What Is the Best Fabric for Outdoor Cushions?
Outdoor furniture is a fantastic statement piece for your property and a terrific way to enjoy the sunny climate in California. But your outdoor furnishings won’t be factory-fresh forever. The romance of settling into your outdoor furniture with a cold drink in hand to enjoy a warm summer evening might be shattered if you spot a tear in the fabric or notice the colors have started to fade.
Picking the right fabric for your outdoor cushions helps to improve their aesthetic, longevity, and comfort. At Coverini in Los Angeles, we’re specialists in custom furniture covers and offer a range of premium outdoor fabrics designed to weather the elements and keep your furniture looking pristine for years to come. Our team has put together this guide on the pros and cons of popular fabric options, including our proprietary Weathersheath fabric. We also offer tips for maintaining your outdoor cushion fabric to ensure it remains comfortable and stylish for as long as possible.
Sunbrella Fabric
Sunbrella is a household name when it comes to outdoor furniture. Solution-dyed Sunbrella acrylic fibers provide superior fade resistance. This fabric is also water-repellant and resistant to mold and mildew, meaning it can handle rainy months in the Golden State.
With a wide range of patterns and colors available, Sunbrella allows you to customize your outdoor cushions to match the rest of your decor. Sunbrella’s durability comes with a price, though; it can be on the more expensive side compared to some other fabrics.
Polyester Fabric
Polyester is a budget-friendly fabric option. It offers basic water resistance and a degree of UV protection, but it provides far less in terms of fade resistance and durability compared to other options such as Sunbrella or acrylic. Some polyester fabrics don’t offer great breathability and can be a little uncomfortable in hot weather.
If you only use your outdoor furniture occasionally, polyester may be the way to go, especially if you’re conscious of the cost. If you intend to get more everyday use out of your furniture, other options might offer better value.
Olefin Fabric
A synthetic fiber made from a polyolefin, olefin sets itself apart with its quick-drying properties. This makes it perfect for poolside furniture or any furnishings you might keep outside during the wet winter months.
Olefin typically offers strong UV resistance and is generally stain-resistant, though it can be a bit less comfortable than options such as high-end acrylics and Sunbrella. The color selection can also be more limited, offering less chance for customization.
Acrylic Fabric
Another popular choice for outdoor cushion fabric is solution-dyed acrylic. Like Sunbrella, it offers strong fade resistance, water repellency, and resistance to mold and mildew. Acrylic also tends to be more comfortable than olefin.
One potential drawback is its durability, which can vary depending on the fabric quality. Lower-quality acrylics might not fare as well in harsh weather conditions as fabrics such as Sunbrella.
Coverini’s Weathersheath Fabric
The standout outdoor cushion protection is our proprietary Weathersheath fabric. Our lightweight and nonabrasive fabric provides superior color and strength retention. It’s also water-repellant and highly breathable, providing outstanding comfort in hot and humid environments.
Most importantly, Weathersheath boasts a unique protective treatment that goes far beyond simple water repellency. This special treatment creates a barrier against dirt, dust, and pet hair, making cleaning and maintenance incredibly easy.
Tips for Maintaining and Caring for Outdoor Cushion Fabrics
Maintaining and caring for your outdoor furnishings is essential to keeping them at their very best for as long as possible. Below are some tips for caring for your outdoor cushion fabrics.
Clean Them Regularly
Ensure you regularly brush away dirt and debris from the fabric using a soft brush. For any spills, blot up excess liquid straight away. You can spot clean most outdoor fabrics using a mild solution of soap and water. It’s best to check the care instructions for more in-depth cleaning directions.
Dry Them Properly
If your cushion fabrics get wet, make sure you let them dry completely before you store them. Storing damp cushions can promote the growth of mold and mildew.
Think About Storage
You may not want your outdoor furniture outside all year round. When it comes to the off-season, consider storing your outdoor cushions somewhere cool, dry, and well ventilated to ensure they’re still in top condition when the weather improves.
Get the Right Fabric for Your Outdoor Cushions With Coverini
When it comes to outdoor cushion fabrics, acrylic and Sunbrella are excellent options for protection against the sun, rain, and stains, while polyester is a budget-friendly choice. But for the ultimate protection, our Weathersheath fabric offers superior dirt and dust resistance, making it the standout choice if you’re seeking the perfect blend of comfort and longevity.
Explore our wide variety of designs and fabrics online, or contact us for personalized advice on the perfect custom outdoor cushion covers for you. Let us help you choose a fabric that delivers the very best in quality, comfort, and longevity.
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