The Tough Challenges of Outdoor Environments for Fabrics
Outdoor furniture is exposed to sunlight, rain, wind and sand all year round, and ordinary fabrics are prone to fading, mould or deformation. Water-resistant outdoor fabrics (such as coated polyester or acrylic) effectively block rainwater penetration, while weather-resistant fabrics (such as Solution-Dyed acrylic) prevent fading through UV-resistant treatment. For example, high-quality outdoor canvas fabrics are not only waterproof, but can also withstand temperature differences from -30°C to 80°C, making them suitable for long-term use as patio sofas or deck cushions.
How to combine breathability and waterproofness?
Many people mistakenly believe that waterproof fabrics are necessarily hot and stuffy, but breathable outdoor fabrics (such as high-density woven polyester) are ‘waterproof and breathable’ through their microporous structure. This type of material blocks rainwater and allows water vapour to escape, preventing mould and mildew from growing inside the cushion. For example, a brand of outdoor cushion fabric adopts a three-layer composite process: the outer waterproof layer, the middle layer of breathable membrane, and the inner wear-resistant base fabric, which perfectly balances the functional requirements.
material selection suggestions for different scenes
Terrace sofa/recliner: Priority is given to heavy-duty outdoor fabrics (e.g. 1200D polyester) with a thickness of 0.8mm or more and a tear strength of more than 80N.
Outdoor awnings/tents: recommended outdoor canvas fabrics or fade-proof fabrics, colour fastness needs to be above grade 4 (ISO 105-B02 standard).
Commercial space (hotel, cafe): consider wholesale outdoor fabric purchase, bulk customisation can reduce the cost by 30%.
Brand recommendation: SPUNCryllic®'s outdoor furniture fabrics are ISO 9001 certified, come with a 10-year warranty and are suitable for extreme climates.
