What Materials Are Best For Patio Furniture Cushions?
Patio cushions can enhance the appearance of your deck or patio, and provide a comfortable lounging experience. However, these cushions are susceptible to a lot of wear and tear. The material they’re made of is important for their durability. Some materials are very easy to care for, while others require more time and effort.
Sunbrella
The go-to fabric for many outdoor products, Sunbrella is durable, stain resistant and easy to maintain. Its creative designs make it the perfect match for patio furniture cushions, window seats and chair pads. A great choice for outdoor lounge furniture, chaise lounges and dining chairs, Sunbrella is available in a variety of colors to complement any outdoor space. It also comes in a range of sizes and shapes to accommodate your style and needs.
Cotton Canvas
Whether you want to add a pop of color or simply keep your patio furniture in line with your home’s design, the right fabric is key. After all, your outdoor furniture is designed to be weatherproof and comfortable for you and your family. Among the most popular fabrics for many outdoor products is cotton canvas, which is durable and easy to care for. It’s waterproof, fade-resistant and resistant to mildew and mold. The material is also available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Solution-Dyed Acrylic
Solution-dyed acrylic is the go-to fabric for many outdoor products such as patio umbrellas and outdoor cushions. Its advantages include lower specific gravity, mildew-resistant properties and an ability to manage moisture. Solution dyed fabrics are also incredibly durable because color pigments are added to the fibres during manufacturing rather than after they’ve been woven into the fabric. This allows for more vibrant colors and increased color retention. For longer-lasting outdoor cushion covers, 100% solution-dyed acrylic is your best option.
Spun Polyester
Spun polyester is a popular fabric for many outdoor products, including patio umbrellas and outdoor cushions. It is durable, easy to clean, and colorfast. It is also resistant to wrinkling and shrinking, so it can be laundered without fear of it looking shabby. In addition, it is a very inexpensive material that will last a long time. Compared to normal or regular polyester, spun poly has longer fibers that make it softer and more absorbent. This extra softness makes it perfect for fabrics that aren’t washed as often, such as tablecloths and outdoor cushions. However, this also means that it can get a bit stiff and can’t be as soft as filament polyester. In addition, it isn’t as resistant to stains and mildew.
Acrylic Linen
Acrylic linen resists fading, water, and mold growth and dries quickly. It also withstands UV rays and is safe for the environment, making it ideal for outdoor furniture in sunny areas. Its threads are colored before they’re woven so they can retain their color longer. However, production of acrylic fiber requires the use of acrylonitrile, which is a carcinogen. Acrylonitrile is also a by-product of fossil fuels that are burned to make it, which adds to the global environmental crisis. And while it’s hard to deny that acrylic linen is a durable and strong material, it may, at times, not be the best option for your patio.