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If you're looking for long-lasting, durable outdoor fabric, look no further than Sunbrella. Here is everything you need to know about the specially manufactured outdoor material.
When choosing outdoor patio furniture, it is important to select materials that are manufactured to withstand outdoor conditions like prolonged exposure to water and sunlight. Strong, durable materials will ensure the longevity of your outdoor furniture and keep it looking beautiful through years of wear and tear. Cushions, pillows, umbrellas, and fabric seating like sling are especially vulnerable to damage, as they are made from cloth rather than the metal, wood, or plastic construction of non-cushioned pieces. Outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella are made specially to resist damage and combat stains. Sunbrella fabric is a great investment for anyone who wants their patio furniture to withstand years of use and exposure.
Simply put, Sunbrella is a type of performance fabric used for outdoor (and indoor) furniture cushions, on anything from lounge chairs to dining chairs to umbrellas. Sunbrella fabrics are available in a variety of different colors and patterns, and don’t look any different than other kinds of outdoor fabrics. But the superior strength and longevity of Sunbrella has become the industry standard when it comes to outdoor fabric.
Sunbrella fabrics are 100% solution-dyed acrylic, meaning the acrylic fibers are fully pigmented before they are woven into the material on your cushions, pillows, and seating. Other types of fabric are dyed after the material has been woven; in that instance, the color pigmentation is only applied to the outer layer of the fabric and is thus susceptible to fading. Sunbrella 100% solution-dyed acrylic textiles resist fading from sun and water damage. It is important to note, however, that Sunbrella is not waterproof. It is breathable and water resistant, and the brand recommends refreshing the water repellency overtime and taking clean and care steps to increase longevity.
In addition to water resistancy, Sunbrella also provides UV protection. The material provides up to 98% UV protection from sun damage when used in shade applications.
Like all outdoor furniture, furniture manufactured with Sunbrella requires a certain level of care to ensure that your pieces stay looking like-new for years to come. Regular light cleaning, like dusting off debris and gently washing with soap and water, is a good maintenance routine to help you avoid having to do a deep clean later on. Spot cleaning might be necessary if someone spills on your fabric and you need to clean it off right away. When you do deep clean, there is a bleach solution you can make at home to gently scrub away any heavy duty stains or dirt. Some Sunbrella fabric covers are removable, and can be washed in the washing machine when brand instructions are followed. Be aware that although the fabric casing may have zippers, they are not always intended to be removed and can be very hard to get back on. Remove fabric casings at your own risk. You may also want to refinish the fabric's water resistancy; Sunbrella recommends applying 303 High Tech Fabric Guard after every deep cleaning to ensure you replace any damaged water resistancy.
Always be sure to let your Sunbrella fabrics air dry completely before use or storage, to avoid allowing mold and mildew to form. Check out our Sunbrella Care Guide for more information on cleaning and caring for your Sunbrella fabrics.
PatioLiving carries a variety of brands that offer Sunbrella fabrics on their furniture. Brands like Lloyd Flanders, Woodard, Telescope Casual, Treasure Garden, and more all offer Sunbrella as an fabric option. Be sure to read the product specifications of the item you are looking at to learn if the fabric is Sunbrella. It may also be specified in the fabric choices you select before adding an item to your cart. If you have any questions about whether or not your desired item is offered with Sunbrella, contact our customer service.
If you’re looking for an outdoor material that is beautiful, versatile, long-lasting, and resistant to almost all weather conditions, consider furniture made with Sunbrella fabrics.