If you were to log onto the web you may have noticed that there are tons of fabrics to choose from for your outdoor patio furniture. There are so many fabrics and grades to consider when choosing your outdoor space. Below are factors to consider when choosing cushions or pillows for your patio.
Factors to Consider:
Breathability – is how easily air can pass through the fabric. Breathability and Waterproof are trade-offs of each other. If it is breathable, it will not be waterproof. However, having breathable fabric does not mean you cannot have water resistant fabric. It might also help from having to peel yourself off the furniture on those extremely hot days. Imagine being able to sit in outdoor furniture on a hot day, grilling and chatting with family and friends. When you get up, you do not have to have that horrible feeling of peeling your thighs off the chair or couch you have only been sitting on for several minutes. If it is breathable, it is important to follow the maintenance and care guide to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Typically, when you purchase furniture, it should have preferred recommendations on how to maintain the fabric. We also recommend that you follow what the manufacturer states for longevity.
Water Resistance – are fabrics that have been treated to repel water from their surfaces. It is important to note, if the coating is old or water begins to pool on top of the fabric, it can soak through. Waterproof fabrics will always repel water. These fabrics are mostly vinyl, vinyl-coated, or laminated. Sometimes these fabrics are not as comfortable as fabrics with breathability. We recommend that when they are not in use that you flip the cushions up on their sides for an easier way for the water to not puddle on top.
Abrasion Resistance –this form of resistance measures how many times a fabric can be rubbed before showing significant wear. Marine and outdoor cushions are usually considered abrasion resistant, which are heavy, stiff, and often coated with vinyl or other resins. This type of fabric might be a great choice with all of the high winds in Kansas.
UV Resistance – fabrics that last longer even while being consistently exposed to sunlight. Solution-dyed polyester is typically the most popular form of UV resistant fabric and has been said to be better for the environment by less water waste during production. Summers in Kansas usually have the sun beating hard on outdoor fabrics, unless the patio furniture is under some sort of shade. If you are wanting the color on your fabric to last and stay vibrant, getting UV resistant fabric might be your best bet.
Cleanability – is important because mold and mildew can grow on dirt that gets trapped in a fabric’s weave. Fabrics with a single-side coating do not release dirt well and should be frequently inspected and cleaned. It is best to follow the cleaning and maintenance guides from your dealer or the manufacturer. Patio furniture that has been the easiest to clean time after time has been Adirondack furniture. All that is required is a garden hose and spray down. However, there are some fabrics that only require warm water and soap which seems easy enough. Buying patio furniture can be an investment, therefore, it is important to think about how much maintenance must go into the look you are going for.
Colorfastness – is determined by how well certain fabrics hold color and do not fade or bleed with exposure to elements such as sunlight, rain, and snow. The most well-known fade resistant fabric brand is Sunbrella. However, during the pandemic, Sunbrella contained shortages, which allowed another company to be sourced in, Outdura. Outdura has not been in business as long as Sunbrella but has the same solution-dyed acrylic fabric. One of companies that Energy Center-Manhattan Pool sells, Apricity, switched from Sunbrella to Outdura.
