Commercial Upholstery Fabric: Sunbrella, Ultraleather or Marine Vinyl?

Quick answer: For commercial seating, choose Sunbrella upholstery fabric when you want a woven look with washable covers, Ultraleather when you want a soft leather look that wipes clean, and Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl when spills, water and fast cleaning matter most. All three have published fire test data, which we supply with your quote.

Picking a contract fabric is one of the biggest decisions in any seating project. It affects how the room looks, how guests feel, how staff clean, and how long the cushions last before you pay to replace them. It also affects what your fire marshal or insurer will accept. This guide compares the three performance fabrics we specify most often for businesses, by use case rather than by brochure. You can see the full range of commercial work on our Fabrica Kraft for business page, and fire test details on our fire safety and flammability standards page.

The three options at a glance

Sunbrella upholstery fabric

Best for: cafes, hotel lobbies, lounges, offices, waiting areas, patios and any space that wants warmth and texture.

Sunbrella is solution-dyed, so colour runs through the fibre. It resists fading and mold, and it comes in a very wide range of colours and patterns. Woven fabric also absorbs a little sound, which helps in hard-surfaced rooms.

• Strengths: comfortable, breathable, works indoors and out, covers come off for machine washing.
• Watch for: most Sunbrella is water-repellent rather than waterproof. In high-spill areas, plan spare covers and a quick spot-clean routine. The Sunbrella waterproof range is an option where liquid is a constant.

Browse the range in our Sunbrella upholstery collection.

Ultraleather by Ultrafabrics

Best for: restaurant banquettes, bars, hotel suites, executive offices, senior living lounges and anywhere you want the look of leather with easier care.

Ultraleather has a soft hand and a refined finish. It wipes clean, so it suits rooms that turn over quickly. It also has the broadest set of fire test results of the three, including ASTM E84 adhered Class A, which some projects ask for.

• Strengths: premium look, easy cleaning, strong fire test profile.
• Watch for: follow the maker's care guide and avoid harsh solvents. For outdoor or wet areas, ask us first, as vinyl or Sunbrella is usually the simpler choice.

If a client is weighing real leather, our article on leather vs Ultraleather performance and longevity sets out the differences.

Sunbrella Horizon marine vinyl

Best for: diners, family restaurants, food halls, school and university settings, marinas, pool cabanas and medical waiting rooms.

Horizon is built for water and heavy cleaning. Liquids sit on the surface, so a quick wipe resets the seat. It works indoors, outdoors and on the water.

• Strengths: the most forgiving option for spills and wet use, wipe-clean, suitable outdoors.
• Watch for: vinyl can feel warm in direct sun and less soft than woven fabric. Many projects use it on seats and pair it with woven fabric on backs or accent pillows.

Choosing by use case

1. How often is the seat cleaned? After every guest points to Ultraleather or vinyl. Daily or weekly points to any of the three.
2. Is it wet? Outdoors, near pools or on boats, choose vinyl or a waterproof Sunbrella range, with quick-drain foam.
3. What is the mood? Warm and casual suits woven Sunbrella. Polished and upscale suits Ultraleather.
4. What does the authority require? Ask before you choose. If a standard like ASTM E84 is named, that narrows the field.
5. Who cleans, and with what? Check your cleaning products against the fabric maker's care guide.

For a wider comparison that includes other fabrics we offer, such as Warwick, Gabriel and velvet, see our cushion fabric comparison.

Fire testing: what we supply and what we don't

Commercial seating is often reviewed by a fire marshal, building department or insurer. Requirements vary by state, city and building type. Here is how we handle it:

• We tell you which standards each fabric is tested to, as shown in the table above.
• We supply the maker's test report for every fabric on request, attached to the quote or spec sheet.
• For curtains and drapery that need NFPA 701 or California Title 19, Sunbrella Exceed FR can be quoted.
• Our US foam is CertiPUR-US certified and made without added flame-retardant chemicals.
• We do not certify finished installations. Your local authority has the final say.

Tell us the requirement up front and we match materials to it.

Mistakes to avoid

• Choosing fabric on looks alone, then finding it does not suit the cleaning routine.
• Assuming all outdoor fabric is waterproof.
• Specifying before checking what the fire marshal or insurer needs.
• Approving colour from a screen. Swatches are $7 each, credited back on your order.
• Using one fabric everywhere when a mix would suit different zones better.

Ordering for a business

1. Share the project, seat counts and measurements with operation@fabricakraft.com or through our bulk cushion enquiry form.
2. Order swatches of your shortlisted fabrics.
3. Receive a quote with the relevant test reports attached.
4. Approve the spec sheet and drawing before cutting.
5. Production takes 2 to 3 weeks for standard shapes and 5 to 6 weeks for custom shapes. Rush production and express shipping are available at extra cost.

Every piece is made within ±0.5 inch of the ordered size, or we remake it free. There is no minimum order. Designers and specifiers can join our trade program for tiered pricing. To start a commercial project, visit Fabrica Kraft for business.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most durable commercial upholstery fabric?

It depends on the use. For spills and wet areas, marine vinyl. For a premium wipe-clean surface indoors, Ultraleather. For woven comfort with washable covers, Sunbrella upholstery fabric.

Is Ultraleather suitable for restaurants?

Yes. It wipes clean between guests and is tested to Cal TB 117, NFPA 260, UFAC, FMVSS 302 and ASTM E84 adhered Class A.

Can Sunbrella be used indoors?

Yes. Sunbrella upholstery fabrics are widely used indoors and are tested to Cal TB 117-2013, NFPA 260 and UFAC Class I, confirmed per pattern.

Are your finished cushions fire certified?

No. We supply the fabric maker's test reports and match materials to your requirement. The local authority decides on the finished installation.

Can we mix fabrics in one project?

Yes. Many projects use vinyl or Ultraleather on seats and woven fabric on backs or pillows.