It’s Here! The Best Fabric to Use for Outdoor Furniture

What is the best fabric to use for outdoor furniture? This question has been going around since more and more people want to spend their spare time in their houses’ outdoor areas. The options are immensely varied, and selecting the suitable fabric for your outdoor furniture can be a bit overwhelming. Hence, knowing which material fits your furniture best will give you an edge.

Best Fabrics for Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor furniture is exposed to various elements daily, including UV rays, moisture, mold, and many others. These should be your consideration factors when selecting the ideal fabric material for furniture on your patio. Below are some of the best fabrics you can take into consideration.

1. Polyester fabric

Polyester is a synthetic material that is commonly used for producing outdoor upholstery. It’s durable and resistant to staining and water damage. Besides being water-resistant, polyester is quick-drying, making it a good option for furniture susceptible to getting drenched.

If you are looking for something with patterns or pop-up colors, polyester is an ideal selection. However, this material is not entirely resistant to UV rays, causing the colors of the fabric to fade quickly. Yet, you can still make the dyes last longer by spraying them with a UV spray specifically made for textiles. 

Pros: 

– Stain and water-resistant

– Quick to dry

– Available in a wide variety of patterns and vibrant colors

Cons:

– Can fade easily

2. Acrylic fabric

If you were to ask what is the best fabric to use for outdoor furniture, then acrylic is easily one of the best answers. This synthetic material is tear- and rub-proof and mildew and mold-resistant. Unlike polyester, the acrylic fabric can maintain its color much longer, even when exposed to 1,000 hours of direct sunlight.

Acrylic can make an excellent investment if you live in a region with a wet climate. It’s also the softest fabric for outdoor furniture that can instantly remove moisture. Moreover, it keeps cool in hot weather, which is excellent for outdoor upholstery. It may not be an ideal choice if you are environmentally conscious since its manufacturing involves many chemicals.

Pros:

– Rub- and tear-proof

– Resistant to mold and mildew

– Resistant to fading

Cons:

– The manufacturing is not environmentally friendly

3. Olefin fabric

Olefin, or polypropylene, is a fabric made of propylene gas. Its yarn has a dyed-in color, making it exceptionally stain and fade-resistant. Suppose you reside in an area with lots of rain. In that case, this synthetic fabric can make another excellent option besides acrylic fabric. 

Olefin is resistant to mildew but can dry on its own fairly quickly. You won’t even need to worry about it being drenched out if you use it for cushions by the pool. Cleaning olefin furniture is an easy-peasy task. You don’t need any specific cleaning agent to clean them up. However, olefin is heat sensitive and can quickly melt when exposed to extreme heat.

Pros:

– Water, stain, and fade resistant

– Easy to clean

– Incredibly durable

Cons:

– Highly sensitive to heat

What to Look for in Outdoor Furniture Fabrics

You already know the answers to what is the best fabric to use for outdoor furniture. Then, what kind of fabrics should one not pick for outdoor upholstery? Anything made from canvas and cotton should be avoided. Both fibers are highly water absorbent which will only damage the materials of your upholstery.

Also, avoid using indoor furniture fabrics. The fabric manufactured for indoor use is not as durable as those used outdoors. It is mainly because indoor upholstery fabric does not undergo a process that makes them water, stain, or UV resistant.

Now that you have understood what kind of furniture fabrics to choose, it’s time to get what you are looking for. However, you will still need to consider the following factors before settling on materials for your outdoor furniture.

A. Durability

The first aspect you need to consider when choosing outdoor upholstery fabric is durability. As you know, the harsh elements of the outside environment are difficult on everything, not to mention your outdoor furniture. Therefore, make sure the fabric is durable enough to withstand various conditions.

B. Fade resistance

No one wants to change their upholstery fabric every season. So, make sure that your outdoor furniture fabric is fade resistant. Additionally, pick a fabric that won’t stain someone’s white shorts with dye after sitting down on your cushion.

C. Water resistance

Suppose you live in a region that receives a lot of rain. In that case, you will need to consider a fabric that can effectively resist water absorption. Choosing a fabric with poor water resistance will only prompt the growth of mildew and molds. Worst of all, it will spoil the entire material of your upholstery.

D. UV resistance

It is an essential aspect, especially if you reside in a sun-full area. Direct exposure to UV rays can damage your upholstery’s overall look. Therefore, choose outdoor furniture fabrics that come with UV resistance. If it’s not possible, you can always spray a UV fabric protector all over your furniture to protect its colors.

E. Washable

The outdoor environment can quickly accumulate dust and dirt. You will need to maintain its cleanliness frequently; therefore, it ought to be easy to wash with cleaning agents available in your house. Keep in mind to avoid picking fabrics that require you to take up so much effort to clean them. 

Final Thoughts

Final question, what is the best fabric to use for outdoor furniture? While the fabrics we listed above are all ideal for outdoor use, there is still no definite answer. It all depends on your priorities and preferences. But when it comes to outdoor furniture, you may want to rely on Posteak Furniture. Posteak Furniture is an Indonesian manufacturer providing authentic, quality teak furniture for your outdoor area. Want to know more about what it offers? Check the website to buy Indonesian furniture by Posteak Furniture.