is your priority.
Conclusion:
The fabrics mentioned here are all suitable for your outdoor upholstery. Check the fabric’s quality before purchasing it. Whatever type you choose, keep in mind that regular maintenance extends the life of your outdoor furniture.
