Outdoor Fabric
Outdoor fabrics are used on a number of different outside furnishings and/or equipment. It is used on patio furniture for cushions and seat covers. It is also used for grill covers, awnings, umbrellas, table covers, lawnmower covers, and car covers. Sometimes, outdoor fabric is used for curtains on covered patios. It is also used on all sorts of gear such as backpacks and tarps. It is used in apparel for raincoats and handbags.
Using the proper fabric on furniture made for outdoor use is extremely important. Changes in climate such as very cold or very warm conditions or exposure to the sun for long periods of time can damage the wrong type of fabric. Some material exposed to too much rain falls apart. Fabric used outside must be either water-resistant or water-proof, as well as mildew resistant; it must be fade resistant, stain and soil resistant, and be able to handle a lot of wear.
Choosing the right piece of upholstery fabric for outdoor furniture can be challenging. Patio cushions and pillows are often made of waterproof outdoor fabric. It contains a certain amount of acrylic and polyester. For the do-it-yourselfers, there is a large selection of solid colors online at outdoorfabrics.com. At $32.95 per yard, it is a little pricey, but keep in mind; you can probably make two or three pillows out of one yard. If you prefer to buy pillows already made, the website offers these as well, starting at $36.95 each.
It might be well to mention here there is a different between waterproof and water resistant. Waterproof means if you get a cushion wet, it will repel the water without damage. A water resistant cushion will repel the water up to a point; then, it will start soaking it in. If you have a covered patio where rain will not be a factor, water resistant fabric will probably suffice. It can handle a little humidity. But if your furniture will be exposed frequently to rain, water-proof fabric would be better to use. There is a difference in the price. As you might guess, water resistant fabric is about half the cost. It is available online at housefabric.com for around $14.95 per yard.
Outdoor fabric can be found in most fabric stores where regular sewing items and other fabric is sold. An advantage of buying it in a store as apposed to buying it on the Internet is that you can feel and touch it. You can also save on shipping costs. However, if you aren't near a fabric store, considering the price of gas, shipping might cost less.
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this is good information on outdoor fabrics, I was looking for some for a new deck we just built on our house and www.decoratorsbest.com has great ones! I got samples from them sent to my house and within a short time had my outdoor furniture fabrics for the chairs. Very helpful Decorators Best!
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