A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Fabric for Your Outdoor Project
Summer is in full swing, and that probably means that you've been paying more attention to the outdoor space your home offers to you, your family, and your guests. If it's time to refresh your backyard patio, poolside deck, or even boat upholstery, you've come to the right blog! The first thing to know when getting started on an outdoor project - make sure you shop for home decor fabric and supplies that are specifically labeled for outdoor use. That means these products have been treated to withstand the elements, like sun, water, and dirt, and keep your outdoor space looking great for years to come! Once you ensure that your supplies are labeled as appropriate for outdoor use, you'll find that the outdoor fabrics you can choose from are seemingly endless. But, information will quell the potential overwhelm of options. Here, we’ll go over some of the most common outdoor fabrics, their benefits, and what projects they’re best suited for.
Fabric for PILLOWS
When selecting fabric for your pillows, style typically trumps durability, since these are accent pieces and don't usually receive as much wear-and-tear as seat and back cushions. So, if a wider selection of prints and styles, along with lower price points, is most important to you (as it is here), then look for polyester-based fabric. These entry level outdoor fabrics have been treated for resistance to both water and stains and come in a wide variety of options.
Fabric for CUSHIONS
If you’re looking for something more durable, choose fabric labeled for outdoor use and which is also solution-based acrylic or olefin. This type of fabric is able to withstand long hours of direct summer sunlight and can weather the forces of nature better than a polyester-based fabric. these are also treated for UV which helps them to not fade. Because of their durability, these fabrics are great for, not only pillows and cushions, but also umbrellas and awnings. Well these outdoor varieties are available in a wide selection of weights and textures, one downside compared to polyester fabrics is that they’re primarily offered in solid colors. Additionally, the price points are usually higher than polyester fabric but for good reason when considering their superior durability.
*Side Note: One common practice is to mix both of the above types of fabrics together. Utilize acrylic or olefin-based fabrics for your solid-colored cushions, and upholster throw pillows or other accent pieces with polyester fabric in colors and patterns that add to the overall aesthetic you want for your project.
Fabric for HEAVY-DUTY Outdoor Chairs
If you’re working on a project such as poolside or patio chairs, look for fabric labeled as “PVC mesh.” These fabrics are extremely durable. They don’t stretch, most are fade resistant, and they’re very easy to care for.
Fabric for Upholstery on VEHICLES
For boat or automotive upholstery, the ideal fabric is called marine vinyl, which has the appearance of leather and has been treated to resist harsh outdoor elements. Marine vinyl is also sometimes used indoors, such as for high end commercial upholstery and restaurant benches.
Each project is unique. But - whether yours is in the backyard, front yard, or even docked in the lake - we hope this guide to fabric selection has gotten your creative juices flowing and has pointed you in the right direction! If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at the sheer selection and are unsure about the upholstery process, it can be a great idea to reach out to your local custom upholstery service. Hint, your local custom window treatments designer often offers upholstery services, too, so be sure to check with them as you shop around for an expert. An experienced designer will be able to walk you through the process and help you achieve the aesthetic you’re going for. In outdoor upholstery projects just like anything else, it often pays to consult with a pro!
