Choosing Suitable Outdoor Fabric by UV Rating and Application
When you shop for outdoor, upholstered furniture, choosing the suitable fabric is one of your first steps. You need to consider more than design and style; you need to choose a fabric that can abuse wind, water, and UV radiation of sunlight. Top-quality outdoor material may cost a little more, but it is the best way to ensure your project will look good for years to come.
The Application Matters
What fabric should you choose for your outdoor projects? You can base your choice on the project you're making. For instance, outdoor cushions, which take the abuse of people sitting down, should be more durable than fabric for an awning or umbrella.
UV Resistance
Manufacturers treat Sun-resistant fabric with chemicals that help resist the intense UV rays from the sun. UV rays carry much more energy than visible light. These rays damage materials on the molecular level and make fabric weak and faded.
UV resistance is the most critical when shopping for outdoor upholstery fabric. We grade our UV-resistant material with the number of hours of UV light it can take without degrading. Our outdoor fabrics are rated to handle anything from 500 to 1500 hours of direct UV exposure to give long, trouble-free life.
Sunbrella Outdoor Fabric
We recommend our line of Sunbrella upholstery fabric. This outdoor furniture fabric is perfect for projects like awnings, chairs, cushions, pillows, and umbrellas. Sunbrella is a fade-proof, durable solution perfect for any outdoor project. Sunbrella fabric has superior ratings for UV resistance and can deliver years of use. You can visit our website to find your project's ideal outdoor mesh fabric if you like.
Buying outdoor fabric doesn't have to be complicated. When you find the suitable outdoor material for your project, the results can be beautiful.
Can Any Fabric Be Used Outdoors?
Not all fabrics are suitable for outdoor use. Some fabrics, such as silk and wool, need to be more durable to withstand the outdoor temperature and will fade or become damaged quickly when exposed to sunlight, moisture, and other environmental factors.
Other fabrics, such as cotton, may be more durable but are prone to decay and may not be as water-resistant as synthetic materials.
Choosing fabrics specifically designed for outdoor use, such as those made from synthetic fibers like polyester, acrylic, or nylon, is best. These materials are more resistant to fading, decay, and wear and tear and are often treated with UV-resistant coatings or have a high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating to protect against the sun's harmful rays.
Benefits of Choosing The Right Outdoor Fabric
There are several benefits to choosing the best outdoor fabric:
Durability: Outdoor fabrics are designed to withstand the outdoor temperature, so they are generally more durable and long-lasting than indoor fabrics.
Weather resistance: Outdoor fabrics are resistant to rain, sun, and other weather conditions, so they are ideal for outdoor furniture and other outdoor applications.
Easy maintenance: Outdoor fabrics are generally easy to clean and maintain, making them a practical choice for busy households.
Aesthetic appeal: Outdoor fabrics come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can choose the one that best suits your style and the look of your outdoor space.
Comfort: Many outdoor fabrics are designed to be comfortable and soft to the touch, making them a comfortable choice for outdoor furniture and other outdoor applications.
Versatility: Outdoor fabrics can be used for a wide range of applications, including outdoor furniture, outdoor cushions, outdoor curtains, and more.