Ask yourself these questions before purchasing outdoor fabric:
How much time do you want to spend maintaining the look and care of your patio or garden room? Do you want to place furniture and cushions into the space and then forget it or are you constantly tweaking your look as the seasons change? Is your space covered and protected from the elements, poolside, or in the center of a garden? All of these considerations are important when deciding the type of product that will suit your needs.
Solution-Dyed-Acrylic is the industry standard for high performance outdoor fabric with great UV (ultra-violet)protection and mildew and mold resistance. So if you plan to leave your pillows, cushions, or other soft-furnishings related decor in the open exposed to sunlight, rain, and pool splashes-Solution Dyed Acrylic is the fabric for you. Sunbrella Brand is the most well known and well respected brand of solution-dyed-acrylic but there are other fine companies that have a wide selection of outdoor designs in solution-dyed-acrylic such as Duralee and Perennials.
For umbrellas and other outdoor products that require heavy duty performance such as boat cushions, there are solution-dyed-fabrics available in marine-grade weight. These fabrics are engineered using a tighter weave and have a stiffer construction.
If your budget doesn’t allow for the cost of solution-dyed-acrylic there are alternatives in spun-polyester in many designs from other textile companies. Spun-Polyester is a good choice if cost is a factor but you still want material that is weather resistant. These fabrics are great if used in a covered porch or protected area but will fade if left for extended periods of time in direct sunlight.
These products are more eco-friendly than most people realize but if you are looking for natural or organic solutions for the ultimate in green selections, then linen, cotton, and hemp products might be at the top of your list. Just remember that you must be committed to moving these items indoors when not in use.
The most important thing to remember when choosing your unique textiles is to think first about how the fabric will be used and what you are willing to spend to achieve that application. Some compromises may be necessary but educate yourself first so that you know what you are comparing and how the fabric will perform over time. Spending a little time and effort in this way, you can be assured that your choices will result in a room furnished that reflects your unique requirements and style.