Fabrics & materials
Weatherproof Your Outdoor Cushions: Fabric Choices That Last
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Quick answer: Choose a solution-dyed outdoor fabric such as Sunbrella for cushions that last. The colour runs through the fibre, so it resists fading, and the fabric repels water and fights mildew. Skip indoor fabric outdoors, even if you bring cushions in. For most patios, pick water-repellent fabric with dry-fast foam, and save fully waterproof options for boats and fully exposed seating.
What makes Sunbrella fabric different from regular outdoor fabric?
Here’s the thing about Sunbrella: the colour goes all the way through the fibre. Most fabrics get their colour applied after they’re made, which is why they fade so quickly. With Sunbrella, the fibre is dyed before it’s woven. So even as it wears down, you’re not going to see that washed-out look.
Can I use indoor fabric outside if I bring cushions in when it rains?
Short answer: not really. Even if you’re diligent about bringing them in, the sun alone will destroy indoor fabric faster than you’d expect. And morning dew? That’s enough moisture to start mildew problems.
What’s the difference between water-resistant and waterproof outdoor fabric?
Water-resistant means light rain beads up and runs off, but leaves cushions out in a downpour, and water’s getting through. These work fine if your patio has a roof or you’re good about covering things.
Waterproof means nothing’s getting through, period. Sounds great, except there’s a catch. Waterproof fabrics trap moisture inside from humidity and condensation. So you end up with mildew problems despite having “waterproof” material. Unless you’re dealing with constant splashing or a boat situation, water-resistant that dries fast usually works better than truly waterproof.
How do I know if outdoor fabric will fade in my climate?
If your patio gets hammered with sun, pay attention to UV ratings. Look for fabrics rated for 1000+ hours of UV exposure. Anything less and you’re gambling. Solution-dyed fabrics (like Sunbrella) resist fading way better than cheaper alternatives.
What outdoor fabric feels most comfortable against skin?
Performance acrylic feels close to regular furniture fabric. Sunbrella’s in this category, and it’s comfortable enough for extended sitting. Some polyester outdoor fabrics feel plasticky and stiff, though the better ones aren’t bad.
Do outdoor fabrics need special cleaning, or can I hose them down?
Hosing removes surface dirt but doesn’t really clean them. Mix up some mild dish soap with water, scrub gently with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly. That handles most dirt and regular stains.
How long should outdoor cushion fabric last before needing replacement?
Good fabric like Sunbrella? Five to seven years, sometimes longer if you take care of it. Budget stuff from discount stores might give you two seasons if you’re lucky. How much sun they get makes a huge difference. Full sun all day, every day ages fabric faster than mostly shade.
Can I mix different outdoor fabrics on the same furniture set?
Picking outdoor fabric comes down to matching it to your actual situation. How much sun, how much rain, whether you’ll cover things or not. Good fabric costs more, but you’re not replacing it every year. Budget fabric seems like a deal until you’re repurchasing new cushions next spring. Figure out what your space actually needs and buy accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Which Sunbrella fabrics are waterproof?
Most Sunbrella fabrics are water-repellent: rain beads up and rolls off, but a downpour can pass through seams. Sunbrella Rain and the marine collections are waterproof, which suits boats, pool decks and seating that never gets covered. Pair any outdoor fabric with dry-fast foam so water that gets in drains out. See the Sunbrella waterproof collection.
Which foam should go with outdoor cushion fabric?
Choose dry-fast foam for cushions left outside. Its open structure lets water drain straight through, so the cushion dries within hours instead of holding moisture that leads to mildew. On a covered patio, high-density foam gives a firmer seat. Our US foam is CertiPUR-US certified. Order dry-fast foam on its own or in a complete cushion.
What warranty comes with Sunbrella fabric?
Sunbrella fabric carries a 5-year fabric warranty, and marine collections carry 10 years. Our workmanship on custom cushions is covered for 2 years. Fabric supplied by the customer is not covered by a fabric warranty. Following the care instructions, such as mild soap cleaning and drying fully before storage, keeps cushions looking good for longer. See our Sunbrella fabric page.
